Maintaining Your Smile After Orthodontic Treatment: Tips For Long-Term Success

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Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment requires a significant investment of time, effort, and money. To maintain a beautiful new smile for the long term, it is important to follow some expert tips recommended by orthodontists.

In this blog, we have outlined some of these tips to help you maintain your dream smile for a lifetime.

How to Maintain Your Orthodontic Treatment 

Wear your retainers as directed

Patients should wear their retainers as directed by their orthodontist. Retainers are critical for maintaining the alignment of teeth and preventing them from shifting back to their original positions after the removal of braces or aligners. Follow the orthodontist’s instructions on how frequently to wear retainers and for how long. 

Practice good oral hygiene

To maintain your new smile after an orthodontic treatment, it is important to wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist. In addition, maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss regularly, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Your orthodontist can recommend any special oral hygiene tools or techniques you should be using. 

Avoid hard or sticky foods

Your orthodontist must have advised you to avoid certain foods that could damage your braces or aligners during your treatment. Even after your treatment is complete, it is recommended by experts to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that can harm your teeth or retainer.

Keep up with regular orthodontic check-ups

To maintain good oral health, it is essential to have regular check-ups with your orthodontist. These visits are crucial for ensuring proper teeth alignment and assessing the fit of your retainer.. 

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Consider Teeth Whitening

To enhance your smile’s appearance further, teeth whitening could be a great option to consider. While your orthodontist may recommend a safe and effective whitening treatment, it is important to note that dentists typically perform teeth whitening procedures, not orthodontists. If you are considering teeth whitening, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment with a dentist who can help you achieve the bright and confident smile you desire. 

Wear a mouthguard during sports

If you engage in physical activities where your teeth could be at risk of injury, it is highly recommended to wear a mouthguard. To get the best protection, consult with your orthodontist, who can recommend a custom-fit mouthguard that is designed to fit the contours of your teeth. By taking this simple precaution, you can safeguard your teeth against potential injuries and enjoy your favorite activities with peace of mind. 

Address any issues promptly

If you experience any problems with your teeth or retainer, it is important to address them promptly. Contact your orthodontic office to schedule an appointment without delay. The earlier you seek treatment, the easier it will be to resolve any issues.

Avoid Bad Habits

According to experts in oral care, bad habits such as nail-biting, chewing on pens, and smoking can result in tooth damage and other oral health problems. These habits are harmful not only to newly straightened teeth but also to overall oral health. To maintain both the newly straightened teeth and overall oral health, it is recommended to avoid these habits.

Use specialized oral care products

Specialized oral care products like interdental brushes may be recommended by an orthodontist to help maintain oral health after orthodontic treatment. Using these products as directed can aid in achieving optimal long-term outcomes.

Stay informed

Staying informed about the latest trends and best practices in orthodontic care can help maintain optimal oral health after treatment. This can be achieved by reading reputable sources, attending seminars, and staying in touch with your orthodontist. These tips are suggested by experts for the long-term success of orthodontic treatment.

For those seeking the best orthodontic clinic in Redlands or Rialto, Ehrler Orthodontics is a leading provider of orthodontic treatment for both children and adults. With their commitment to personalized care and state-of-the-art treatment options, patients can trust Ehrler Orthodontics to provide the best possible orthodontic experience for them and their families.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article. The information provided in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and should not be relied upon as medical advice.

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