Now that your teeth-aligning appliances are off, it is obvious that you feel great. However, if you are keen to maintain the results of the procedure for longer, maintaining adequate oral hygiene regularly is crucial. Without proper care, plaque and bacteria build up, causing stains, cavities, and gum disease.
After you invest so much time in the process, the last thing that you would want is to ruin its results. When you know the correct ways to keep up your oral hygiene, you can get an aesthetic smile for life.
Crucial Ways to Maintain a Healthy Smile After Orthodontic Treatment
When it comes to maintaining perfect oral hygiene after orthodontic treatment, here are factors that you need to keep in mind:
Proper Brushing
Brushing is not just about fresh breath. Brushing is the most basic step to prevent plaque and decay. Now that your teeth aligners off, here is how you need to brush:
- Brush after every meal: Food particles easily stick to teeth without braces, and they have more space to get trapped.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush: This ensures a deep clean without irritating your gums.
- Brush at an angle of 45 degrees: When you use this technique, it cleans the gum line where plaque tends to build-up.
- Don’t forget to clean the spots where your braces used to be: the spots where your orthodontic appliances were attached might have weakened the enamel, go give those areas some extra attention.
- Consider using an electric toothbrush: Electric toothbrushes can remove more plaque than manual ones.
Adequate Flossing
Did you skip flossing during treatment? If so, it is time to get serious. Flossing removes trapped food and plaque from between teeth and the areas that your toothbrush can not reach.
- Use a floss threader or orthodontic floss- These tools make flossing easier, especially if your teeth are spaced tightly.
- Give interdental brushes a try: These tiny brushes are perfect for cleaning between teeth and around any permanent retainers.
- Consider a water flosser: A Waterpik or something similar can remove plaque with ease and make flossing seem less like a burden.
Upgrade Your Oral Hygiene Routine
While regular brushing and flossing are important, there are a few other things necessary to keep your dental hygiene in top condition:
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash: When you rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash, it kills the bacteria and keeps you breath fresh.
- Clean your tongue: Use a tongue scraper to prevent bacteria that causes bad breath and plaque buildup.
- Stick to fluoride toothpaste: Fluoride strengthens enamel and protects against cavities.
Consult With Your Orthodontist and Dentist
You might think that your orthodontic treatment is over as soon as you remove the straighteners, but it is not so. To ensure the procedure provides outstanding results, visit your dental practitioner regularly to ensure your oral condition is in top shape.
Watch Your Diet
Now that your teeth aligners are off, you might feel you can eat whatever you want. However, in order to keep up top oral condition, it is important to do the following:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods: When you add these foods to your menu, it can damage your enamel and make cleaning more difficult.
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks: Sugar fuels the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
- Have a balanced diet: Foods that are rich in calcium, like leafy and dairy greens, keep your teeth strong.
Now that your orthodontic appliance has done its work, it is important to keep your smile well-aligned for a long time. To do that, it is important to keep your oral condition healthy. When you follow the above-mentioned guidelines, you can enjoy a beautiful, aesthetic smile for the years to come.
However, do you need reliable guidance post-orthodontic care or an oral care professional to ensure your dental health is in safe hands? Book an appointment at our clinic today and get the smile you desire.