Over the years, many individuals have associated dental treatment and wearing braces with nerds and teenagers. Contrary to that, braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment are not just for nerds or teenagers, and neither do they make you look weird or less cool. They correct misaligned, crooked or crowded teeth and give you a better smile. With several braces available, it is important to note that they do not last forever. This simply means that the work continues even after treatment has been completed, as you would have to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their previous position.
Why is it important to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment?
Wearing braces are a great way to show that you care about your teeth, and as such, wearing retainers after treatment with braces is just the icing on the cake. Retainers are just as important as braces themselves. While the braces work to move teeth to different positions to correct their misalignment, retainers maintain their new positions and ensure that they do not shift back to their previous positions.
Retainers are administered or given after treatment has been completed, and just like the braces, they are custom made for you. Although retainers are uncomfortable, it is still important to wear them. To ease the discomfort, you can use a wearing schedule. For example, some orthodontists recommend wearing the retainers all through the night. This way, you won’t be affected too much during the day, and you still get to keep your smile straight.
Tips to make the best out of your retainers
When it comes to your retainers, it is ideal to take them seriously and treat them with care so you can continue enjoying their benefits. You can use some tips to ensure that you make the best out of your retainers. Some of these tips include the following that you can keep in mind.
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Ensure that you keep to your wearing schedule
The amount of time you will have to wear your retainers depends on the severity of your dental problem. After completing their dental treatment, some people will have to wear retainers full time for about 6 months before they will switch to wearing them only at night, while others will wear retainers only at night right after treatment has been completed. It does not matter if you have to wear the retainers foil time from the start or only at night; what matters is that you stick to the schedule.
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See your retainers as part of your dental investment
As stated earlier, braces are a huge investment in dental care. In the same way, retainers should be seen as such too. This is for the reason that retainers maintain dental treatment and ensure that you have not wasted your time completing dental treatment with braces. As retainers are seen as part of dental investments, they should be treated with care.
To maximise the benefits of your retainers, you must treat them as you would your actual teeth. Caring for your retainers includes cleaning them regularly, ensuring that they are free from dirt and deposits, and keeping them safe from the sun to prevent warping or damage.
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Keep your retainers sterilised
It is not just important to keep your retainers clean; they should be sterilised if possible because food particles can get trapped between them. You can keep your retainers very clean and free from dirt by running them under lukewarm water and brushing them gently with a toothbrush. However, you can also soak the retainers in a cleaning solution once every few days or clean them daily with antibacterial soap.
What you can do to keep your smile after treatment with braces
Keeping your mouth clean is as important as keeping your retainers clean because you cannot wear retainers on a dirty mouth. Below are ways you can help maintain your smile after braces treatment.
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Stay up to date with oral hygiene
Even when you are not going through dental treatment, you should always maintain good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing daily should remain a habit to ensure that your smile remains healthy and your retainers remain clean.
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Take care of your sensitive teeth
After treatment with braces, it is normal for your teeth to feel sensitive or go into a bit of shock. This feeling is similar to the feeling you had when the braces were first installed. However, there is no need to worry, as it should only last for a couple of days. While your teeth are sensitive, they may seem brittle and can be uncomfortable. You can ease the discomfort by using sensitive toothpaste. Finally, it would be best if you stayed away from hard or crunchy foods for the period it takes your teeth to recover.
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See your specialist for checkups
After dental treatment with braces, you should regularly go for dental checkups to ensure that everything is fine. To ensure that your teeth have not shifted and that your oral health is in good shape, you should see your dentist every six months.
Conclusion
Maintaining your straight smile after braces requires commitment, and wearing your retainers as prescribed plays a crucial role in keeping your teeth aligned. By following proper oral hygiene, caring for your retainers, and visiting your dentist regularly, you can preserve the results of your orthodontic treatment for years to come. Whether you have completed traditional braces or Invisalign treatment, consistency is key to preventing your teeth from shifting back. If you’re looking for expert guidance on post-treatment care, our team at London Braces is here to support you. Schedule a consultation today and keep your new smile looking its best!
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