Whether you just had your first appointment or you’re rapidly approaching the end of your orthodontic treatment, you might be wondering what happens after you’re done with braces. It’s a great question, especially since you want to avoid orthodontic relapse (the phenomenon where your teeth begin to move out of their perfectly aligned positions). Below, you’ll find information on what to expect after your final appointment, including how to care for your retainer.
Retention: The Final Phase of Your Orthodontic Treatment
Patients often assume that their orthodontic treatment ends the moment their brackets and wires come off. That’s not the case. At this point, your orthodontist’s focus switches from straightening your teeth to maintaining their perfectly aligned positions. That’s why they take detailed impressions of your teeth and have a custom retainer made! This orthodontic appliance is key to preventing orthodontic relapse, so it’s of the utmost importance that you wear it as instructed.
How To: Care for Your Retainer
Wearing your retainer each night is a life-long commitment, so it’s crucial that you take good care of yours! We recommend using a soft-bristled toothbrush and clean, cool water to clean the surface each time you take it off and each night before you put it back on. You can also use an orthodontist-recommended cleaner to give them a deeper clean on a weekly basis, helping prevent calcium buildup in the process. Lastly, make sure to always store your retainer somewhere safe to help prevent it from splitting down the middle or shattering into several pieces.
A Few Tips for Maintaining a Healthy, Beautiful Smile
Of course, caring for your smile is important too! That starts with a solid at-home oral hygiene regimen (i.e., brushing twice a day, rinsing with mouthwash consistently, flossing daily).
Visiting your dentist for a biannual dental checkup and cleaning is equally as important. That way, they can monitor the development of your wisdom teeth (if you haven’t had them removed, of course) and clear away plaque buildup to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and the like.
Finally, make an active effort to quit unhealthy dental habits, like biting your nails, chewing on ice, and over-indulging in sugary and starchy foods. This will help keep your teeth and gums healthy year after year.
About the Practice
Dr. Alkhoury and the rest of our team at Simply Orthodontics Grafton are here to do more than straighten your teeth; we’re here to help you maintain your results for life! That’s why we provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments as well as orthodontic appliances like retainers. Our goal with each and every patient is to give them a smile that’s as healthy and happy as it is functional and beautiful. To schedule an appointment with us, visit the contact page on our website or call (508) 839-9350.