Braces are a fantastic tool that helps millions of people every year have a more symmetrical smile. Unfortunately, they’re not a lot of fun to wear. If you want to make sure that you don’t have to wear them any longer than is necessary, here are some basic things you should take care of.
Go in for Follow-Up Visits
Your dentist is your greatest ally when it comes to everything involving your dental hygiene. You’re paying them quite a bit of money to personally assist you in taking care of your teeth. Thus, they have a vested interest in doing a good job. If a dentist gives you annoying instructions, they aren’t doing it to torture – they just want you to achieve the best smile possible as quickly as possible. Go see your dentist regularly to have a check-up on your braces (however often they recommend it will be okay). Missed check-ups mean a greater likelihood of unnoticed complications that can cause serious problems or delays. If you also have missing teeth, your dentist may recommend you to get dental implants. This will help you restore your full smile. Additionally, if you need dental insurance, make sure to speak with your dental insurance provider.
Wear Your Retainer
Retainers are towards the end of the braces process – meaning you are more likely to be fed up with the whole process. You might be tempted to slack off with your retainer. No matter how annoying it may be, do not do this. Failing to wear your retainer as often as recommended can lead to big delays. Even after braces, your teeth are not yet completely set in their proper position. A retainer ensures that you do, indeed, finish the process with the proper pearly whites in place. Don’t give up on the home stretch! And they do more than straighten – wearing a retainer after having braces removed helps make room for wisdom teeth.
Clean Them Properly
With both braces and retainers, you’re going to receive detailed instructions on maintenance. With a retainer, that tends to be more direct – you can just pop it in and out of your mouth, allowing for regular brushing and flossing (although certain foods may still be prohibited). With braces, you will not only receive a detailed list of prohibited foods, but you also will be given instructions on how to brush and clean. You may even have to use a Waterpik type of tool that uses a pressurized water stream to ‘floss’ in hard-to-reach spots.
At the end of the day, you really just need to be vigilant. Maintain your braces and retainer. Follow instructions carefully. If you experience any complications or problems, talk to your dentist as soon as possible, and you’ll have a beautiful smile in no time at all.
Check out this article on how orthodontic treatment continues after braces are removed!
