Congratulations are in order; your braces are off, and your smile is dazzlingly straight. But hold on for a second, the journey is not over yet. You need to ensure that your teeth remain straight after removing your braces in Matthews, near Stallings and Weddington, NC.
You might be wondering why keeping straight teeth is a topic of discussion since your braces have just been removed. The truth is that your orthodontic treatment continues after braces removal. If you’ve been searching for orthodontic treatment in Matthews, SP Orthodontics is your best bet.
Braces are among the types of orthodontic appliances that help straighten the teeth and align them. These appliances can remain on your teeth for months and years until the time is right to take them off. If you are wondering what the process is like, the pain involved when getting braces off, and how to keep your teeth straight afterward, you are at the right place. Dr. Sayania and Dr. Patel, our trusted braces providers in Matthews, near Stallings and Weddington, will assist you throughout your oral care journey.
Why Do Teeth Shift After Getting Braces Removed?
You might find it hard to believe, but teeth shifting happens occasionally, even after wearing clear braces in Matthews or having a dental treatment. Teeth shifting occurs due to eating and talking pressure, retainer use, jaw shape, teeth movement, and other health issues like teeth grinding or gum disease.
We understand that before choosing our Invisalign and braces in Matthews, you may prefer to have an orthodontic checkup. Our orthodontists are readily available to assist you. It’s important to note that your teeth may begin shifting during this time. Try not to fret because this is a normal part of the process. Also, it can differ from person to person. While some individuals might notice significant movement, others may experience subtle changes.
Retainers contribute to the movement of your teeth. A lingual or fixed retainer permanently bonded to the teeth after orthodontics can cause the teeth to shift if it is not properly bonded or the bond breaks. Our trusted provider of braces in Matthews will ensure that you have the best retainer to prevent teeth shifting.
Your teeth might find it difficult to stay in one position after braces removal if you have gum disease and bone loss has taken place. The tooth’s foundation follows as the gum diminishes, leading to jaw bone deterioration and tooth loss.
Grinding or clenching of the teeth, or bruxism, as it is called, can lead to shifting of the teeth. People who do this are mostly stressed or fatigued. Bruxism can cause the gum to recede, render the teeth less secure than it was, and lead to shifting.
Now that you know why your teeth can shift after removing clear braces in Matthews, it is time to learn how to make your teeth straight and keep them healthy.
How To Ensure Your Teeth Stay Straight After Having Braces Removed
Every part of the orthodontics treatment our orthodontists offer is geared towards the health of your teeth. However, it’s up to you to take proper care of your braces once we’ve removed them.
Regardless of the type of braces you’re removing, maintaining your pearly whites and beautiful smile is important. You do not want the expenses, time, and patience spent on the treatment to be wasted.
The retention phase of this treatment must be followed through if you wish to have straight teeth after braces in Matthews. If your teeth are left unattended or not cared for, they will begin to shift, taking you back to the first phase.
Here are ways to some ways to ensure straight teeth after braces:
1. Keep Wearing Your Retainer
Your orthodontist will tell you this, but allow us to remind you again – you must keep wearing your retainer! After your treatment, our braces provider in Matthews will provide a removable and clear retainer. They will also tell you how long you should wear it.
The retainer should always be worn during the day and at night through the first nine months except for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. You should visit your orthodontist or dentist after the period for a check-up. Your teeth will be examined to see if they are still seated in their new position or shifting. If they look alright, you can move to wear the retainer per time or at night.
As you wear your retainer daily, remember to keep it clean to remove debris or food trapped in it. Our braces provider in Matthews advises using lukewarm water to wash off food or debris and scrub gently with a toothbrush to remove stubborn debris.
2. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
You can never go wrong with maintaining good oral hygiene after removing your Invisalign and braces in Matthews. Good oral hygiene will help keep tooth decay at bay and promote better oral health. To reduce the risks and chances of tooth decay, maintain good oral hygiene by flossing and brushing regularly and having dental checkups when necessary.
3. Visit Your Dentist if Your Teeth Begin To Shift
We provide clear and traditional braces in Matthews to clients who need help straightening their teeth and improving their oral health. After removing your traditional braces and noticing movements in your teeth, a scheduled dental appointment. During your appointment, the dentist will get the chance to examine your retainer and your teeth and make necessary adjustments.
We advise that you visit the dentist during the first six months of taking off your braces. After your orthodontics treatment in Matthews, stick to visiting your dentist every nine months or twice a year.
4. Wear a Mouthguard if You Play Sports
Mouthguards are protective devices that safeguard your teeth from potential injuries and impacts but also ensure that the results of your orthodontic treatment remain intact. Wearing a mouthguard is vital if you play sports. It acts as a shield for your newly aligned pearly whites. You can now enjoy sports with confidence while preserving your beautifully straight smile. Visit your dentist in Matthews to learn more about mouthguards.
Keep Your Teeth Straight After Braces In Matthews, NC
If you are curious about how to keep your teeth straight with braces in Matthews, NC, and maintain good oral health, SP Orthodontics is the way for you. Protect your investment in orthodontic treatment by following four essential strategies on how to make your teeth straight.
Now that you are equipped with the knowledge to safeguard your newly straightened teeth, you can schedule a consultation with our orthodontists. Get traditional braces in Matthews and discuss any specific aftercare recommendations after removing your braces.
