So you’ve just finished your orthodontic treatment and are ready to show off your new, beautiful smile—congratulations! Right now, you’re probably feeling very motivated to keep your smile looking like this for years to come. Taking the necessary steps to maintain your bite alignment is critical, as your teeth will still have a tendency to shift and move as you age. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to ensure your teeth look like this for years to come! To avoid needing to repeat any treatments down the road, be sure to follow these important steps.
Wear your retainer as instructed.
When your orthodontic treatment is complete, your orthodontist will provide you with a removable retainer to keep your teeth aligned. This retainer will help you to keep your bite in place after your treatment is complete. Therefore, by not wearing it consistently, you run the risk of losing your progress. At first, you will be asked to wear this at all times for the first three months. You may take this retainer out when you’re eating or drinking, but otherwise make sure that you keep it in as much as possible! Once these first three months are complete, you will just need to wear your retainer each night to keep your smile looking great and your bite alignment in its proper place.
Visit your dentist every six months.
It is important for a number of reasons to visit your dentist every six months—especially after you’ve received orthodontic treatment. For starters, if you’ve received a fixed retainer on your bottom teeth to prevent future overcrowding, it is important to have this checked regularly for plaque and tartar buildup. It can be difficult to clean thoroughly around fixed devices, so by examining your teeth regularly and performing a thorough professional cleaning, your dentist will be able to ensure that you do not get gingivitis or tooth decay around the device. It is also important that your teeth are checked regularly with fixed devices to ensure they still fit comfortably and securely.
Be on the lookout for changes in your bite.
Most importantly, be sure to keep an eye on your teeth as time passes. Do you notice any changes in your bite or the appearance of your teeth? Even if you wear your retainer religiously, shifting in your bite is still possible. Therefore, if you’ve noticed any changes, it is important to address this with your dentist as soon as possible. If you ignore the issue for too long, it could result in you needing more orthodontic treatment to remedy the problem.
Do you have any questions about how to maintain your beautiful new smile? Are you considering getting orthodontic treatment for the first time? No matter where you are in the orthodontic treatment process, we can help! Call Manus Dental in Hyde Park, Lake Zurich, or Yorkville today to schedule your next appointment.