Be sure to talk with your concerns after braces are removed to your orthodontist about proper dental care. You will probably have loose brackets, wires, and bands that need removal. They may also be uncomfortable as they dissolve or fall out. If you have a wire sticking out from a tooth (called an end-wire), it may become infected as it dissolves or breaks down from wear. The metal can irritate the soft tissue in your mouth and even cause slight bleeding inside your gums. Make sure to contact the office if you experience any of these issues following treatment so they can evaluate them further. This is when x-rays can help to determine whether there is anything stuck under a bracket or around a broken wire.
Since some pieces will likely remain, regular dental checkups every 3 months until all pieces are gone are essential to catch anything that could get worse before it becomes more painful or dangerous. A thorough cleaning during each visit helps remove plaque or food particles between teeth to avoid irritation or infection and detect any gum disease. Avoid opening soda cans with extreme force as excessive pressure might bend your brackets – always use caution while biting into hard foods such as apples. Try brushing gently twice a day – at least 2 times per day – especially with fluoridated toothpaste, which helps strengthen enamel by mineralizing microscopic pits again and cracks caused by eating acidic foods.
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Don’t forget to floss!
Flossing removes plaque caught between teeth where most tooth decay begins. Replace any lost retainers right away to avoid misaligned teeth that might require another round of braces. Schedule post-treatment checkups every 6 months to make sure everything is fine. After treatment, take good care of your smile; eat healthily, brush and floss daily, drink plenty of water, limit sugary snacks and sodas, stay active and try to maintain a healthy weight. Take steps now to prevent future problems like cavities and plaque buildup that can occur when wearing braces and pay close attention to your diet because many unhealthy habits increase the risk for oral health complications.
Also, monitor how much time you spend on electronic devices: long hours in front of a computer or gaming console without being physically active puts strain on the muscles used for chewing and clenching causing muscle fatigue over time causing jaw pain or stiffness and headaches. And don’t chew on pens, pencils or other unhygienic items – doing so can transfer bacteria to your mouth and lead to damage over time. If you have any concerns, schedule a checkup today. The sooner something is treated, the better. Regularly visiting your dentist helps them screen for gum disease and gives you early notice if they detect signs of tooth decay or oral infections. It also saves you money since serious conditions can cost thousands of dollars to treat properly. So go ahead and schedule an appointment today—you won’t regret it.