Taking Care of Teeth After Orthodontics Treatment
Straightening your teeth with orthodontics improves how they look, particularly if your teeth are healthy after treatment. However, orthodontic appliances like braces tend to get in the way of cleaning teeth, and their components can serve as havens for food particles and oral bacteria that convert them into acids.
Clear aligners can also increase the wearer’s risk of tooth decay. These transparent plastic trays fit tightly over teeth and prevent saliva from washing away acids and food particles like it normally does. A person who has just completed treatment with orthodontics can have straightened teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay. The decay can lead to teeth structures breaking down and to teeth becoming discolored.
Oral hygiene after treatment with orthodontics
People who straighten their teeth with clear aligners are less likely to deal with tooth decay if they always clean their teeth before putting in their aligners. Things are a bit more complicated for people who wear braces. Regardless of how well they take care of their teeth during treatment, there might be decay that has built up underneath the brackets of the braces, and the device might leave stains on teeth.
Dentists typically recommend teeth cleanings following treatment with orthodontic appliances. Teeth cleaning removes tartar build-up on teeth and any stains on them. The procedure can drastically improve the appearance of a patient’s teeth after they have been straightened. Teeth whitening treatments can be performed if needed.
Good oral hygiene also helps protect a patient’s teeth and gums after teeth-straightening treatments. Dentists recommend the following.
Brush after meals with prescription-grade toothpaste
These products help mineralize teeth and provide a higher level of cleanliness than regular toothpaste. Brushing after every meal is ideal, especially if teeth have already been weakened by tooth decay.
Floss daily
Flossing teeth cleans interdental spaces. Flossing becomes even more important when teeth have already been weakened by decay during treatment with orthodontic appliances.
Use prescription-grade mouthwash
Mouthwash cleans all the areas in the mouth missed by brushing and flossing. A therapeutic mouthwash prescribed by a dentist kills oral bacteria, protecting teeth and gums from decay and gum disease, respectively.
Visit a dentist twice a year
A dentist has many tools at their disposal that can help protect teeth against decay, like dental sealants and fluoride treatments. A dentist can also provide any appropriate treatments for teeth that have been damaged by decay or infected gums. Treatments for decayed teeth include fillings, composite bonding, and dental crowns.
Good oral hygiene allows you to enjoy the results of your treatment
Good oral hygiene can help you avoid having to deal with tooth decay and gum disease due to your treatment with orthodontic devices. It can keep your teeth looking their best after your treatment. Call us or stop by our Roswell clinic to learn more about how to properly take care of your teeth after teeth-straightening treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://www.roswelldentalsmiles.com or call Roswell Dental Smiles at (770) 238-1209 for an appointment in our Roswell office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Google: Orthodontics in Roswell, GA.
Related Posts
Dental implants are an excellent option for restoring your smile's look and function while addressing the other issues associated with missing teeth. However, they require a lengthy and invasive process, which we must ensure each candidate can endure. Here are some common recommendations that help significantly increase approval odds.Dental implants need sufficient healthy gum tissue…
Considering dental implants? Read on to learn more. Missing teeth can be a difficult issue to deal with. Without a replacement like dental implants, you might have trouble eating or stop smiling altogether because of gaps in your teeth. Dental implants are a solution to restore the appearance and function of the missing tooth. More…
Family dentist recommendations play an important role in helping patients recover comfortably after a tooth extraction. Although the procedure itself is routine, proper aftercare supports healing, reduces the risk of complications, and helps patients return to normal activities as quickly as possible. As a family dentist, providing clear recovery instructions helps protect the extraction site…
Dental implants are one of the most durable and attractive ways to replace missing teeth. They are a favorite among dental professionals due to their ability to address every issue that results from missing teeth. Learning more about degeneration and dental implants can help narrow down your tooth replacement options list.When a tooth is lost,…