24001 Newhall Ranch Rd #220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Maintain Your Beautiful Smile After Orthodontic Treatment

Santa Clarita, CA – Completing orthodontic treatment is a big step, but do you know how to care for your teeth after braces to ensure your smile stays as straight and beautiful for years to come? Some people can experience some challenges after orthodontic treatment, so it is important to have a plan in place to maintain your new smile.

The two most common issues patients find after completing their orthodontic treatment are discovering stains or build-up after their brackets are removed, and their teeth shift after their braces are removed.

Brushing and flossing properly while in braces can be challenging. Getting around the brackets and under the wires takes time and effort. Because of that patients often have plaque build-up or minor staining on their teeth after their brackets are removed.

If you find yourself in this situation, it is important to schedule a cleaning appointment with your dentist. We recommend all patients visit their dentist after their braces are removed for a proper cleaning, even if you were the best at caring for your teeth during treatment. Your teeth are now straighter than ever and you’ll no doubt want to show them off, so make sure they are sparkly clean and white too.

One of the most common complaints orthodontists hear from patients after their treatment ends is that they feel like their teeth are shifting. And that can certainly happen post-braces, but there is one sure way to prevent that from happening and that is to wear your retainers, and exactly as your orthodontist recommended.

This is especially important in the first few weeks and months after your braces are removed. The ligaments in your mouth that hold your teeth in place are a bit elastic, meaning that until they get used to your teeth’s new positions, they will want to pull the teeth back to where they were before. Wearing your retainers allow your mouth to get used to your teeth’s new locations and keep your teeth in place.

After your initial round-the-clock retainer wear, for most orthodontic patients, it is important to continue wearing their retainers at night for the foreseeable future. This is because your teeth have a natural tendency to shift as we age. Natural forces – biting down and chewing, and just age in general, can shift our smile some. However, if you continue to wear your retainer, you can avoid this.

Set yourself up for success after your braces are removed. Visit your dentist and maintain regular check-ups to ensure your smile is healthy, and plan to wear your retainer exactly as your orthodontist recommends.

Dr. Reza Salmassian is a Board-Certified Orthodontist. For any questions regarding this article or to schedule your complimentary orthodontic evaluation, please contact Dr. Salmassian’s office at 661-222-7444 or visit us at www.salmassianortho.com.

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