How to Care For Your Teeth After Braces

At Grubaugh Orthodontics, our mission goes beyond just providing treatment. Dr. Ed Grubaugh and our dedicated team believe our patients in Lansing and DeWitt deserve to understand their orthodontic care. As such, we’re here to guide you on how to care for your teeth after braces. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better decisions you can make for your oral health. 

Check-In With Us For Check-ups

Our commitment to your smile doesn’t end even after your braces come off. It’s important to keep coming in for regular checkups and retainer adjustments. Dr. Grubaugh will set the timing of each retainer check, but we must follow up with you during the retention phase. Our team will monitor your new smile for the first year after treatment to ensure everything is adjusting correctly.

Polishing Your Porcelain Pearls

A stunning smile starts with clean, healthy teeth. Even after you’re out of braces, continuing proper brushing and flossing is essential. This will keep your teeth and gums healthy, leading to a vibrant, wondrous smile. Here are some tips for maintaining excellent oral hygiene:

1. Brush immediately after each meal.  
2. Invest in a toothbrush with soft bristles.
3. Use only fluoride toothpaste.
4. Brush gently and at a 45-degree angle. 
5. Floss every night before going to bed. 
6. Consider investing in tools like Waterpiks or floss threaders if you have difficulty reaching certain parts of your mouth.
7. Regularly replace your toothbrush, ideally every 3-4 months.
8. Select a mouthwash with antimicrobial properties to help kill bacteria.

Retaining Your New Smile

Your journey with Grubaugh Orthodontics goes further than Dr. Ed removing your braces. We’ll design a retainer specifically for your smile. Some retainers are removable, while others are fixed in place. Either way, wearing your retainer as instructed is crucial for maintaining your new smile.

Your Retainer Arsenal

Grubaugh Orthodontics offers different types of retainers to suit your needs. Here are the most common types:

1. Clear Retainers: These retainers are made of transparent plastic and are custom-made to fit your mouth perfectly. To keep them in good shape, clean them before wearing and immediately after removal.
2. Hawley Retainers: These are the traditional wire and acrylic retainers. If you’re prescribed a Hawley retainer, clean it daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild soap.
3. Fixed Retainers: These retainers are a thin wire glued across the inside of your bottom front teeth. They’re great for ensuring long-term success as they’re always with you. When brushing, pay special attention to the area around your retainer. 
4. Vivera Retainers: These are solid and durable retainers made by Invisalign. Their strength means fewer replacements, which translates to cost savings for you.

Foods to Chew and Eschew

After your braces are removed, your teeth will be a bit sensitive. As a result, you should steer clear of certain foods and beverages that could cause discomfort or harm to your newly exposed teeth. 

Foods To Avoid

• Anything too crunchy or hard includes hard candies, chips, or raw vegetables like carrots and celery.
• Very sticky or chewy foods might include toffees, gum, or chewy candy. 
• Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages. Sensitive teeth might react negatively to extreme temperatures. 

Foods to Enjoy

• Soft fruits: Bananas, peaches, or other soft fruits are a great choice.
• Dairy products: Foods like yogurt and cheese are gentle on sensitive teeth.
• Soft grains: Cooked grains like rice or pasta are easy to chew and won’t cause discomfort. 

Life After Braces At Grubaugh Orthodontics

It’s not uncommon to experience some issues after your braces are removed. Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If sensitivity persists, let Dr. Grubaugh know. He can help you find an alternative. It’s normal for your retainer to feel a bit uncomfortable initially. However, if it’s causing significant pain, it may need to be adjusted. 

Whether you’re just starting your orthodontic journey or are in the post-braces phase, Grubaugh Orthodontics is here. We’re committed to ensuring you have all the information you need to make the best decisions for your oral health. Remember, caring for your teeth after braces is as vital as the treatment. 

Maintaining your new smile involves continued dedication and the correct practices, like regular checkups, good oral hygiene, and consistent retainer use. Adhering to these steps ensures your teeth stay healthy and your smile remains vibrant for years. Ready to embark on your journey to a healthier, happier smile? Contact us at our Lansing or DeWitt offices to schedule your free consultation. Or click here to get started today! We can’t wait to help you shine with a smile that’s uniquely yours!

Posted by Dr. Grubaugh