It’s a wonderful feeling when your braces are removed! Your teeth have a smooth feeling you haven’t experienced in years, and most importantly, they are straight and beautiful looking too. To help you maintain your beautiful teeth, we’re sharing a few important tips for you to keep in mind:

  • Wear your retainer.
Wear your retainer.

This is one of the most important aspects of keeping your teeth straight. Without wearing your retainer on a regular basis, your teeth move out of alignment and become crooked again. Every night, make sure you wear your retainer while you sleep. After a few years, you may be able to wear it just a few nights a week.

  • Practice your normal hygiene routine.
Practice your normal hygiene routine

While it’s wonderful you don’t have to worry about using awkward threader floss to get between your teeth, you’ll still want to maintain a good oral hygiene routine at home. That means brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing at least once. 

  • Rinse your mouth between meals.
Rinse your mouth between meals

Not everyone wants to brush after a meal – and you shouldn’t unless you’ve waited for 30 minutes, at least – but it’s always good to rinse out your mouth after you’ve eaten. This washes away food particles from your teeth and helps prevent staining.

  • Replace your toothbrush every few months.
Replace your toothbrush every few months

Your toothbrush accumulates germs. Without replacing it often, you expose your mouth to those same germs, increasing your risk for oral health infections. We recommend replacing your toothbrush every three or four months.

  • See us every six months for a checkup.
See us every six months for a checkup.

A checkup allows you to get a professional cleaning that eliminates hardened plaque and tartar build-up on your teeth. We also examine your mouth for any oral health concerns that have gone unnoticed since your last appointment. Be sure you see us every six months for a thorough checkup to keep your smile healthy.

Best of all, when you see us regularly, it gives you a chance to discuss future smile goals, including cosmetic treatments you’d like to pursue. We have quick and affordable options such as teeth whitening, or more long-term cosmetic solutions such as veneers. 

Maintain beautiful teeth by calling North Oaks Dental at 248-712-1522 today or request an appointment online.