Hygiene & Post-Orthodontic Care

Maintaining Your Smile: Essential Tips

After completing your orthodontic treatment at Masterpiece Smiles Orthodontics, it’s crucial to maintain the health and beauty of your smile. Proper hygiene and post-orthodontic care ensure long-lasting results. Below are comprehensive guidelines to help you preserve your perfect smile.

The Importance of Post-Orthodontic Hygiene

• Protecting Your Investment: Maintaining good oral hygiene post-treatment is essential to protect the investment you've made in your smile.
• Preventing Dental Issues: Proper dental care helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring your smile stays healthy and beautiful.

Daily Oral Hygiene Routine

• Brushing and Flossing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to gently clean around your teeth and gums. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth and along the gum line.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Continue visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and check-ups to detect and address any oral health issues early.

Caring for Your Retainer

• Clean Your Retainer Regularly: Just like your teeth, your retainer should be cleaned regularly to prevent bacteria buildup. Follow the cleaning instructions provided by your orthodontist.
• Wear as Directed: To maintain the alignment of your teeth post-treatment, wear your retainer as directed by your orthodontist, especially in the first few months after braces are removed.

Long-Term Oral Health Practices

• Mindful Eating Habits: Avoid overly hard or sticky foods to protect your teeth from damage and maintain their alignment.
• Use of Mouthguards: If you're involved in sports, use a mouthguard to protect your teeth from potential injuries.

Addressing Common Post-Orthodontic Concerns

• Sensitivity Issues: Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity post-treatment. Use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth to alleviate this.
• Whitening Options: If you're considering teeth whitening post-braces, consult with your dentist or orthodontist for the best approach.

Brushing & Flossing with Braces

What to Eat When You Have Braces

Soft Drinks & Orthodontic Treatment: A Recipe for Disaster

Soft drinks, including sodas and energy drinks, can weaken tooth enamel, especially with orthodontic appliances. Avoid these drinks to keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Why Soft Drinks Are Harmful

• Acid Content: Soft drinks contain acids that dissolve tooth enamel, a process called decalcification. This can lead to permanent damage and cavities.
• Acid & Sugar Combination: Plaque uses sugar as food, producing acid as a by-product. Combined with the acid in soft drinks, this significantly increases the risk of tooth decay.

If You Must Drink Soft Drinks

• Drink through a straw to minimize contact with teeth.
• Have soft drinks with meals to reduce acid attack.
• Brush right away after drinking; if you can’t, rinse with water.
• Drink quickly to avoid prolonged exposure to acid.

Be Smart with Your Oral Health

• Avoid soft drinks, especially during orthodontic treatment.
• Drink water and milk.
• Brush and floss as recommended.
• Use fluoride toothpaste and rinse to strengthen teeth.
• Visit your dentist every six months for a professional cleaning and check-up.

If you have any questions about post-orthodontic care, please contact us. We are here to help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.