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Now that your teeth are aligned from braces, you might have noticed that the restorative dentistry treatment has left your teeth a little sensitive and stained in addition to adjusting to their new positions in your mouth. But there are several ways you can keep your smile beautiful and healthy. Use these aftercare tips to minimize discomfort and keep your teeth properly aligned.

5 Aftercare Tips Following Braces Removal

1. Avoid Excessively Hot & Cold Foods

Stick to soft, lukewarm foods in the first week or two after getting your braces off since your teeth will likely be a bit sensitive. Crunchy, hard, hot, and cold foods can cause tooth pain or irritate your gums. Consume foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes and other well-cooked vegetables, bananas, peaches, and pasta.

2. Wear a Retainer

restorative dentistryKeep your teeth from moving back into their original positions by consistently wearing a retainer. Ensure your retainer feels comfortable and wear it as long as your dentist recommends. Clean the oral appliance twice a day using a toothpaste your dentist suggests to prevent bacteria from building up on it and promoting tooth decay.

3. Schedule a Dentist Appointment

Make a teeth cleaning and checkup appointment with your dentist. Keeping your teeth healthy and sparkling is a little challenging due to braces brackets and wires, and by the time your braces come off, they may have become stained or decayed. Gum recession can also occur. Your dentist will deep-clean your teeth and check for any restorative dentistry-related issues to avoid cavities and other problems.

4. Use a Warm Saltwater Rinse

Rinse with hot, salty water three times a day if you gums are slightly inflamed after the removal of your braces and the end of your restorative dentistry treatment. Flossing is difficult with braces, and this can leave your gums soft and sensitive, so rinse until they feel firm and otherwise look healthy. Use an antibacterial oral rinse as well to strengthen your teeth post-braces.

5. Consider Teeth Whitening

Discuss your teeth whitening candidacy with your dentist if your teeth are still stained after your cleaning and exam. Schedule the cosmetic dentistry procedure about two months after your braces come off to prevent sensitivity issues. Avoid home kits since the trays are not customized and can irritate your gums.

 

Maintain a healthy mouth after your braces come off with help from the dentists at Elberta Dental. The Baldwin County, AL, cosmetic and restorative dentistry center provides patients with customized oral health solutions and offers Saturday and early-morning appointments for scheduling convenience. Call (251) 986-3500 today to make an appointment or learn more about restorative dentistry services online. Get additional dental care tips on their Facebook page.

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