How To Make Sure Your Teeth Don't Move After Braces

If you just spent the past year or more with your mouth full of braces, then you may be worried that you'll have to do it all over again. The one thing to know about orthodontics like braces is that even though they are really effective at correcting crooked smiles, they aren't necessarily permanent. In fact, if you're not careful, your teeth may move over time. To make sure that your teeth stay straight for the rest of your life, this article will list a few things that you can do. Are you ready to learn a little bit more? If so, read on. 

Wear Your Retainer

After your orthodontist takes your braces off, they will then make custom molds of your mouth to fit you for a retainer. Your retainer (whether permanent or removable) is designed to keep your teeth as straight as possible. However, the only way for your retainer to actually work is to wear it as much as your orthodontist recommends. Some orthodontists will have you wear your retainer both day and night, while other orthodontists will only have you wear it to bed every night. Either way, make sure that you listen to what your orthodontist recommends for your particular situation.

Get Regular Cleanings and Exams

The American Dental Association recommends that patients get their teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. Make sure that you're doing this not just for good oral health, but also so that your dentist can make sure that no movement is happening. If your dentist or orthodontist notices that your teeth have started to shift, they may recommend that you have something else done to fix the problem. 

Don't Smoke

If you smoke, there are a number of health reasons for you to quit, and your oral health is one of those reasons. Although smoking won't directly lead to crooked teeth, smoking may cause your teeth to decay, which can eventually lead to a mouth full of crooked teeth. Additionally, smoking also leads to oral cancer, which can cause a host of other issues. 

If you just got your braces taken off, you must be really excited to never have braces again. To make sure that you never have to wear them again, follow the tips listed in this article. Speak with your orthodontist to see what other information they can provide that will help you keep your teeth straight and healthy for years to come.