Taking proper care of your teeth can be stressful when you get braces, but many people don't realize that aftercare is just as important. After investing in your oral health and going through the process of straightening your teeth, you'll want to ensure your smile remains bright and beautiful once you get the braces taken off. This guide outlines some top tips to keep your pearly whites straight and in pristine condition.

How to Care for Your Teeth After Getting Braces Off

1. Wear Your Retainer

After several long months or years of wearing braces, you'll likely be thrilled to have them removed. However, that doesn't mean you should stop taking measures to keep your teeth straight. Your orthodontist will order a custom retainer for you to wear. This device slides onto the teeth to help keep them in place. 

You should wear the retainer all the time unless the orthodontist tells you to only wear it at night. If you neglect to wear the mouthpiece as recommended, your teeth could slide back into crooked positions.

2. Brush Your Teeth and Retainer

Cleaning your straightened teeth and new retainer is vital for maintaining peak dental health after braces. Use regular toothpaste and a toothbrush to scrub both twice daily. This will prevent bacteria from building up on the mouthpiece when it's not being worn. Without routine brushing, any germs on the retainer will be transferred to your mouth, which can lead to unhealthy teeth and gums and may make you ill overall. 

3. Schedule a Dental Exam

After investing so much time and effort into having a beautiful smile, you should do everything possible to keep your teeth healthy. Schedule an appointment to have them evaluated and cleaned as soon as possible. The braces only assist in straightening teeth, but you will need to visit a dentist who can help you fight plaque and tartar that can cause cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Patients throughout Greater Cincinnati trust  Lamont Jacobs Orthodontics when they decide they need braces. This office is located in Fairfield, OH, and this orthodontist provides braces for all children and adults. Whether you want Invisalign®, metal, ceramic, gold, straight-wire, clear, or lingual braces, they can help you achieve a beautiful smile. Dr. Jacobs and his team are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment. They also offer discounts and payment plans to make your visits more affordable. Learn more about their practice online. Call (513) 829-7045 if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment.