If you go through all of the time, effort and expense of getting braces, then the last thing that you want is for your teeth to shift once your braces come off. This is the last thing that Virginia Orthodontic Partners wants as well, so they will likely do all in their power to stop this from happening. Thankfully, our doctors share some great tips that can prevent your teeth from shifting after your braces come off.
Wear Your Retainer Regularly
The easiest way to stop your teeth from shifting after you get your braces off is to wear your retainer regularly. As soon as your braces come off, you will have some plastic retainers made for you from molds of your teeth. These help to keep your teeth in place while your regular retainers are created. Your plastic retainers should be worn at all times, except when you are eating or brushing your teeth.
Your regular retainers will either be fixed or removable. If your retainers are fixed in your mouth, then you won’t have to worry about wearing them because they are always there. You will also wear your removable retainer all of the time at first, but it is up to you to remember to keep it in. Over time, your orthodontist may then cut this back to just wearing your retainer at night.
Take Action If You Notice Your Teeth Are Moving
If you notice that your teeth are moving, it is important that you take action right away. Your teeth may be moving for a variety of reasons, even if you are trying to wear your retainer as you should. If your wisdom teeth come in after your braces have been removed, then this can cause all of your teeth to shift closer together. The best way to stop this from happening is to have your wisdom teeth removed as soon as possible.
Another reason why your teeth may be shifting is because your retainer no longer fits properly. This may be because you didn’t wear it enough and your teeth shifted little by little, or because it somehow became bent or damaged. If you have a permanent retainer, it is important to make sure that the wire is still in place and none of the bonds have come off of your teeth because this can also cause your teeth to move out of alignment. In any case, going to your orthodontist and having your retainer fixed, or a new retainer made, is a great way to ensure that your teeth don’t move any further.
Take Care Of Your Teeth
If you don’t take proper care of your teeth, then they are at risk of tooth decay. This decay can eat away at your teeth and cause them to become damaged. If the shape of your tooth changes, due to decay, then the rest of your teeth may shift around it. By going in for regular checkups with your dentist, you help ensure that your teeth remain in good health, thus reducing the risk of your teeth shifting due to damage or decay.
Visiting Virginia Orthodontic Partners regularly the first 6 months after getting your braces off can help to ensure your teeth are where they need to be as well. They will also inspect your retainer at this time and make any necessary changes.
You can stop your teeth from shifting after braces by wearing your retainer regularly, contacting Virginia Orthodontic Partners at the first sign of movement, and making sure that you take care of your teeth. We can’t wait to see you!
