You’ve waited months, or perhaps years, for that moment of reveal when your metal braces come off. Although braces do wonders for straightening a crooked smile, you may be disappointed at the condition your teeth are in after braces. The truth its, metal brackets and wires make it difficult to clean your teeth well. Don’t worry; your perfect smile is under there. You just need to make a call to your dentist first. A dentist can first and foremost give your mouth the deep cleaning it needs after braces. Ask for a digital x-ray to ensure that no tooth decay was left behind when your brackets came off. In addition, gums are often red and puffy after metal braces due to the awkward methods of flossing you had to use for so many months through metal wires on your teeth. Therefore, you may need to take some extra steps at home to restore your gum health. Simply rinsing with salt water a few times a day can help bring the swelling down. Always make sure you discuss with your dentist any lasting redness, puffiness or tenderness along your gums, as this may indicate early periodontal disease.
Orthodontic patients are most frequently alarmed by white spots, stains and even texture issues on their teeth. Rest assured that dentists, such as Park South Dentistry, can handle these concerns with ease through cosmetic dental procedures. Poor cleaning habits usually cause the white spots that are commonly found on teeth following braces. Your dentist can quickly and completely remove these unsightly white spots. If your teeth are yellowed or stained, a professional teeth whitening procedure can easily resolve your concern. Other post-ortho refinement services might include tooth lengthening and contouring.
The rule of thumb here is that when your metal brackets, bands and wires are finally banished from your mouth, don’t expect a flawless smile just yet. The hard part is definitely complete, but a simple visit to your dentist may be needed to give you the brilliant smile you envisioned.
