01 Dec How Do I Maintain the Alignment of My Teeth After Braces?

There are many ways to help maintain the alignment of your teeth after treatment. One of the most effective ways is to wear a retainer, a custom-made appliance that helps hold your teeth in their new positions.

Can my teeth shift after braces?

It’s important to understand that after your dental braces are removed, your teeth may be more prone to shifting back to their original positions. This is because the braces have been acting as a physical barrier to help guide your teeth into their proper positions. Without the braces, your teeth may be more susceptible to shifting due to the forces of chewing and other factors. Your treatment may include wearing a retainer as directed and practicing good oral hygiene.

Wisdom Teeth Emerging

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to come in and are located in the back of the mouth. They can sometimes cause problems if they do not have enough space to come in properly, which can result in crowding of the other teeth.

If you are wearing braces and your wisdom teeth have not yet erupted, it’s important to discuss the potential impact of wisdom teeth with your orthodontist.

Tooth Loss

Losing a tooth can have a significant impact on the alignment of your teeth and your overall oral health. When a tooth is lost, the surrounding teeth may begin to shift and compensate for the missing tooth, which can lead to problems such as misalignment, bite issues, and difficulty chewing.

To prevent these problems from occurring, it’s important to replace missing teeth as soon as possible. There are several options available for replacing missing teeth, including dental implants, partial dentures, and full dentures.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is a progressive condition that affects the gums and the tissues that support the teeth. It is caused by bacteria in the mouth that form plaque on the teeth, which can eventually harden into tartar. When this occurs, the bacteria can irritate the gums and cause them to become inflamed, leading to a condition called gingivitis. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more severe form of gum disease that can cause the gums to recede, leading to tooth loss and damage to the jawbone.

Teeth Clenching or Grinding

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is a condition in which a person grinds or clenches their teeth together, often during sleep. It can cause several oral health problems, including gum recession. When a person grinds their teeth, it can put excessive force on the gums, causing them to recede. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, pain, and an increased risk of tooth loss.

What are the steps you can take to protect your teeth after getting braces?

Wear Your Retainer as Prescribed

Wearing your retainer as prescribed will help to ensure that your teeth stay in their new position after your braces are removed. If you have a removable retainer, you must take it out when you eat, brush your teeth, and floss. It is a good idea to keep your retainer in a safe place when you are not wearing it, such as in a retainer case.

Maintain Excellent Oral Health

Maintaining good oral hygiene is important at any age, but it is especially important when you are wearing braces or a retainer. Proper oral hygiene can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which can cause damage to your teeth and affect the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment.

Here are some tips for maintaining good oral hygiene while wearing braces or a retainer:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste: Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and a small amount of toothpaste to gently brush all surfaces of your teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tops.
2. Floss daily: Use an interdental brush or dental floss to clean between your teeth and around your braces.
3. Rinse with mouthwash: After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth with an antimicrobial mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath.
4. Avoid sugary and acidic foods: These types of foods can contribute to tooth decay and can also damage your braces or retainer.

By following these steps and visiting your dentist regularly, you can help maintain the health of your teeth after braces.

Take Action If Your Teeth Shift

It is normal for teeth to shift slightly after orthodontic treatment, but if you notice that your teeth are shifting significantly or your bite feels different, it is important to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible. There are several possible reasons for tooth shifting, including:

1. Not wearing your retainer as prescribed: If you are not wearing your retainer as directed, your teeth may start to shift back to their original position.
2. Damage to your retainer: If your retainer is damaged or no longer fits properly, it may not be able to hold your teeth in place.
3. The emergence of wisdom teeth: As wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause other teeth to shift to make room for them.
4. Changes in your bite: If your bite feels different or you notice that your teeth are not meeting properly when you bite down, it could be a sign that your teeth are shifting.

If you notice any changes in your teeth or your bite, it is important to see your orthodontist as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns, make sure to contact our orthodontic experts in Whitby at Taunton Orthodontics today! We can provide specific information and guidance to help keep your new smile in place!