Table of contents:
- Tips for caring for teeth after removing the stirrup
- 1. Wear a retainer
- 2. Watch what you eat
- 3. Brush your teeth and flossing regularly
- Whiten teeth after removing braces, is it necessary?
Installing braces or braces is one solution to straighten the shape of your teeth while keeping them healthy. Generally, braces are worn for two years. So, if it's time for you to take off your stirrups, there are a few things you should pay more attention to in the future. The reason is that after removing the stirrup, your teeth are prone to return to their original shape if not properly maintained.
Check out the guidelines for caring for teeth after removing the stirrup in this article.
Tips for caring for teeth after removing the stirrup
Before you can freely show off a bright smile after removing the braces, the doctor will clean the remains of wire glue, plaque, and stains that are still on the surface of the teeth. When you get home from the doctor, here's what you have to do:
1. Wear a retainer
The gums and jawbone need time to adjust to the position of the new teeth. That is why using a retainer is a very important part of dental care after removing the stirrup. There are two types of retainers after removing braces: permanent and removable.
The permanent type of retainer is usually a piece of thin wire attached to the back of the lower or upper front teeth, which is held in place with a strong glue like when attaching the braces. This type provides the best results because the fixed retainer wire will continue to hold the freshly straightened tooth in perfect formation at all times.
The detachable retainer is similar in shape to the permanent type, but at the ends there are a pair of hooks to hold the retainer wire in place. Because they can be removed, this type of retainer is easier to clean. However, you must remember to install it every day. This makes cleaning teeth easier, but patients should remember to wear them every day. This type of retainer must be used continuously for six months without even being removed. After six months, you can use the retainer at night only while sleeping.
Talk to your doctor about which type of retainer is best for your tooth condition. During use of the retainer, you are still advised to go to the dentist regularly to check whether your new tooth is okay or if the retainer needs to be readjusted.
2. Watch what you eat
After removing your braces, your teeth may feel temporarily more sensitive. So it's best to avoid unnecessary things that can exacerbate the sensation of pain.
Do not eat anything very hot or cold for several days to several weeks after the braces are removed. Also avoid eating foods that are very crunchy or chewy during this time, as your teeth are still adjusting to their new position. For example, chewing ice cubes or gum, or eating whole boiled corn.
For some foods that are quite tough, like apples, carrots, and bagels, you can still eat them if you cut them into small pieces that you can chew easily.
3. Brush your teeth and flossing regularly
Brush your teeth twice a day: morning after and at night before bed. If you use a permanent retainer that cannot be removed, the way to clean your teeth is the same as when using a brace with a small toothbrush specially made of wire teeth. Insert the brush from the top and up from the bottom between the two braces. Scrub the brush in all directions in a saw-like motion before moving on to the next space between the two braces. Repeat the procedure until all the teeth have been cleaned.
If your retainer is the detachable type, you can continue with your normal tooth brushing routine. Once a day or at least once a week, clean the retainer by soaking it in a denture cleaning solution or a mixture of warm water and vinegar.
In addition, clean between your teeth with dental floss and rinse with antibacterial mouthwash.
Whiten teeth after removing braces, is it necessary?
After removing your stirrups, you may notice that your teeth are mottled or yellow. You can do teeth whitening at the doctor to overcome this. There are many different teeth whitening procedures, including whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, strips, trays, and other standalone whitening kits that you can get from your dentist.
HoweverYou need to wait about a month or two after removing braces before deciding to whiten your teeth. Your teeth will be more sensitive once you remove the braces, and teeth whitening products can cause a painful and uncomfortable sensation afterward.
Teeth whitening cannot be done only once to get long-term effects. You should visit your dentist to schedule a regular teeth whitening routine from time to time to maintain the healthy and glowing white teeth you desire.
