My family's dental health is important to me. Unfortunately for me, it is not as important to my little ones. Getting my kids to brush and floss on a daily basis is almost like taking on an obstacle course. I talked to my family's dentist about different methods I could try to encourage them to brush and floss on a regular basis. Some of the tricks worked, some did not. After some experimentation and talking to other parents, I was able to come up with a lot of great tips for helping kids care for their teeth. I started this blog to help other parents get creative when it comes to their kids and dental care.
-
General Dentistry: Taking Care Of Your Oral Health 7 February 2024
-
When Should You See a Dentist for a Tooth Extraction? 4 December 2023
-
How a Dentist Can Help If You Have a Toothache 14 November 2023
A Guide to Creatively Handling a Child's Dental Health
3 Things to Do after You Get Your Braces Off
Bella Snyder
Getting your braces off can be an exciting experience. Not only do you finally get to see how those months (or years) of discomfort have paid off, but you also get to enjoy the freedom of no longer having to worry about orthodontist appointments every other week, wires poking you in the mouth, and feeling self-conscious about your smile. When you get your braces off, there are a few things you should do to make the most of the experience and ensure that all that orthodontic work was worthwhile.
Give Yourself Some Time
First and foremost, give yourself some time to adjust to your mouth post-braces. While you will probably love your new smile, you'll also now have to wear a new dental appliance: a retainer! More than likely, you will be instructed to wear your retainer at least overnight, though some orthodontists or dentists will recommend patients wear it 24/7 (except while eating) for the first few weeks. Allow yourself some time to get used to your new retainers; you may need to overcome a lisp, for example, because of them. Of course, you can usually ask an orthodontist for permanent retainers, which consist of a wire glued to the backs of your six top and/or bottom teeth to keep them from moving.
Schedule a Photo Shoot
Finally, why not celebrate your new smile by scheduling a professional photo shoot as a means of showing it off? This is an especially good way to boost your confidence after having lived with braces for so long. Furthermore, if you run your own business or are in the market for a new job, getting some professional head shots done showing off your new smile can help boost your reputation and make you look more polished and professional on a resume. Be sure to work with a professional photographer for the best results; you deserve it!
Attend Follow-Up Appointments
Your time with your dentist or orthodontist isn't over with when you get your braces off. More than likely, he or she will want to schedule follow-up appointments after your braces are removed. During these appointments, he or she will ensure that your teeth aren't shifting too much and that your gums are healthy. Your orthodontist or dentist may also take X-rays and check to ensure that your bite is still aligned. Be sure to treat these appointments just as seriously as you would any other orthodontist appointment.
There's so much to think about and do after you get those braces off; by taking the time to adjust to your new retainer, celebrate your beautiful new smile, and follow up with your orthodontist/dentist, you will be sure to make the most of the experience.
Share