Once the braces are removed and your child’s teeth emerge beautiful and straight, you may think that your days of visiting the orthodontist are over. However, post-braces visits to the orthodontist are critical in order to keep your child’s teeth looking great. Use these tips to keep your child’s teeth in shape:

Follow Up with Speaks Orthodontics Regularly

After your braces come off, we still need to see you! At Speaks Orthodontist, we will make sure that the retainer still fits properly and that your teeth are still in their proper position. We typically recommend post-braces appointments at five weeks, three months, six months and one year after your braces are removed.

Always Wear Your Retainer

During the first six months after your braces have been removed, the teeth are extremely vulnerable and can easily begin to shift out of place. Retainers help ensure that the teeth stay where they need to be after your braces come off. Our orthodontists will give you a time frame where retainers need to be worn at all times. Gradually, after your teeth become more firmly in place, the retainer needs to be only worn at night.

Take Care of Your Retainer

Retainers need to be taken care of properly in order for them to work. Keep them in a safe spot when they are not being worn in order to keep them from breaking. During mealtime, place them in a case (rather than your lunch tray or plate) to prevent it from accidentally being thrown away.

Take Care of Your Teeth

If flossing or brushing was neglected at all while you had braces, you may have some tooth decay. Visit the dentist at least twice a year for check-ups and brush and floss daily in order to keep your newly-straightened teeth healthy and white.