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What Can You Expect After You Finish Your Orthodontic Treatment?

teenager holding their retainerAre you coming to the end of your orthodontic treatment? After adjusting to life with braces in Irving, you’re ready to get back to your normal daily routine. Before you can do that, you’ll need to know how to take care of your newly improved smile. Properly tending to your mouth can help you maintain your straightened grin and make the lengthy treatment you underwent well worth it. Read on to learn about how long you’ll need to wear your retainer in Irving and other do’s and don’ts of aftercare.

Wear Your Retainer To Get Lifelong Results

This is one of the most important aftercare instructions. After lengthy treatment, your braces will finally be removed. The last thing you would want is for your teeth to become misaligned and have to go through the process all over again. That’s where retainers come in. Your teeth have something similar to muscle memory, so even if they appear straighter right after your treatment, they can easily drift back into their original positions if you don’t wear your retainer for the recommended time.

Your orthodontist in Irving will custom fit one to your mouth to make it as comfortable as possible. Every person has to wear their appliance for a different amount of time, so be sure to ask your orthodontist how long you’ll need to continue to use the retainer. You can also ask them about getting a permanent retainer.

Eating With Sensitive Teeth

After you get your braces removed, you may notice that your teeth are extra sensitive. Eating anything incredibly hot or cold for the following weeks can cause discomfort. Also, try to stick to softer foods and avoid ones that are crunchy or chewy during this adjustment period because your teeth are still getting used to the new positions they’re in.

Readjust Your Oral Care Routine

Your oral hygiene routine with braces was probably more tedious than it will be afterward. Be sure to visit your dentist for a thorough examination and cleaning once you get the brackets and wires removed from your mouth. This will ensure that there aren’t any oral problems developing, and if there are, you can get them treated. Other than that, be sure to floss each day, brush your teeth twice a day, and clean your retainer regularly.

Expect Some Discoloration

The last thing you can expect once you get your braces removed is for your teeth to be slightly discolored where your brackets were placed. It’s best to hold off on any teeth whitening treatments until after your sensitivity goes away.

If you have any questions or concerns about how to care for your smile after getting your braces taken off, don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist in Irving. This way, you can take all the proper steps to preserve your newly-straightened grin and be able to enjoy it decades to come.

About the Practice

At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, we have two board-certified orthodontists on our team that has undergone advanced training and education to learn how to straighten smiles. We also have other specialists on our team that is dedicated to improving the health and look of small smiles. Whether you’re looking to get your child orthodontic care or basic dental treatments, we offer it all! For questions or to schedule an appointment, visit our website or contact 972-793-0735.

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You can play a part in preparing your child for his or her first visit to our office. Informing your child of the visit as an exciting experience for both of you can ease any hesitations. As a parent try to act relaxed, since your child may sense any anxiety on your part.

Explain to your child that the doctor will “count, brush, and maybe take pictures of their teeth”. We also ask that you assume the role of a silent observer. Cooperation and trust must be established directly between the doctor, staff, and your child and not through you. Your child may become confused if receiving instructions from multiple sources.

We recommend bringing your baby in for their first dental appointment by their first birthday, or within 6 months of their first tooth appearing (whichever comes first). During this appointment, we will examine your baby’s mouth to track their dental development and discuss age-appropriate dental care.

It’s easy to make appointments to visit our office online or over the phone. Rio Dental sees patients both for checkups and dental emergencies. Using our online scheduler, you can select the location and time slot that works best for you for either type of appointment. If you have any questions regarding our practice, or simply prefer to make your appointment with a live member of staff, please don’t hesitate to call!

Rio Dental Group accepts most PPO insurances. We recommend that new patients and returning patients with new insurance policies reach out to us before their appointment to confirm coverage. Our Fort Worth location also sees patients who are covered by Medicaid and CHIP programs.

We don’t like surprises, either! Our staff is prepared to discuss the cost of dental services before you undergo treatment so that you know what to expect in terms of fees. The cost of your services will be due at the end of your appointment. Our office accepts payment by cash, credit card, or check.

Rio Dental Group allows patients to pay with their CareCredit card. CareCredit is a healthcare credit card designed to cover out-of-pocket costs at over 225,000 providers nationwide. After leaving the office, card holders will be able to make convenient monthly payments towards their balance. To learn more, visit the CareCredit website.

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    2740 Valwood Pkwy #144
    Farmers Branch, TX 75234

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