Going through the entire process of having braces requires a lot of work and dedication. You want to prevent teeth shifting as much as possible, as you have endured many pain and inconvenience during this period. However, your teeth could end up moving out of place due to a variety of reasons shortly after you get your braces taken off or over the long-term throughout your life. Here is how to prevent teeth from shifting, so you do not have to get braces again.
Get in the Habit of Good Dental Hygiene
You went through a lot to get a perfect smile, so it is time to do everything you can to keep it like that. Practice the ideal dental hygiene routine, with daily brushing and flossing. Flossing is especially important, as it can act as an early sign that something could be going wrong with your teeth.
For example, if you notice that the floss slides in too easily between your teeth, then it could be the start of a shift. You will also want to make sure that you are going in regularly for dental services such as:
- Annual dental exam
- Dental cleaning
- Fluoride treatments
- Other dental work as needed, such as crowns and root canals
Embrace a New Sleep Position
Believe it or not, there is actually an ideal way of sleeping to prevent teeth from shifting. If you are a stomach sleeper, then you are putting a lot of pressure on your mouth. Side sleeping or back sleeping is a better option when trying to maintain a perfect smile after braces. You may also want to choose softer pillows, as particularly firm ones can also contribute to this.
Use Your Retainer as Recommended to Prevent Teeth Shifting
Using a retainer might seem like pain after you have gone through months or years of wearing braces, but it is for a good reason. Your teeth are not quite settled in place immediately after the braces are removed. During this period, the retainer does the hard work of ensuring that they are set permanently in place, and they do not end up shifting around. Your dentist will let you know when you can stop wearing the retainer. Typically, you wear it all the time other than eating for the first few months. After that, you can wear them nightly. Once the teeth are completely settled, you can be retainer-free.
Consider a Mouthguard
Grinding your teeth, whether you do it in your sleep or awake, puts a lot of pressure on your mouth. Your teeth may end up getting damaged or pushed out of place. When you want to prevent teeth shifting, you may need to stop the grinding from happening. A mouthguard is similar to your retainer, although it is much thinner. Generally, you would wear it when you are most likely to grind. For most people, that takes place at night.
Keep Seeing Your Dentist
You are not done with your dentist just because your braces are off. Instead, you will want to get your teeth cleaned professionally twice a year. Even when you are on top of your dental hygiene, you cannot always get the deep clean that a dentist can. They have specialized tools to make this possible, allowing you to be as fresh and clean as possible. In some cases, the dentist may want you to come in more often for cleanings, but they will find the right schedule for your needs.
Learning how to prevent teeth shifting is a vital part of having a successful braces experience. When you follow these guidelines, you can avoid going through another round or experiencing painful tooth troubles. Get in touch with us at 281-416-5844 if you are worried about your teeth shifting.