Our Locations
Huntington Office
Congratulations! You’ve finally made it to the end of your orthodontic journey! Your orthodontist has told you that your smile is perfect and your braces can come off. But the treatment doesn’t end there. At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we want to ensure that all our patients do everything to maintain their perfect smiles long after removing their braces. We’ve compiled a few post-braces tips to keep your smile looking its best!
Stay on top of your oral hygiene
To maintain your perfect smile, you need to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste—fluoride helps protect your teeth against cavities and decay. In addition, make sure to floss at least once a day, preferably at night before bed. Dr. Sheinis also recommends that all his patients rinse with water after having anything that tends to stain your teeth, such as coffee, chocolate, or red wine.
Go easy on sticky foods and sugary snacks
Now that you’re finally braces-free, you might be tempted to go after all those foods you’ve had to avoid during treatment. Before you run to your neighborhood ice cream shop, remember that your teeth may be more sensitive than usual. Your enamel just went through a lot and therefore needs some time to acclimatize. Avoid sticky snacks and overly cold or hot drinks as much as possible—they can result in some unpleasant sensations. But don’t worry. If you take it easy, you’ll be able to get back into the groove in no time!
Consider whitening treatments
When you finally get your braces removed, it’s common to see some discoloration as a result of natural staining around your brackets. At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we love seeing our patients’ smiles look even brighter after a post-braces whitening treatment. Dr. Sheinis can recommend the best solution for you—whether it’s an at-home kit or a professional treatment at our office.
Schedule regular checkups and cleanings
Just because you’re now braces-free doesn’t mean it’s time to slack on your orthodontic visits. On the contrary, it’s essential to visit your orthodontist for regular checkups and cleanings to ensure that your alignment stays on track. Dr. Sheinis can help detect any issues early on and suggest preventive measures or treatments if needed.
Wear your retainer
Once you finish your treatment, Dr. Sheinis may give you a retainer to wear at night. If so, remember that wearing your retainer is essential for keeping your smile looking perfect, as it helps keep all the teeth from shifting back. You’ll also want to clean your retainers regularly, as bacteria can build up on them. If this sounds complicated—don’t worry. The orthodontic professionals at Shiney Smiles Orthodontics will provide you with all the retainer care protocols you need to stay on top of your oral health.
Maintain a Shiney Smile for years to come!
At Shiney Smiles Orthodontics, we want all our patients to keep their smiles looking healthy and beautiful. By following these simple tips and visiting us regularly, you can be sure that your braces-free smile will stay looking healthy and bright! If you have any questions or concerns about maintaining your smile, don’t hesitate to contact us at our Huntington or Woodbury office. Our orthodontic specialists are always happy to help!