Ceramic braces, also known as clear braces, are a popular orthodontic solution for teens and adults alike. While these braces have a wealth of benefits over traditional braces, you’ll need to take special care to prevent them from staining.
To help you keep your clear braces clean, we’ve compiled a list of the best practices for preventing stains.
Do Clear Braces Stain?
Unfortunately, clear braces stain more easily than traditional metal braces. This is because clear braces use elastic ligature ties, which stain more noticeable than their colored counterparts. Figuring out what causes braces staining is the first step in helping you keep your braces clear and stain-free.
What Stains Ceramic Braces?
Ceramic braces ties can be stained by smoking, tobacco products, and certain foods and drinks.
Smoking
You probably know that smoking stains your teeth, but did you know that it can also stain your braces? Over time, the smoke from cigarettes will stain your ceramic braces yellow. Although you can brush immediately after smoking, these stains are typically harder to remove than stains from other sources.
Certain Foods
It’s important to avoid certain types of foods and drinks while you complete your braces treatment. While your orthodontist will likely tell you to avoid crunchy and sticky foods, it’s also important to avoid foods and drinks that stain easily.
What Foods Stain Clear Braces?
You should avoid the following foods and drinks to prevent braces stains:
- Yellow mustard
- Balsamic vinegar
- Tomato products
- Berries
- Beets
- Coffee and tea
- Red wine
- Dark soda
- Soy sauce
Sometimes, it’s hard to avoid consuming certain foods or drinks. If you do eat or drink any of the items listed above, just make sure to brush and floss your teeth right afterward.
How to Keep Clear Braces Clear
If you want to keep your ceramic brackets and elastic bands from staining, follow these simple steps.
Brush, Rinse, and Floss After Eating
This is good advice for anyone with braces, but it’s especially important for those with clear braces. The longer food residue sits on your teeth, the higher your chance of developing braces stains. To combat those stains, thoroughly brush your teeth, floss, and rinse your mouth out with mouthwash after each meal or snack. This will prevent stains while simultaneously protecting your oral hygiene.
Avoid Whitening Products
Whitening products can actually keep your braces from staining, but using these products while you have braces on is a bad idea. This is because the whitening agent won’t reach the part of your teeth beneath your brackets, which will lead to a very uneven appearance once your braces are removed. To keep your teeth protected, it’s best to save whitening for after your braces treatment is complete.
Visit Your Orthodontist Regularly
Typically, braces require routine adjustments in which you visit your orthodontist’s office. During these visits, it’s important to ask your orthodontist what you can and can’t do with your braces. Additionally, if you have any concerns about staining, your orthodontist can help you figure out a solution.
Schedule a Consultation in Staten Island
If you’re looking for compassionate and experienced orthodontic treatment, turn to the experts at Brooklyn Orthodontics. We’re the most trusted orthodontists in Staten Island and the surrounding areas.
Call us today at (718) 333-5898 to schedule a braces consultation.