Clear orthodontic braces are a common pick amongst patients as they offer greater discretion than conventional braces. Besides the metal wires, the clear material renders these braces virtually unnoticeable. Nonetheless, you must take extra care to keep these braces as clean as feasible as they are susceptible to discoloration if not properly maintained. Here are some key suggestions for keeping your Brooklyn clear braces flawless and clean.
1) Brush, Floss, and Rinse Immediately After Meals
Regular cleaning of your braces is a suggestion that your orthodontist will probably make irrespective of the type of braces you wear. However, this tip is especially crucial for individuals with transparent braces. Longer exposure to food particles intensifies staining; thus, eliminating these substances is your best option for keeping your invisible braces unnoticeable.
If feasible, you should floss, brush, or rinse your mouth with mouthwash after snacking and larger meals. Regular cleaning helps maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth and prevents tooth decay around and under your brackets.
2) Avoid Certain Foods
Besides the standard foods to avoid when wearing braces, clear braces add an extra layer of care to keep them undamaged and clear. Those with clear braces should avoid many foods that are perfectly acceptable for patients with conventional metal brackets. Beverages and foods that are likely to stain your teeth include, but are not limited to:
- Red wine
- Yellow mustard
- Soy sauce
- Coffee
- Curries and turmeric
- Dark sodas
If you cannot resist the temptation to consume any of these foods, ensure that you floss, brush, and rinse your teeth right after consumption. Additionally, sipping dark sodas, red wine, tea, or coffee with a straw helps decrease bracket contact and avoid staining.
3) Avoid Smoking
Besides the health problems connected with smoking and the staining potential of tobacco smoke on your teeth, smoking could also discolor your clear braces, a sickening yellow. Even if you brush your teeth shortly after smoking, discoloration caused by smoking could be more difficult to remove than stains caused by foods. Therefore, simply avoid smoking.
4) Do Not Use Whitening Toothpaste
Whether you have conventional or clear braces, whitening toothpaste is safe. The toothpaste’s bleaching powder will make your brackets and teeth’s surfaces white. Nevertheless, after the brackets are withdrawn, the tooth surface behind the brackets will probably be a distinct hue from the remainder of the tooth, exposing unattractive impressions where the brackets were. Therefore, the dentist advises patients not to use whitening toothpaste until their orthodontic therapy is complete.
5) Regularly Visit Your Orthodontist
It is important to see your orthodontist for follow-up consultations with any orthodontic therapy. However, for clear braces, it is more crucial than usual for a different reason, other than adjusting your metal brackets.
Typically, clear braces use clear elastic ligatures as compared to colored ones. These clear ligatures are more susceptible to staining than the brackets themselves; thus, they require extra care when handling them. Nonetheless, replacing them frequently is the only way to guarantee that they remain clear, which is why you should consult your orthodontist often.
When it comes to traditional or clear braces, proper maintenance is vital. Remember that you have spent money to achieve your straight teeth and smile. Thus, knowing when and how to keep them from staining is reasonable. Furthermore, you want the therapy to be a huge success, so ensuring you adhere to the guidelines above is a wonderful way to start! Schedule a consultation at Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics through mobile or book online today.
