Ceramic braces offer a variety of impressive benefits over regular metal braces, namely their more discreet appearance. Because they’re made of a durable, natural-colored material, the brackets are nearly invisible, making them less obvious when you open your mouth. But although they are designed to blend seamlessly into your smile, if you don’t take proper care of ceramic braces, they could become a lot more noticeable. Here’s why.
Are Ceramic Braces Stainproof?
While it’s true that ceramic braces are designed to be stain resistant, they’re not completely stain proof. In fact, if you don’t take proper care of them with regular brushing and flossing, they can eventually become discolored, especially with regular consumption of darkly colored foods and beverages.
How Can I Prevent Stains on My Clear Braces?
Because brackets have lots of nooks and crannies and spaces for food and beverages to become trapped, it is important to take excellent care of them. Be sure to brush your teeth after each meal, including on and around the braces themselves. Flossing regularly can also help keep your teeth and brackets free of debris. If your budget permits, investing in a water flosser can also help prevent food particles from accumulating around orthodontic equipment and causing discoloration over time. Furthermore, you may also want to limit your consumption of certain foods, including:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Dark colas
- Tomato-based sauces
- Acidic or citrus based fruits
- Curries
If you do drink dark beverages, using a straw can help keep your teeth and brackets much cleaner.
Teens and adults can also lower their risk of staining by avoiding harmful oral habits like smoking, chewing tobacco, and vaping.
Finally, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for your regular preventive exams and cleanings, even if you are undergoing treatment from an orthodontist. These check-ups are extremely important because they help keep your teeth and orthodontic equipment clean, as well as monitor your oral health for any emerging concerns such as gum disease, cavities, and decalcification, all of which are common during treatment with braces.
Remember, although they were designed to look more discreet than traditional metal braces, ceramic brackets can eventually become a lot more noticeable if you don’t clean them properly. Thus, to avoid stains and discoloration and keep your orthodontic equipment dazzling white, be sure to avoid excessive consumption of darkly pigmented foods and maintain a solid oral hygiene routine.
About Our Practice
At Glen Ellyn Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team is proud to offer a variety of orthodontic solutions including ceramic braces to help align your smile without drawing attention to it. If you’d like to learn more about this discreet option, including how to care for it so it doesn’t stand out, schedule a consultation today by visiting our website or calling us at 630-858-8755.