Do you wear braces or do you plan to get them soon?
There’s no reason to feel ashamed about dental braces. They help keep your teeth aligned and maintain a bright, healthy smile. If you do feel a bit shy about wearing braces, you can always go with clear, ceramic ones.
However, even ceramic braces stain. Though rare, it can happen! Both the brackets and ligatures could stain over time.
Want to avoid braces stains? Look no further, we’ve got a guide for you. Read on to discover how to keep your ceramic braces clean and clear.
1. Brush Your Teeth!
Brushing your teeth is still the most effective way to prevent ceramic braces stain. This habit removes leftover food particles. These particles, over time, can damage the ceramic material and cause stains — even on your teeth.
If you eat food that can cause braces stains, you need to brush more than twice a day. You have to brush your teeth and braces after each meal.
Also, avoid whitening toothpaste. Using this type of toothpaste, over time, will create discolouration and make your braces look different. They won’t blend in with your teeth anymore and will become more noticeable.
2. Avoid Certain Food
Some food and drinks can also stain your braces. Coffee, red wine, junk food, and other meals with food colouring can stain your clear braces.
Coffee is a common suspect when it comes to stains. If you drink coffee, go back to our first tip and make sure to brush your teeth right after finishing your cup.
3. Flossing and Rinsing
Flossing helps you reach the hard-to-reach spots between your teeth and braces. Don’t forget to floss each time you brush your teeth so you can eliminate every trace of food residue.
Flossing alone won’t prevent ceramic braces stains.
You need to rinse with mouthwash too. Mouthwash kills the bacteria that could cause stains. This is particularly helpful if you drink coffee or tea since those drinks can sink into the tiny deposits on your brackets.
4. Stop Smoking
Smoking can cause yellow stains on your brackets, ligatures, and teeth. The stains come from repeated exposure to heat. In a sense, smoking burns your teeth and braces, causing them to yellow.
The stains from smoking aren’t regular, either. You might have stains on one side but still have clear braces on the other side of your mouth. This can make your braces look worn out and ugly.
5. See Your Dentist!
Even when you think your braces are clean and fine, make it a habit to regularly visit your dentist. Go in for a regular check-up and let them track the condition of your braces.
Your dentist should also regularly change your ligatures. This not only prevents the old ones from staining but also guarantees your braces are fit and tight.
Stay Clear of a Ceramic Braces Stain
Though it may take time, even ceramic braces stain. Don’t fret though; follow the tips listed and you can keep your braces clean and fresh.
Of course, don’t hesitate to seek dental professionals for more tips. Feel free to contact us and we’ll help you maintain your braces.
