Clear braces are regular braces with brackets that are made of clear plastic or ceramic. They blend well with your tooth colors so that they look far less noticeable than the metal braces. You must keep your ceramic braces well-maintained for effective treatment. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for the invisible braces:
Watch Your Diet
Clear braces cannot be taken out before every meal or drink, like Invisalign aligner trays. Consuming certain foods may cause the wires connecting the brackets to break or bend. Prevent treatment delays due to breakage or damage by avoiding anything very sticky or overly firm, like popcorn kernels or caramel.
Consuming alcohol, coffee, sodas, and food with artificial coloring can stain teeth and braces. Avoid these things to help decrease brace discoloration. If avoiding certain foods seems unrealistic, use a toothbrush or dental rinse to quickly clean the teeth and brackets after eating and drinking.
Brush More Often
Only brushing teeth in the morning and at night may be insufficient for people who wear invisible braces. Patients must brush a few times a day for every clear bracket to be clean and clear of food residue. Food particles may get stuck in the spaces between clear brackets, resulting in buildup and tooth decay if not properly cleaned.
Pay close attention to cleaning the sides, backs, and other difficult-to-reach areas when brushing. If possible, purchase an electric toothbrush for a more thorough cleaning. Keep a tiny travel-sized toothbrush with you for when you’re out and about.
Floss Once a Day
Those who wear ceramic braces need to floss once a day to maintain proper oral hygiene. A floss threader is a useful tool for threading the strand between brackets and beneath wires. They include a firm end that makes it easier to clean in between teeth by allowing thread flossing around braces. This reduces the likelihood that tooth decay may occur.
Quit Smoking
Quit smoking before beginning ceramic braces treatment. Tobacco smoke stains wires, ceramic brackets, and teeth. Smoking may discolor teeth and cause braces to become yellow. The stains are often persistent and challenging to remove. For adults seeking treatment from clear braces, quitting this habit in advance may improve the final results.
Avoid Whitening Toothpaste
Some people use special toothpaste to whiten their smile. Avoid using whitening toothpaste while wearing invisible braces, as it can cause uneven coloring around the brackets attached to your teeth. After taking off the braces, the areas that the whitening toothpaste was unable to reach will show the tooth’s original color.
Schedule Regular Checkups
Attend regular checkups to help identify potential issues with your invisible braces early on. During these visits, your orthodontist can identify loose brackets, broken wires, or signs of inflamed gums. They will then resolve the issues immediately to avoid future problems. Plan a professional ceramic brackets cleaning with your dentist a few times a year. Professional cleaning will help reach any areas you missed. Your dentist will remove any tartar or plaque on your braces or teeth.
Use Mouthwash
Brushing and flossing keep most bacteria away, even without using mouthwash. You can use this product after eating when wearing invisible braces because mouthwash works well to eradicate bacteria and stop plaque from developing. It also helps to clean away food particles or liquids that can discolor your ceramic brackets or teeth.
Protect Your Braces
Avoid activities that could damage your ceramic braces, like biting your nails, chewing on ice, and opening objects with your teeth. By abstaining from these behaviors, you can preserve your braces and avoid unnecessary tooth damage. Observe any special guidelines your orthodontist gives you for maintaining your braces when engaging in physical activity. Use an orthodontic mouthguard when necessary.
You can also have your orthodontic kit close at hand in case of emergency. When engaging in physical activity or traveling, include items like tooth floss, orthodontic wax, and a little mirror in your emergency kit.
Enhance Your Smile With Clear Braces
Clear braces offer a discrete and efficient remedy for a range of orthodontic problems. Practicing good oral hygiene throughout the procedure supports the health of your teeth and gums. Find a local orthodontist clinic and set up an appointment to learn more about your choices for tooth alignment.