Ceramic braces differ from traditional metal braces and are meant to be discreet, blending in with the color of your teeth. It’s the brackets on these sleeker braces that provide the seamless look because they are clear or white to blend in with your smile.
Wearers of these dental appliances need to take special care in order to maintain the clean appearance of their braces and to avoid stains and discoloration from the foods and beverages they consume.
Braces vs. Ligatures
In reality, it’s not the braces, or ceramic brackets, themselves that stain. Rather, it’s the ligatures that attach the wires to the ceramic brackets that most often cause staining issues. The reason for this is that they are made of a porous material.
People frequently choose either clear or white ligatures in order to make them inconspicuous. After all, the point of ceramic braces is that they are less obvious than metal ones.
However, these choices require extra care in order to remain looking clean and stain-free. Clear is the most susceptible to discoloration. If you’d like to minimize the problem, there is the option of self-ligating ceramic braces, which don’t require ligatures.
Tips for Care
No matter which type of ceramics you opt for, you will need to take steps to care for them to keep them looking nice. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is essential when you wear ceramic braces.
You’ll need to be sure to brush your teeth after every meal in order to keep stains from setting.
Not only will you lessen the chance of staining your braces, you’ll also be taking proactive measures to ensure that food doesn’t get stuck in your braces, leading to tooth decay.
Flossing and rinsing with mouthwash regularly is another step that will aid in keeping stains at bay.
If you’re a smoker, keeping your ligatures clean may be incentive for you to quit. Just as nicotine yellows your teeth, it will also stain the porous material in your braces.
Unfortunately, there are also some foods you may have to stay away from in order to avoid permanent staining. Some of the biggest offenders include tomato products, coffee, dark sodas, mustard, berries and foods high in artificial coloring.
While it may seem counterintuitive, you don’t want to use whitening toothpaste. The reason is that the toothpaste can’t get behind your braces, and you will have a noticeably darker area when they are removed.
Final Advice
Finally, when you have braces, it’s imperative that you maintain regular check-ups. You’ll have to go quite frequently, usually every four to six weeks.
Doing so allows the orthodontist to make adjustments as needed. Getting routine replacements are also an effective way to maintain a stain-free appearance.
Ceramic braces are a real commitment. Maintaining them takes a bit more work, but it is definitely worth it. With locations in Fort Walton Beach and Niceville, Brodie Bowman Orthodontics strives to make your braces experience as enjoyable as possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation!