How to Avoid Staining Clear Braces
One of the main services we offer alongside traditional metal braces and Invisalign aligners are clear braces. This orthodontic treatment has brackets made of ceramic or porcelain, which are either clear or shade-matched to the natural color of your teeth.
Clear braces usually blend in very well with your teeth. Patients with lighter teeth can use clear porcelain brackets, but we usually recommend those with slightly darker teeth use tooth-colored brackets. We also use similarly colored wires and rubber bands with porcelain braces to better continue the less noticeable look.
By comparison, traditional braces are more obvious because of the metal used. For patients looking for something that’s more discreet when you talk or smile or laugh, this is a great option. Ceramic braces are designed to be less noticeable, which makes them an optimal alternative to traditional braces.
Advantages of Clear Braces
This treatment is a popular option for adults. With our free consultations, an orthodontist will go over the details of the various orthodontic services Braces Braces offers, whether you are considering traditional metal braces, clear braces or Invisalign. So you can choose the right plan for your lifestyle and needs. Each plan is comprehensive and custom to your teeth, which is why ensuring you understand the specifics of our services is a priority for our team. There are several benefits and advantages to ceramic braces:
- Less harsh on the teeth and gums compared to metal braces
- Results in improved appearance and function
- Less noticeable because they use clear, semi-translucent or tooth-colored ceramic brackets to blend in well
- Incredibly strong and durable because of the ceramic material
What To Know About Staining
Do clear braces stain?
The original design of ceramic braces years ago did have staining issues. Modern porcelain braces do not have staining issues. There is a lot of information—and misinformation—on the internet, and we want to set the record straight.
Today’s clear braces are actually designed to withstand staining.
Porcelain braces do use clear small rubber bands, called ligatures, to hold the arch wire onto the ceramic brackets. You’ve probably seen or heard of these little rubber bands; they’re used in both ceramic and metal braces. The rubber bands can stain, particularly if you drink dark stain-causing beverages. If you are a smoker, smoking can also stain the ligatures.
The rubber bands stain because they are made from a porous material. Having said that, we do change the rubber bands every time you visit our office for an adjustment, so you’ll always have new rubber bands. Your brackets aren’t stained, just the small bands, which can be changed in about a month’s time.
Caring For Ceramic Braces
As with any braces, caring for ceramic or porcelain braces is very important. Brushing after every meal is key, and you can also rinse your mouth frequently throughout the day after eating snacks or drinking beverages to remove any particles.
You know we also have to mention how important it is that you don’t forget to floss. You can ask our office about special flossing materials made specifically for braces if you’re having difficulty getting around the wires and brackets. All of these measures keep food from getting under your wires. Brushing and flossing cuts down on tooth decay and can also help with any issues you’re experiencing with rubber band staining.
Another way you can care for your braces is by trying to avoid foods that are known to cause staining or broken brackets. We don’t want you to have to drastically change your diet, and that’s not something your orthodontist expects, but avoiding sticky foods that tend to damage braces or foods that have a tendency to stain can help protect your teeth. Coffee, wine and red-colored foods are some of the biggest culprits.
We also recommend you don’t use whitening toothpaste because of how it can result in different shades on your teeth, and to keep up with routine checkups. We schedule quick appointments every few weeks to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
And remember, if you do experience staining, don’t worry because when your orthodontic treatment is complete, we can clean and whiten the teeth to make your new smile as bright as possible!
Start Your Treatment Today!
If clear ceramic braces sound like the right choice for you, call us at (770) 222-2322 or contact us online to learn more about this treatment. Our team is happy to answer any of your questions and schedule a free consultation for you. At Braces Braces, we offer clear braces for all ages—kids, teenagers and adults.
Clear braces do tend to cost more than traditional braces because of the innovative approach to appearance. For questions about insurance and financing, you can find out more information here or reach out to a member of our team.
We have several convenient locations in the greater Atlanta area, including Acworth, Hiram, Covington, Marietta – East Cobb, Alpharetta, Suwanee, Atlanta- Madison Yards and McDonough.
