For those seeking the perfect smile, white braces are often a popular choice due to their discreet appearance. Many people prefer them to traditional metal braces as they are much less noticeable, however, with improper care staining can occur which can ruin the look of the braces. Here are our top tips for keeping your white braces looking clean and bright:
Unfortunately, ceramic white braces do stain quite easily if not well maintained. This can be prevented by adopting some good practices. So, how should you look after your braces? Start by knowing the factors which cause staining. Then, learn measures that you can take to prevent them from affecting you. Otherwise, you will likely learn the hard way. Don’t let stains on your braces ruin your future! Examine and learn the preventative measures that will save you and your teeth from stain and decay.
Visit the Dentist Regularly
Your dentist or dental hygienist will make sure that your braces and teeth are spotlessly clean and that your mouth is healthy. They will also replace your ligatures (the tiny elastic part of the braces), which is the part of the braces that usually discolours first and be able to give you the latest advice on keeping your braces in excellent condition.
Avoid Foods that Cause Stains
Foods such as coffee, red wine and cola can cause stains even if you are taking good care of your teeth and braces. Too many sugary foods can also create a build-up of plaque around braces leading to discolouration, and chewy or sticky foods such as toffee or gum can become easily entangled in braces and difficult to clean away. These foods should be minimised or ideally cut out altogether while you are wearing your braces.
Brush Teeth After Meals
One of the most important things to realise is that food gets trapped between brackets which can cause tooth decay. Many distractions can take focus away from cleanliness, which includes the mouth. It’s also common for some people to feel that rinsing or toothpicks are enough to clear the teeth after meals. However, even if your mouth feels clean, it doesn’t mean that it is. Brush teeth and braces after each meal to wash away food colours and flavours. Make it a habit to maintain a clean and healthy mouth. Brushing straight away means that food particles do not have the chance to sit on your teeth and around your braces causing staining. It is recommended that you use a soft, round bristled toothbrush or an electric toothbrush if preferred and spend two minutes minimum brushing.
Rinse and Floss
Rinsing is a fairly common practice and, yes, it does have a small degree of effectiveness when cleaning the mouth. However, rinsing with water alone will not do the trick. Apply floss, especially where a tooth brush is not well equipped to reach. Flossing regularly after snacks ensures teeth and brackets are constantly clean, thereby reducing stains and fading. Always clear the dirt away to prevent decay. Using a fluoride mouthwash after brushing your teeth and getting into the habit of using dental floss at least once per day, will help to clean out food particles and stains in those hard to reach areas that you may miss when brushing.
If you find yourself without your toothbrush, or in a situation where you are not able to brush, then rinse the mouth out vigorously with water after eating and brush as soon as you can.
Don’t Smoke
As well as the well-known risks to your overall health, the nicotine can stain not only your teeth (leaving patches when the braces are removed) but can also cause the ligatures and braces to yellow.
What Else?
It may seem daunting to put these tasks into effect. A little extra effort each day until it becomes routine will get you there.
