The benefit of having white braces over metal braces is that the colour blends in with a patient’s natural teeth. Yet similar to teeth white braces can stain if not looked after. The braces consist of brackets attached to wires by elastic ligatures, and while manufacturers are improving the stain resistance of the brackets, all parts are still susceptible to staining. However, some fairly straightforward practices and changes can help keep white braces clean.
Good Dental Hygiene Practices
Brushing your teeth remains just as important when wearing braces. It should be part of the daily routine and this should not change. Brushing and rinsing teeth after meals will remove any food colouring that could stain the braces and also remove any bits of food that get caught in the brackets. Further flossing will also help prevent staining by cleaning those harder to reach spots that a brush may miss.
A soft toothbrush is preferable to clean braces whether manual or electric, but it is best to avoid using whitening toothpaste. This removes the possibility when the white braces are eventually removed from leaving a clear demarcating line visible beneath.
The whole process of cleaning and flossing also allows the opportunity to check for any brackets that have become loose and may need attention from your dentist.
Regular Check-ups
When fitted with white braces regular visits to the dentist will be required as the elastic ligatures will need frequent changing. Apart from having new and stain free ligatures, the dentist will check the brackets for any issues of alignment and staining. It is vital to keep these appointments as they will aid in keeping the white braces clean, with the replacement ligatures helping provide a fresh feel and look to the braces.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
While wearing white braces some changes to eating habits can prevent staining. Foods containing tomato or mustard are examples of foods with strong colouring that can stain the braces. Coffee is another prime example of a food which stains. It is best to avoid these, but if that is not possible then brushing your teeth or rinsing with water after eating may reduce the degree of staining. Other simple measures such as using a straw when drinking dark coloured drinks can also help keep white braces clean.
No Smoking
Nicotine is known to stain teeth and this is no different with white braces. The stain from nicotine cannot be removed by normal cleaning and brace wearers will be asked to stop smoking by their dentist when fitted with a white brace.
Ultimately the effectiveness of the braces overall and the effectiveness in keeping them clean and stain free is a cooperation between dentist and patient. By following these simple practices, a healthy confident smile can be maintained by reducing the chances of staining on the white braces.
