Clear braces and clear aligners have become popular with patients. Not everyone wants that “mouthful of metal” look they assume regular braces will give them. While today’s braces are smaller and less noticeable than those of the past, they still may not be everyone’s cup of tea. That’s why Hodges Orthodontics offers our patients clear braces and clear aligners. They’re less visible than braces — as long as you keep them clean and stain-free. That is sometimes easier said than done.
Hodges Orthodontics offers Damon clear braces and Invisalign® and Invisalign® Teen clear aligners. All of these products are designed to be stain-resistant, but stains can still happen, particularly with certain habits. There are ways to keep your orthodontic appliances clean and stain-free. Here are a few tips to keep that smile beautiful throughout your treatment!
Clear braces vs. Clear aligners
What are ceramic braces, commonly called clear braces? What’s the difference between clear braces and clear aligners? There are quite a few differences, but both deliver amazing results.
Damon Clear Braces offer the same comfort as our metal braces but use ceramic brackets that blend better with your teeth. Our clear braces use the same technology to provide lighter force and more efficiency to your treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners are a popular alternative to braces and one of the best-known brands of clear aligners. Clear acrylic trays are custom-molded to your teeth to apply gentle pressure that moves your teeth into the correct positions. Invisalign works for most patients as an alternative to braces. They are nearly invisible, so people may not even realize you’re wearing them!
Can you stain clear braces?
Do clear braces stain easily? Do clear braces stain at all? Clear braces are made to be stain-resistant, but they can stain with repeated use of staining foods and drinks, such as dark fruits and fruit juices, coffee, soft drinks, tomato sauces, and other such foods and drinks. However, it will take a long time to stain your clear braces because they are so stain-resistant.
The type of clear braces we offer doesn’t use elastics, limiting the amount of staining you will see. Clear elastics are often used with traditional clear braces. Those elastics can soak up just about anything and stain pretty quickly. So clear bands will stain on braces. Luckily, you don’t need to worry about that with these braces!
Invisalign clear aligners are also made to be stain-resistant. However, they can stain over time, so it’s recommended that you remove them when eating or drinking. Rinse them off and brush your teeth before putting them back in your mouth!
Can you prevent stains on clear braces?
While it’s possible to get stains on clear braces, it’s also possible to reduce or prevent stains on clear braces. You may have to avoid certain foods and drinks during your treatment, but you’ll have hard-to-see braces throughout your treatment!
Brush and floss immediately
Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking hard foods and drinks. The longer they’re on your teeth, the better the chances they will stain your teeth. If you can’t brush your teeth right away, try rinsing your mouth with clear water to get as much of the color off your teeth as possible.
Don’t ingest food or drinks that stain
Avoid food and drinks that can stain your clear braces. Coffee, tea, fruit juices, wine, tomato sauce, chocolate, and other such foods and drinks. It may be difficult to avoid some of these, but remember, it’s just temporary!
Avoid colored spices
Certain spices can also stain your clear braces. Turmeric, saffron, curry powders, chili powders, and other deep-colored spices can stain your clear braces and teeth. Food coloring and even colored mouthwash can stain your teeth. Again, it’s best to avoid these items and brush as soon as possible if you can’t.
Avoid smoking, vaping, and other tobacco products
We all know smoking, vaping, and using tobacco products can be bad for your health but also for your clear braces. These products stain your teeth, so of course, they can stain your braces. Avoid using these during treatment to prevent the yellowing of your braces. Various programs and even some prescriptions are available to help you quit. Talk to your doctor or us if you’re interested in quitting.
Getting beautiful teeth with clear braces
While it’s possible to stain your clear braces or clear aligners, it’s difficult to do because they are made of stain-resistant material. It takes a long time for noticeable stains to build up. As long as you brush and floss daily at least twice a day, you can keep your clear braces and clear aligners bright and clean!
If you think clear braces or clear aligners are right for you, contact Hodges Orthodontics by scheduling a free consultation in our Tupelo, MS, or Pontotoc, MS office. We can provide a full examination and determine whether clear braces or clear aligners are best for you. We can help you create a bright, beautiful smile you can be proud to show off!
