Tooth-coloured braces offer the best of both worlds—the effectiveness and versatility of traditional fixed braces coupled with a more discreet appearance.
If you’ve recently had tooth-coloured braces fitted or you’re considering this treatment option, keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential for both your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
At The London Smile Clinic, we want your treatment to progress smoothly while keeping your braces as unnoticeable as possible. For this reason, we’ve put together this essential guide on caring for your tooth-coloured braces, including what to do and what to avoid to keep them in the best condition.
Why Proper Care Matters
Tooth-coloured braces are designed to blend in with your teeth, but they do require more attention than metal braces to stay discreet. Without proper care, you may encounter:
- Staining or discolouration: Clear brackets and ligatures can absorb food and drink pigments, making them stand out more than intended.
- Plaque buildup: Poor hygiene can lead to plaque accumulating around brackets, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Weak or broken brackets: Certain foods and habits can damage brackets, delaying or preventing treatment progress.
- Bad breath: Food trapped around the brackets can lead to unpleasant odours if not properly cleaned.
Luckily, with the right approach, you can avoid these issues and keep your braces looking and functioning at their best. Caring for your braces shouldn’t take much time or effort, but it’s worth taking a few minutes to familiarise yourself with the best practices.
Do’s: The Best Ways to Care for Your Tooth-Coloured Braces
1. Brush After Every Meal
Brushing twice daily is essential, but with braces, you should aim to brush after every meal to remove food debris and prevent staining.
To ensure your teeth and braces stay healthy and clean, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently for two or more minutes, paying close attention to the area around the brackets to prevent damage.
Using an interdental brush can also help you clean hard-to-reach areas.
2. Floss Daily
Flossing with braces can be tricky, but it’s essential for preventing plaque buildup between the teeth. Use orthodontic floss or a floss threader to navigate around the brackets. Alternatively, water flossers can also be effective for removing trapped debris.
3. Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash
A fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen enamel and reduce the risk of cavities, especially if you struggle to clean around brackets. Rinse once a day, preferably before bed. It’s best to avoid coloured mouthwashes, as these could stain your clear brackets or ligatures.
4. Choose Braces-Friendly Foods
To prevent damage and staining, opt for softer, less pigmented foods. Good choices include yoghurts, pasta, soft fruits, and steamed vegetables. It’s best to avoid anything that’s too sticky, hard, or crunchy, as these can break your brackets.
5. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps wash away food particles and prevents staining.
6. Visit Us for Regular Checkups
Routine appointments at The London Smile Clinic ensure that your braces and your teeth remain in good condition and that your treatment stays on track.
Don’ts: Mistakes to Avoid with Tooth-Coloured Braces
1. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Some foods and drinks can cause your brackets or ligatures to discolour over time. To keep them looking clear, limit the amount of coffee, tea, and red wine you drink, and brush your teeth after eating berries, tomato-based sauces, and curries.
If you can’t brush your teeth straight after consuming any of these, rinse your mouth with water afterwards and brush your teeth when possible.
2. Don’t Use Whitening Products
While it might seem like a good idea, whitening toothpaste or treatments can cause uneven colouration once the brackets are removed. The exposed tooth surfaces will whiten, but the areas under the brackets will not.
If you’re interested in teeth whitening, talk to us first, and we can advise on the best course of action.
3. Don’t Skip Your Cleaning Routine
Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to plaque buildup around the brackets, increasing the risk of stains, decay, and gum disease. Sticking to a consistent cleaning routine is crucial.
4. Avoid Chewing Hard or Sticky Foods
Chewing ice, popcorn, nuts, or hard sweets can damage brackets and delay treatment. Sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum can be difficult to clean from brackets and increase plaque buildup. Not only this, but certain foods may cause damage to the brackets or wires.
Similarly, you should avoid biting your nails or chewing pens and pencils.
5. Don’t Forget to Carry a Travel Toothbrush
Since brushing after meals is recommended, keeping a small toothbrush with you can help you maintain good oral hygiene throughout the day.
What Should You Do If Your Braces Become Stained?
If you notice discolouration on your brackets or ligatures, you can minimise further staining and potentially reverse the effects by:
- Increase brushing frequency: More regular cleaning can help lift surface stains. If you’re only brushing your teeth in the morning and evening, consider brushing after every meal.
- Ask us about changing ligatures: If your clear elastic bands have stained, they can be replaced at your next appointment.
- Consider professional cleaning: a visit to our dental hygienist will help you keep your braces and teeth clean and healthy during your teeth-straightening treatment. We can remove stubborn plaque and stains to keep your smile looking fresh.
Tooth-Coloured Braces at The London Smile Clinic
Caring for your tooth-coloured braces takes a little extra effort, but it’s well worth it to maintain their discreet look and keep your teeth in excellent condition. By following these simple do’s and don’ts, you’ll ensure your treatment stays on track and your smile stays bright throughout the process.
At The London Smile Clinic, we’re here to help you every step of the way. If you have any questions or concerns about your braces, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Contact us today to book your teeth straightening appointment.
