It's Perfectly Clear: How To Care For Your Clear Braces

If your orthodontist has recommended braces to straighten your teeth, it's time to talk to them about clear braces. Clear braces will straighten your teeth just as well as traditional metal braces but without the obvious brackets and wires. To keep your braces clear, you'll need to take some extra steps to keep them clean and stain-free. After all, even a little discoloration will be noticeable when you have clear braces. Here are just a few tips that will help you keep your clear braces clean and stain-free.

Ramp Up the Brushing

If you're used to brushing your teeth once in the morning and once at night, it's time to ramp up your schedule. Once you're wearing clear braces, you'll still need to brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night. However, to keep your teeth and braces clean, it's actually a good idea to also brush your teeth after each meal. In fact, you should carry an interproximal brush with you so that you can clean the spaces between your clear braces after each meal.

Carry Mouthwash With You

If you rinse with mouthwash once a day, that's a good start. However, now that you'll be wearing clear braces, you'll need to increase the number of times you rinse each day. You should actually rinse with mouthwash after each meal, as well as each time you brush your teeth. Rinsing with mouthwash doesn't just leave your breath fresh, it also removes the germs that could lead to plaque and tooth decay. Not only that, but it will rinse away the substances that can discolor your clear braces. To make sure you can rinse as needed, carry a small bottle of mouthwash with you.

Watch What You Eat and Drink

You already know that you'll need to watch what you eat while wearing braces. That's because some foods can damage your braces, especially food such as popcorn. However, you'll also need to avoid foods and drinks that can cause discoloration. The last thing you want is to have your teeth and clear braces stained by things like red beverages, cherries, or other things that can leave stains. While you're wearing clear braces, avoid consuming anything that can leave stains. If you do consume something that can leave stains, be sure to rinse with your mouthwash as soon as possible.

Avoid Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits

If you begin to notice staining on your teeth while wearing clear braces, be sure to avoid over-the-counter whitening kits. Those might have worked well to remove minor stains from your teeth before you began orthodontic treatment. However, they can severely discolor your clear braces. If you're bothered by stains or discoloration during orthodontic treatment, visit your orthodontist. They can get rid of the stains without ruining your braces.

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