If you want a more subtle, unobtrusive look, then clear braces are for you! Although they aren’t totally invisible braces, they’re made with materials that blend in with the natural look of your teeth – all while giving you the exceptional teeth-straightening results of normal braces. While they are very similar in structure and design to metal braces, there are some things you need to do to keep them looking good and get the best results from this orthodontic treatment.
Modify your diet – just a bit
When you’re wearing these braces, you need to avoid very hard, chewy, and sticky foods. This includes raw carrots, hard sweets, toffee, whole apples, and chewing ice (which can even break your teeth). Rather steam your veggies, cut apples into small slices, and stick to a milkshake, soft cake, or soft chocolates (no nuts or caramel!).
Avoid staining foods and drinks
Some foods and drinks have natural or artificial colourants in them that can stain the clear structures in your braces, making them turn an unpleasant brown over time. This includes tea and coffee, soft drinks, tomatoes, beetroot, and wine. It’s not easy to avoid these foods all the time, but you can limit how often you have them and make sure you brush your teeth well after. Having a little bottle of mouthwash with you when you go out or are at the office can also be a great help!
Quit smoking
Everyone knows smoking is bad for your health, even the health of your teeth and gums, but it also creates very bad stains! Nicotine and tobacco stain the clear structures of your braces a yellowy brown and even your teeth themselves, which can leave very bad markings on the teeth after you have your clear braces removed. There’s no better time to quit than when you get your clear braces!
Brush and floss
This really is the secret to healthy, clean teeth and braces! Try to brush your teeth after each meal and floss once or twice a day, as this will remove food and drink particles that will stain your braces and tooth enamel. It will also help prevent tooth decay, smelly breath, and tartar build-up, which develops much more easily when you have braces.
Use a good mouthwash
Using mouthwash is a great option for between brushing, especially after having lunch at work or eating a snack. This also helps prevent over-brushing, where we can actually damage our gums and tooth enamel from too much scrubbing. This is also a great neutralising your breath and killing germs!
Don’t use whitening products
It might sound like a good idea to use whitening mouthwash and toothpaste when you’re wearing clear braces, but it’s really not a good idea. They may whiten your teeth and keep your invisible braces looking good, but the products can’t get to the areas where your braces are attached to each tooth. So, when you have the braces removed, you’ll have darker marks on your teeth!
Visit the dentist
Try to get your teeth professionally cleaned at the dentist 2 to 3 times a year while you have your clear braces. This will not only keep your braces and teeth looking clean and healthy, but it will also help you stay on top of any oral health issues like potential cavities, tartar build-up, and gum health issues. They will also be able to clean the clear ceramic braces, removing stains that naturally develop over your treatment period.
Keep up with your orthodontic check-ups
Put your orthodontic check-ups in your calendar and do your best to stick with them! If you do have to miss one, make sure you reschedule as soon as possible. These check-ups not only help make sure your teeth straightening process is still on track and perform adjustments as needed, it’s also a chance for your orthodontist to check the condition of your clear braces and the health of your teeth.
Go see the specialists in clear braces – Book a free consultation at our orthodontic clinic in Dandenong
If you want to speak to an orthodontist in Dandenong about correcting uneven teeth, then it’s time to visit our clinic. We offer a wide range of orthodontic solutions for kids, teens, and adults, including clear braces, Invisalign and metal braces. Book your appointment today at the best orthodontic clinic in Melbourne.