Adjusting to life with braces can be challenging; the last thing you want to worry about is having your braces come off and being left with discolored teeth from where your brace brackets used to be. With the proper care, you can maintain your pearly whites throughout the duration of your orthodontics. Follow the below tips and tricks from Orthodontic Specialists of White Plains for a smile that you will love!
5 easy tips for avoiding teeth staining from wearing braces
Brush After Every Meal – This one may be a no brainer, but it can also be the most overlooked maintenance task that brace wearers face. Brushing after every meal can help with staining, but it also helps with preventing food from being trapped in your brace brackets which can lead to staining, cavities, or more if you’re not brushing after every meal.
- Don’t Use Whitening Toothpaste – Although using whitening toothpaste may seem like the right thing to do, you’re actually going to increase the chances of staining if you use a whitening toothpaste. When you use whitening toothpaste when you have braces, the exposed parts of your teeth will be whitened, while the areas of your teeth behind the brackets will remain the same. Stick to a regular, non-whitening formula for your toothpaste while you’re wearing braces.
- Avoid Foods That Stain – Some of the best foods that we enjoy can stain our teeth. From red wines to coffee or sodas, these can not only stain your teeth, but your brackets as well. If you’d like to indulge in foods with teeth staining properties, try to use a straw or you can simply brush your teeth as soon as you’re done with your beverage or meal.
- Try Sealants – In some cases, a sealant can be put on your teeth prior to having braces installed which helps prevent new stains from forming on your teeth. Ask your orthodontist if having a sealant put on your teeth before braces is right for you.
- Don’t Skip Your Orthodontic Appointments – Even if you do not need an adjustment, it’s still smart to see your orthodontist especially if you’re concerned with staining. Did you know that the rubber bands on your braces can cause staining also? Regular orthodontist visits will ensure your rubber bands are being swapped out at the right times to prevent stains from forming on your teeth.
If you follow the above tips, you can rest assured that you’re doing almost everything in your power to prevent your teeth from becoming stained while you wear your orthodontic appliances. Whether you have metal braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, there’s always solutions available to help keep your teeth looking the best that they can while you have braces. Call Orthodontic Specialists of White Plains today with any questions you may have, or to schedule your next orthodontic adjustment.
