How to Clean Clear Braces

February 07, 2020, global dental

Keep Your Clear Braces in Great Condition

Clear braces are a great alternative for traditional braces. They are easy to wear, use, and clean. There are many methods to clean clear braces using natural ones or a variety of products. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices is also crucial to keeping your clear braces in good condition.

Different Ways to Clean Clear Braces

Clear braces are usually made of ceramic materials. They are an excellent option for those who want to restore their teeth’s proper alignment. You can use them to fix your teeth without making it obvious that you are wearing a brace. Gone are the days when you had to wear unsightly metal braces on your teeth. To know more about how to use the clear type of braces and other benefits of wearing one, learn all about clear braces.

The major downside in the use of clear braces is that they can get easily stained. You need to work doubly harder to make sure that it stays as clear as possible. Follow these tips and strategies to keep clear braces stain-free so you can have a beautiful smile:

1. Brush your teeth regularly

Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital even when you wear clear braces. With that said, it is important that you brush your teeth frequently. Brushing your teeth is very important when you wear clear braces since it has a higher chance of being stained. Ideally, you need to brush your teeth after every meal. But if you brush your teeth at least three times a day, this should be enough.

2. Don’t forget to floss!

If you haven’t been flossing, now is a good time to start. Flossing helps you get rid of any food debris that brushing is unable to remove. It is not uncommon for food to get stuck in between your teeth–sometimes with you not even knowing it. Flossing ensures that any food debris is removed completely. This will prevent discoloration of your teeth or the development of gingivitis.

3. Wash it with soap and water.

When you take out your clean braces, it is a good habit to clean it with a soap and water mixture. You need to use warm water (not hot!) that is mixed with a good amount of liquid soap. Mix them together to form suds. Soak your clear braces in this mixture for at least 30 minutes. When that time is up, take the braces off and rinse it clean. This is a simple yet effective way to keep your clear braces looking good. Do this as regularly as needed.

4. Soak it in baking soda.

Another solution similar to the one mentioned above is to clean your clear braces by using baking soda instead of soap. Baking soda is known widely for its whitening properties (in fact, it is commonly used for teeth whitening at home).

You need to mix ½ cup water with a tablespoon of baking soda. Combine this mixture and then soak your clear braces for at least an hour. After an hour, scoop out your clear braces and then rinse them thoroughly before using them again.

5. Wash with vinegar and water.

You can also try another cleaning solution using white vinegar. You need to combine one part of white vinegar with three parts of warm water. Once the cleaning solution is ready, you can soak the clear braces for 20 minutes. When you are done, rinse the braces with cold water.

6. Use peroxide and water solution.

You can try using a peroxide solution for cleaning your clear braces as well. For this cleaning solution, you need equal parts of warm water and hydrogen peroxide. You must soak the clear braces in the solution for 30 minutes. After that, you can rinse it thoroughly.

7. Use prescribed cleaning products.

Aside from the recommended homemade cleaning solutions above, you can clean your braces with the prescribed cleaning products. Be wary about the products sold in most stores as some of them could end up damaging your braces. Make sure to use only the cleaning products that are prescribed by your orthodontist.

A safe option is to go for a retainer cleaner. This one is available over the counter and is fairly affordable. You need to add one drop of the retainer cleaner into a cup of warm water. Soak your clear braces in the solution for 20 minutes. After that, you have to rinse the braces thoroughly before using them again.

There are many steps to clean your clear braces and you can choose a method that suits you best. You can even try out different methods to see which ones can provide the best cleaning solution for your clear braces.

8. Have your clear braces professionally cleaned.

At-home cleaning of clear braces is only a preventive step to ensure that they will last long. But if you want to maintain the integrity of your braces, professional cleaning is recommended. In fact, orthodontists recommend you have yours professionally cleaned at least twice a year. You need to visit your orthodontist (where you got your braces from) so they can do the cleaning for you.

How to Avoid Staining Your Clear Braces

As the old adage says, prevention is always better than cure. You need to take precautionary steps when cleaning your clear braces so you can avoid staining them. Take note of these tips to help you out:

Stop smoking. If you are a smoker, wearing clear braces is a good reason to quit. The nicotine causes your teeth to become stained and look yellowish. It can also cause the same effect on your clear braces over time.

Avoid foods and drinks that stain your teeth. You need to identify certain types of food that can cause staining on your teeth. The same goes with colored drinks, too (such as coffee, juices, dark sodas). If it cannot be avoided, use a straw when drinking. Among the food items to avoid are anything with tomato sauce, curries, mustard, or any food with intense color.

Avoid use of drugs. Use of drugs must be avoided at all cost. If you want to keep your clear braces clean, this is yet another reason to abstain. Drug use can cause damage to your teeth as well as severe discoloration. Even if you do your best to clean your braces, it won’t be any help if your teeth are discolored or damaged.

Comments