We like clear braces exactly the way they are – clear. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can help keep them the way they were designed while ensuring your treatment stays discreet. In this post, our top dentists – serving Stockport, Manchester and beyond – share a few suggestions and ensure your clear aligners, […]
We like clear braces exactly the way they are – clear. Luckily, there are lots of ways you can help keep them the way they were designed while ensuring your treatment stays discreet. In this post, our top dentists – serving Stockport, Manchester and beyond – share a few suggestions and ensure your clear aligners, and your teeth, stay in excellent condition.
Why do clear braces stain?
Clear braces (or aligners) are generally made from acrylic, which is a type of plastic. It’s chosen because it’s mouth-safe, comfortable and almost invisible in the mouth. However, being clear, it can become discoloured or stained for certain foods and bad habits.
What can stain clear braces?
Any kind of food or drink could do untold harm to your clear aligners. That’s because they’re simply not meant to be worn while eating, drinking or smoking (except for water, of course). Having said that, there’s also a chance you could stain them by putting them in after eating or drinking a staining foodstuff. Some of the worst culprits? Tea, coffee, red wine and rich curry sauces.
How can I avoid staining my clear aligners?
Always take them out for meals, snacks, smoke breaks and chewing gum (in fact, we recommend you stop smoking altogether – it’s extremely harmful to your oral health, but that’s for another post for another day!). The other thing you can do is to ensure you rinse your clear braces on removal before you pop them back in. Finally, soaking in solution (denture cleaner or Invisalign crystals) can do wonders for preventing discolouration or dullness of your clear aligners.
Can you whiten clear braces?
You might be thinking of whitening trays, which are different altogether. We don’t use Invisalign aligners, or other clear braces, to whiten the teeth as this can damage them (for instance, making the acrylic brittle). It’s an interesting idea, though.
How do I care for my clear braces?
As we’ve mentioned, it’s down to rinsing, soaking, and perhaps the occasional brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Never use any chemicals – even toothpaste – on your clear braces. And, keep them in your Invisalign case when you’re not wearing them. Invisalign has some great options.
How do I get clear aligners?
It all starts with a simple consultation. Talk to our top dentists today and we’ll book you in when it’s convenient for you. Providing you’re suitable for treatment, we’ll then start you on your teeth straightening journey – complete with our clear aligners!
