Keeping your braces clean
If you are wearing Damon Clear braces like me, you may be wondering how you can keep your braces from getting stained?
You can maintain the beauty and clarity of your virtually invisible braces by understanding how your braces can appear to be “stained” and what you can do about it.
The first thing to know is that Damon Clear braces do not stain!!
Since they are made of sturdy polycrystalline alumina (PCA), an inert material, they are impervious to staining or discoloration
But…Even though the brackets themselves will not stain, the adhesive and other materials used to bond them to your teeth may stain. In addition, it is possible for fluids from food or beverages to get trapped in the slide that opens the bracket.
Because of the translucency of Damon Clear brackets, if the material used to bond them becomes stained or if fluid gets trapped in the slide, it can appear as if the bracket itself is stained.
So, here are a few tips on how to help keep your Damon Clear braces virtually invisible:
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene and Avoid Certain Foods
Brush your teeth and braces after each meal or snack followed by a thorough rinsing with water or antiseptic dental rinse as well as flossing at least once daily. (I use my handy braces care pack, I carry a toothbrush & toothpaste, floss, wax and a mirror in a little bag everywhere I go, in my handbag!)
Try to avoid certain food & drinks during treatment, like the heavy consumption of coffee, red wine or tea, including green tea. I love coffee & tea, so when Ii do drink any of the more colored drinks, I use a straw to try to bypass contact with my braces. (be careful using a straw with hot drinks!)
- How to Remove Fluid Trapped in the Bracket Slide
If food particles or fluids from food or beverages get trapped in the slide, simply make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) and brush your braces. Although a manual toothbrush is fine for cleaning, using an electric toothbrush may work better!
By following these simple steps, your Damon Clear braces will remain virtually invisible throughout treatment
and will reflect the natural color of your teeth as your beautiful new smile emerges.