Clear braces are quickly becoming one of the most popular choices for people who need orthodontic treatment, as they are almost completely invisible. The material of the clear braces makes them very hard to see to onlookers, especially when compared to traditional metal braces in Vancouver.
However, because of the colour of the clear braces, they can be more difficult to care for and it is imperative to maintain them to avoid staining – which would ruin the whole purpose of the braces being clear.
Below are some tips we have put together to help you keep your invisible braces clean and free of stains.
Avoid Foods That Stain
Some foods are far more prone to stain your teeth as well as your clear braces. Some of the worst foods for staining clear braces include sodas, tomatoes, mustard, and coffee. The dark colours in these foods can cause stains on both your teeth and on your clear braces if you are not careful. It is best to avoid these foods, but in cases where you cannot avoid them, it’s important to brush your teeth immediately after consuming them.
Brush After Eating
Even if the foods you are eating are not high-risk for staining your braces, you should always brush immediately after a meal to lessen the chance of stains to both your braces and your teeth. In addition to keeping your braces clean, frequent brushing will also help to avoid tooth decay behind the brackets of the braces.
Avoid Whitening Toothpaste
The allure of a whitening toothpaste can be strong, but in some cases, these toothpastes may be doing more harm than good. The toothpaste will not stain your braces, but it can potentially leave spots on your teeth once the braces are removed – since you can’t brush behind the braces themselves, it is best to avoid whitening treatments.
Always Floss & Rinse
No matter how thoroughly you brush your teeth, you could miss spots. Flossing your teeth and rinsing with mouthwash will help to ensure all food particles are removed from your teeth and braces – if not dealt with, these particles can cause staining to your teeth and braces.
Make Frequent Follow Up Appointments
Regularly visiting your orthodontist is one of the best ways to ensure you are taking proper care of your braces. Your dental team can give you additional tips and can detect potential stains before they become obvious.
Clear braces can be beneficial as they are nearly invisible – but extra efforts are necessary to ensure that the braces do not stain. Following these steps, and checking in frequently with your orthodontist will keep your smile white and clean on your journey to straight teeth.
Hello! I’m Dr. Kevin Lee, a certified orthodontic specialist at PacificWest Dental Group, proudly serving the vibrant communities of Vancouver and Surrey. My journey into orthodontics began back in high school. As a teenager wearing braces, I became fascinated by the intricate blend of art, engineering, and biology that defines this field. This early experience ignited a passion that has guided me throughout my career.
I pursued my academic journey at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry in 2006, followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine in 2011. After a year-long residency at Montefiore Medical Center in New York, I returned to UBC to complete a combined Master of Science in Craniofacial Biology and a Diploma in Orthodontics in 2015. That same year, I achieved certification from both the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and the American Board of Orthodontics.
With over a decade of clinical experience, I remain deeply committed to staying at the forefront of orthodontic advancements. At PacificWest Dental Group, we prioritize personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs, ensuring comfort and care every step of the way. Our goal is to help you achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Outside the clinic, I enjoy engaging with our community and staying active. Whether it’s through local events or outdoor activities, I believe in building strong relationships both inside and outside the office. I look forward to meeting you and working together to create a beautiful, confident smile.
Services we provide:
-Invisalign
-Braces
-Lingual Braces
-Digital treatment planning
-TMJ and headpain treatment
-Laser Therapy
-Sleep Apnea Oral Appliance
-Dysport Cosmetic Injectables
