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When you visit us at Charleston Orthodontic Specialists for your free consultation, we will go over all of the options for your orthodontic treatment, including ceramic braces. This option works just the same as traditional silver braces, only the brackets are clear to minimize visibility. These braces are just as effective as regular braces, but they will give you a smile that looks less cluttered during your treatment.

This option for braces is great for people who want to have less noticeable treatment, but it does come with a few extra precautions to take. Here are some tips for taking care of your ceramic braces.

Brush Your Teeth After Each Meal

Even with silver braces, it is always best practice to brush your teeth as often as possible, but it becomes extra important when you opt for ceramic braces. This is because the lighter color of the braces makes them more susceptible to staining, which could effectively defeat the purpose of choosing the option in the first place. In order to reduce the risk of staining, be sure to brush your teeth soon after you eat. Doing this also will keep your teeth healthy and looking clean overall, which is always a great thing. Be sure to keep up with flossing on a regular basis along with rinsing with mouthwash to get those places that are hardest to reach.

Avoid Foods That Might Stain Ceramic Brackets

During the course of your treatment, there will be some foods you should try to avoid as much as you can to prevent staining. These foods include tomatoes, colorful sauces, mustard, and wine. We understand it may be too big of an ask to avoid coffee, so just be sure to brush your teeth as soon as possible after you get your coffee fix.

Avoid Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

It may seem a bit counterintuitive to avoid teeth whitening toothpaste when you are trying to keep your ceramic braces looking clean and clear. However, you need to keep in mind that you are also trying to keep the color of your teeth from changing during the course of your treatment. The whitening toothpaste can’t reach underneath your braces, so you may end up having two-toned teeth when your braces are removed if you use tooth whitening toothpaste too frequently.

Don’t Skip Routine Appointments

One of the most essential parts of your orthodontic treatment is keeping up with regular visits to your orthodontist to get your braces adjusted and to make sure everything is looking good. Your orthodontist can clean your braces, make adjustments, and fix anything if there is a problem. Your orthodontist can also give you tips for taking care of your ceramic braces based on your own personal situation and preferences.

Contact Charleston Orthodontic Specialists today to learn more about treatment options and how to take care of your ceramic braces.