Clear ceramic braces are a popular orthodontic treatment that is discreet yet effective in creating a perfectly aligned smile. However, a lot of patients find that their ceramic braces seem to turn yellow the longer they wear them, reversing the clear quality. While this is a difficult problem to pin a cause to, it is a problem that can be avoided.

Jaffe Orthodontics is a popular orthodontic practice with locations in Barrington and Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Our locations serve these cities and many surrounding areas in Massachusetts, and our staff works hard to ensure you are satisfied with your orthodontic treatments and treatment experience. We not only offer ceramic braces but also Invisalign treatments, malocclusion, and more.
 

How Do Ceramic Braces Change Color?

Ceramic brackets are naturally stain-resistance and will never discolor no matter how long you wear them. However, the elastic bands that attach these brackets to the teeth are not stain-resistant and may seem to turn yellow with time.

Most of the time, the discoloration of these bands is a result of what you eat and drink. Other times, this may be a result of a lack of oral hygiene. In either case, discoloration is often permanent once it occurs and cannot be reversed unless the braces are completely replaced.
 

How to Prevent Discoloration of Ceramic Braces

While it is not possible to reverse the yellowing of ceramic braces, you can take a few steps to prevent further discoloration from happening or, ideally, to prevent any discoloration from happening in the first place.
 

Diet Changes

There are a lot of foods and drinks that can stain the elastic bands used with ceramic braces. You can cut these out of your diet while wearing braces, and these include:

• Coffee
• Red wine
• Dark teas
• Dark sodas
• Berries
• Tomatoes and tomato sauces
• Beets
• Soy sauce
• Balsamic vinegar
• Artificially colored foods or drinks

Better Oral Hygiene

Another way you can prevent the discoloration of ceramic braces, no matter what you eat, is by brushing your teeth more frequently. Brushing after every meal can not only protect your teeth but also the clear quality of your braces. Regular flossing is helpful, too, as is using a mouthwash rinse that is safe to use with ceramic braces.
 

How to Get Ceramic Braces

If you are interested in getting clear braces, contact us at Jaffe Orthodontics. Our professional staff can consult with you to see if ceramic braces may be a fit for you or your teen.

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