Choosing ceramic braces is a fantastic way to straighten your teeth discreetly. Popular among professionals and students alike, these "clear" or tooth coloured braces offer a subtle alternative to traditional metal. However, because the brackets are designed to blend in with your natural enamel, keeping them pristine is essential to maintain that "invisible" look.
If you are undergoing treatment at ODL Dental Clinic or considering starting your journey, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about maintaining your appliance.
Ceramic braces are made from high-quality polycrystalline alumina, which is naturally resistant to stains. However, the clear or white elastic ligatures (the tiny rubber bands that hold the wire in place) are porous. These bands can easily absorb pigments from food and drink, turning yellow or brown if not cared for properly.
At ODL Dental Clinic, we often remind our patients that while the brackets stay white, your habits determine how clear the overall brace looks. Living in a fast-paced city like London means many of us rely on coffee or grab quick lunches on the go, making a solid cleaning routine even more vital.
To keep your smile bright, you must be more diligent than someone without braces. Follow these steps at least three times a day.
While the general rule is to brush twice a day, brace wearers should ideally brush after every meal or snack. Food particles trapped against ceramic brackets are not just unsightly; they can lead to plaque buildup and "white spots" on the teeth.
A standard toothbrush cannot reach the narrow gaps between the wires and your teeth. Interdental brushes (often called "proxabrush" or "tepe brushes") are your best friend. They are small, pine tree-shaped tools that slide under the wire to flick out trapped debris.
Flossing is notoriously tricky with fixed appliances. Using a floss threader or specialised orthodontic floss allows you to pull the thread behind the wire. If you find this too time-consuming, a water flosser is a brilliant investment for Londoners with a busy schedule.
If you are out and cannot brush immediately after eating, rinse your mouth vigorously with water. This helps dislodge large particles and neutralises acids from food.
Keeping your ceramic braces white is largely about diet. Some of London's favourite treats are the worst offenders for staining clear ligatures.
At ODL Dental Clinic, our clinicians replace your elastic ligatures during your monthly adjustment appointments. If you do accidentally stain them, don't worry—you will get a fresh, clear set at your next visit.
While home care is the foundation of oral health, professional intervention is necessary for the best results.
During your visits to ODL Dental Clinic, your orthodontist will not only tighten your wires but also perform a mini-check on your hygiene. This is the perfect time to ask for tips if you are struggling with a specific area of your mouth.
We recommend booking a professional hygiene session every three to four months while wearing braces. A hygienist can use specialist tools like "Airflow" to remove stubborn surface stains and tartar that a manual toothbrush simply cannot budge.
Living a busy city lifestyle often means you are away from home from morning until night. We suggest keeping a small "ortho kit" in your bag containing:
By staying prepared, you ensure that your ODL Dental Clinic treatment stays on track and your smile remains healthy throughout the process.
It is actually best to avoid whitening toothpaste while your braces are on. The paste only whitens the exposed parts of your teeth, leaving the area under the bracket in its original shade. This can result in uneven "square" patches once the braces are removed.
While you will have regular adjustment appointments every 4 to 6 weeks, we recommend seeing a dental hygienist at least twice a year for a deep clean to prevent gum disease and enamel decalcification.
Don't panic! The ceramic brackets themselves are fine. The yellowing is limited to the elastic bands. You can wait until your next scheduled appointment at ODL Dental Clinic to have them replaced, or call the clinic to see if a quick band change is possible.
Many patients find that an electric toothbrush with an orthodontic head provides a more thorough clean than manual brushing. It does the hard work of vibrating away plaque around the complex edges of the ceramic brackets.
Are you ready to achieve the straight, confident smile you have always wanted? Whether you are looking for discreet ceramic braces or want to learn more about our orthodontic treatments, our team is here to help. Book now.
