How to Clean Clear Braces

Clear braces are an alternative offered to orthodontic patients recently that was not widely available a few years ago. Although clear braces can help boost self confidence for patients wearing orthodontics, the braces are susceptible to stains and scratches and require some extra care while cleaning. The two types of clear braces offered are clear ceramic brackets and Invisalign (aligners for the entire upper and lower arches that you remove to clean).

Instructions

Ceramic Brackets

• 1

  Brush after every meal to make sure no food particles are allowed to remain to stain the ceramic. Brush each side of each bracket individually before moving on to the next one to ensure a thorough cleaning.

• 2

  Avoid cola, tea, coffee, red juice or anything else that might cause staining. If that is not possible, make sure you brush thoroughly after you drink any of these.

• 3

  Use a small bristled orthodontic brush to clean underneath the wires in areas that your toothbrush might miss.

• 4

  Use a non-whitening mouthwash daily to eliminate staining bacteria in areas you can't reach with a toothbrush.

Clean Invisalign Braces

• 5

  Rinse the aligner thoroughly with warm water after removal.

• 6

  Put a drop of dish soap on a soft bristle toothbrush and rub to work into a lather. Do not use toothpaste as it will scratch the material and cause it to become cloudy over time.

• 7

  Gently clean the aligner inside and out with the toothbrush making sure to reach all the crevices.

• 8

  Thoroughly rinse the aligner with warm water before reinserting.

• 9

  Do not eat with your aligner in (per your orthodontist's instructions) to keep it from getting stained.