What Are Clear Braces
Clear braces are a popular option for patients who want the effectiveness of traditional braces with a more discreet appearance. Because clear braces use ceramic brackets that blend with your teeth, proper cleaning and daily care are especially important to keep them looking their best throughout treatment.
Modern clear braces are designed to be smooth, durable, and resistant to staining, but maintaining good oral hygiene helps protect both your braces and your teeth. Understanding how to clean clear braces correctly can prevent plaque buildup, tooth decay, and discoloration while supporting a healthy, confident smile during treatment.
At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, we offer advanced clear braces with tieless ceramic brackets and high-quality archwires. This combination allows for efficient tooth movement, improved comfort, and excellent long-term results. Patients often choose clear braces because they deliver reliable outcomes while maintaining a natural appearance during treatment.
Why Clear Braces Are a Popular Choice
Clear braces provide more than just cosmetic advantages. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, they help correct bite issues, improve oral function, and support long-term dental health. Patients who complete treatment with clear braces often experience easier oral hygiene, healthier gums, and increased confidence in their smile.
How to Care for Clear Braces: Do’s and Don’ts
Proper care is essential to protect your clear braces and maintain good oral health throughout treatment. While modern clear braces are durable and easy to maintain, consistent cleaning habits help prevent plaque buildup and keep your smile looking its best.
Clear Braces Care: What to Do
Do brush and floss after meals to remove food particles and plaque from around your brackets and wires. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-whitening toothpaste helps clean effectively without damaging the ceramic brackets.
Do use floss threaders, interdental brushes, or a water flosser to clean between teeth and around brackets, where food and plaque can easily collect. These tools can make daily cleaning easier and more effective while wearing braces.
Do follow your orthodontist’s instructions and maintain regular oral hygiene habits to protect both your braces and your teeth throughout treatment.
Clear Braces Care: What to Avoid
Don’t eat hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can damage brackets or become lodged in your braces. Avoiding these foods helps reduce the risk of broken brackets and unnecessary treatment delays.
Don’t smoke while wearing clear braces. Nicotine can negatively affect oral health and may cause discoloration of both your teeth and brackets, impacting the appearance of your smile during treatment.
Why Regular Orthodontic Appointments Matter
Routine orthodontic visits allow your orthodontist to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Most patients wear clear braces for approximately 18 months, with adjustments typically scheduled every six to eight weeks. Attending all recommended appointments ensures your treatment stays on track and your teeth move safely and effectively.
Clear Braces vs. Invisalign®: What’s the Difference?
For patients who qualify, clear aligners such as Invisalign® may also be an option. Invisalign uses a series of removable, custom-made aligners created from digital scans of your teeth. These aligners gradually move teeth into alignment without brackets or wires. During your consultation, your orthodontist can help determine whether clear braces or Invisalign is the better option for your specific needs.
Learn More About Clear Braces
If you’re considering clear braces and want to learn whether they are right for you, a professional orthodontic evaluation is the best place to start. At Basil Orthodontics in High Point, we offer personalized treatment plans and advanced orthodontic options to help you achieve a healthier, more confident smile.
Call us today at (336) 882-1111 or schedule your consultation online to get started on your journey to a healthier, more confident smile.