For most people who have traditional dental braces, the most exciting part of their treatment is when it ends, and their dentist takes them off. Even for people who have Invisalign trays, the last day of wearing your aligners is sure to be one of the best. After months, or even years, of undergoing orthodontic treatment, nothing would be more upsetting than realizing that your teeth are now stained. The good news is that this problem is easily preventable. Read on for a few easy ways to make sure you have a bright and beautiful smile on your big day.
Be Diligent About Your Oral Hygiene Routine
While you have your braces on, and even once you get them taken off, the best way to keep your smile bright and healthy is to brush and floss regularly. Stain-causing compounds called tannins aggressively bind to plaque, so the more you have on your teeth, the more discoloration that can occur. Because routine oral hygiene can become difficult with metal braces, you may need to spend extra time brushing and flossing. It’s important to clean around every bracket and wire in your mouth to keep your breath fresh and make sure your teeth don’t severely discolor.
Avoid Foods and Drinks That Stain
Certain foods and drinks are especially rich in tannins, which give them their deep and vibrant color. If you’re wearing Invisalign aligners or braces, reducing your consumption of these products throughout your treatment can reduce your risk of discoloration:
- Coffee
- Red wine
- Curry
- Balsamic vinegar
- Soy sauce
- Dark Soda
- Berries
- Tomato-based sauces
- Black tea
A good rule of thumb to keep in mind is if it looks like the food or drink would stain a white shirt, it’ll do the same to your teeth. If you can’t give up a known stain-causing product, just be mindful of only enjoying it every now-and-then.
Get Routine Dental Cleanings
Brushing and flossing at home is a great way to reduce staining and discoloration, but it’s also important to get professional cleanings from your dental professional. Using special tools, they’re able to remove tartar, plaque, and surface stains from your teeth. They’re also able to reach in nooks and crannies of your mouth that you can’t get to with a regular toothbrush and dental floss. It’s a good idea to go at least twice a year.
Plan For Post-Treatment Teeth Whitening
There’s no need to be discouraged if you followed these tips and still notice some staining on your teeth. The less severely concentrated it is, the better, and the quicker you can get it fixed. Be sure to schedule a professional teeth whitening treatment after getting your braces removed so you can erase discoloration and restore the brightness of your teeth.
With the right oral hygiene routine in place and regular visits to your dentist, you’ll be able to reduce the impact of staining on your smile. That way, you can enjoy a straightened and beautifully bright set of pearly whites, allowing you to speak, laugh, and smile with complete confidence.
About the Author
Dr. Dalia Georgy offers both dental and orthodontic treatments and services. She has been beautifying and restoring the health of her patients’ smiles for over seven years, and there’s nothing she loves more. In addition to being a general dentist with hundreds of hours of continuing education courses, she has also completed advanced training in orthodontic treatments. For questions about your treatment or to schedule an appointment to learn how you can straighten your teeth, visit Glenpool Braces’ website or call 918-201-1414.