How to maintain braces so they always look new?

Braces are a big step for teens to a beautiful smile. Of course, a straight set of teeth is vital; however, colored braces allow teens to make a statement of fashion which highlights their individuality in style. Whether you use rocking bright colors to match your favorite team or mixing it up every few weeks, color braces add some fun to orthodontic treatment. Keeping that great, vibrant look of your braces and your smile does take a bit of extra care, though.

Here are some specific tips for teens in keeping their colored braces looks awesome.

1. Choose Your Colors Strategically

Picking out the colors is fun, but one needs to think about how well those colors will last. The reality is that some shades will fade faster or easier and are more prone to stains, which dulls that fresh look one desires to maintain.

Dark colors like navy blue, black, and purple conceal stains amazingly well and can really last longer.

Light colors, such as white or pastel shades, may be more appealing to you yet tend to stain with foods and drinks rather quickly.

Mix it up: Don’t be afraid to mix up the color. Maybe school colors, a holiday theme, or neon colors to match your favorite outfits could be something to try out!

With colored braces, it’s all about flaunting one’s personality, so go bold but be careful how the colors will last.

2. Step Up Your Brushing Game

Your brushing game should be taken up a notch now that you are wearing color braces. After all, you don’t want food stuck in your brackets, especially if it can cause stains or discoloration.

Use a soft-bristle brush: This will clean your teeth and braces without hurting the wires or brackets.

Brush at an angle: This way, you’ll be able to brush both your teeth and around the brackets, where food and plaque tend to collect.

Don’t forget your gums: Some gum inflammation may occur with your braces, and brushing along the gumline can help prevent this.

Keep your braces fresh and your breath nice by brushing regularly. This is important to any teenager who wants to spend time with friends.

3. Floss Like a Pro

Flossing is super important with metal braces, but rather fiddly. You don’t want anything hanging out behind your teeth staining them, so getting into the habit of flossing daily is a good idea.

Use a floss threader: This little tool helps weave the floss between the wires and your teeth.

Use a water flosser: A water flosser may be an easier option to floss between teeth and around braces, where it’s more tricky.

Colored braces will keep intense and free of discolorations other than maintaining your gums healthy and fresh for occasions like school pictures or even going out with friends. That takes a little more work and some commitment to daily flossing.

4. Watch What You Eat

As a teenager, it’s hard not to indulge in whatever foods you like. If you want your colored braces to continue looking good, there are some foods that you should avoid. Some of the drinks and foods can stain both your teeth and your braces.

Avoid dark-colored drinks: Coffee, cola, even some sports drinks can stain the rubber bands on your braces. If you cannot avoid them, try to use a straw at all times to limit contact with braces.

Watch for sticky foods: Gummies, taffy, or caramel stick to your braces and are generally hard to clean. It can even knock your brackets loose.

Choose non-staining snacks: Yogurt, apples, and veggies help clean both your braces and teeth.

Monitoring what you eat is also another good way to protect your colored braces while keeping you on the right track for a much healthier smile.

5. Keep Yourself Hydrated with Water

Water is your best friend, especially if you have colored braces. After consuming anything, rinse your mouth with water to reduce the possibility of staining by washing away food particles.

Carry a bottle of water: This will allow you to rinse your mouth at school or outside while on the go.

Rinse after meals: If you cannot brush, swishing water around your mouth after meals will help a lot in avoiding stains.

Not only does water keep the freshness of your braces, but is also highly beneficial for your health as a whole- it’s a win-win situation for your teeth and for health.

6. See Your Orthodontist Regularly

Your orthodontist is there to ensure the treatment goes on without hitches and that regular checkups are essential for maintaining cleanliness and proper functionality in your braces.

Replace the bands periodically: Each time you visit for an adjustment, that’s when your orthodontist replaces the rubber bands, which means a clean slate for new colors.

Professional cleaning: The orthodontist or dentist will help clean deep into your teeth and braces where you cannot remove all stains and plaque.

Regular adjustments will not only keep your colored braces looking sharp, but they also assure you that your teeth are moving the right way for the best possible outcome.

7. Show Your Personality

Braces aren’t something to be ashamed of anymore; they are a means to express oneself. Whether it’s sports, fashion, or pop culture, colored braces let you show the world your personality. And the best part is that you get to change them every couple of weeks. Why not make them match an outfit for a big event or holiday?

8. Be Consistent with Your Routine

With school, sports, and social events, it is very easy to forget about oral hygiene. However, it is the consistency in your cleaning routine that is going to make all the difference and keep your color braces fresh throughout your treatment.

Set reminders: Set your phone to remind you each time you eat a meal to floss.

Travel kit: Keep a small kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in your backpack or locker for quick cleanups during the day. 

Reward yourself: Celebrate your commitment to keeping your braces clean as a reward-to pick out a new color combination or treat yourself to something special once a month. A regular routine will keep your braces fresh and your teeth right on target for that brilliant smile.

9. Life After Braces: Don’t Forget Your Retainers

When those braces finally come off, the work is not quite complete! Retainers keep your teeth in place after treatment and need just as much care as your teeth to stay fresh.

Clean your retainer daily: The same as it is with your braces, your retainer needs cleaning to avoid buildup.

Use lukewarm water: Hot water can warp the retainer, so always clean it in lukewarm water.

Store it safely: Keep your retainer in a case whenever you are not using it to protect it from being damaged.

Retainers help in maintaining that smile you have worked for; so do not forget to give them the same care and attention that you gave your braces.

But to teens, braces are so much more than straightening teeth; they’re an opportunity for self-expression. With proper care, your colored braces will remain fresh and vibrant throughout your orthodontic journey. From smart color choices to day-to-day brushing and flossing, to routine checkups, maintaining your braces plays a major role in a healthy, confident smile.

If you want expert care to keep your braces looking their best, visit GreenLeaf Orthodontics. Serving the communities of Gurnee, North Chicago, Waukegan, Highland Park, Kenosha, and Racine, we’re here to help teens have a great smile and enjoy their time in orthodontics.