Why do braces turn yellow?

Modern ceramic braces are quite resistant to dyes, but even they change color with frequent consumption of foods containing dyes, such as coffee, strong tea, fruits, vegetables, brightly colored berries (cherries, currants, blueberries, beets), colored soft drinks and alcoholic beverages (juices, morsels, sodas, wine). The tiny pigment particles settle both on the enamel of the teeth, making it yellowish, and on the surface of the orthodontic retainer.

To keep your braces from yellowing, you should brush your teeth after meals and especially after eating colorful foods, or at least use a mouthwash. In addition to home hygiene, we recommend professional hygiene about every 3 months. During the procedure, a layer of plaque on the braces and teeth is removed with a jet of powder and water.

Also, pay attention to the model of aesthetic braces — depending on their design, they retain their original appearance in different ways:

• The most dye resistant — self-ligating braces made of ceramic. Their one-piece construction made of polycrystalline aluminum oxide is virtually impervious to dye.
• Ligature braces have silicone rubber bands in their design that hold the arch in the groove. The rubber bands usually absorb pigment very quickly and remain colored until they are replaced at the next activation (approximately every 1 month).
• The fastest way to lose aesthetics plastic braces — porous material instantly stains and does not clean even during home hygiene.
• If you decide to have aligners fitted, never drink colorful drinks in them — medical silicone or plastic also absorbs dyes. But the main advantage of eliners is that they can be removed to drink your favorite beverage.

Read more about how to choose and care for aesthetic braces in our review of pro aesthetic braces.