The short answer is “no.” Clear brackets are ceramic, which will not stain. However, the elastic ties that we use to secure the wire to the brackets can stain. The ties pick up stain from things like coffee, tea, wine, soda, tomato sauce, turmeric, and foods with heavy dyes like boxed mac & cheese. The best way to avoid staining is to avoid deeply pigmented foods and drinks, and always brush immediately after eating and drinking. If you are not able to brush immediately, try rinsing with water. The goal is to minimize the length of time the pigments spend on the ties.
The good news is that your ties are changed at every visit, so even if they do become discolored, the stain is not permanent. For patients in clear braces, we use slightly opaque ties that blend in very well with the brackets and are more stain-resistant than plain clear ties. If you have a big event or photos coming up, we are happy to make a quick appointment to replace your ties with a fresh set so you can feel confident and look your best!