White Spots on Teeth After Braces
Avoiding white spots on teeth after braces is important since you want your smile to be healthy and look great. Around 25% of patients will get white spots on teeth after braces. White spots on teeth from braces can be caused by a number of different factors.
This article will outline the causes of white spots on teeth after braces, how to fix the issue, and how to best prevent white spots on teeth with braces.
Table of Contents
Causes of White Spots on Teeth After Braces
When the minerals that make up the enamel layer of your tooth are compromised, decalcification or demineralization occurs. This weakening of the enamel cause permanent white spots on teeth after braces.
The brackets and wires with braces make it harder to remove daily food, plaque, and bacteria. The bacteria sits on the teeth around the brackets, damaging the teeth. This leads to an environment where white spots on teeth with braces is somewhat common.
How to Fix White Spots on Teeth From Braces
In order to find out what caused the white spots on teeth from braces, a dental professional should be consulted. Every smile is unique and treating these white spots greatly differs depending on the cause.
Some ways your dental team can help with white spots on teeth from braces are the following:
- Dental Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings will help target bacteria that cause enamel defects and white spots.
- Fluoride treatments can help strengthen the enamel and possibly reduce the white spots.
- Enamel Microabrasion: Skillfully using specific dental instruments, the dentist can remove micro-layers from the enamel blending the white spot.
- Cosmetic Restorations: Dental bonding, veneers, and other restorations can cover up the most severe white spots.
- Teeth Whitening: Professional whitening at the dentist can help mask the white spots.
- For some patients, teeth whitening can actually make the white spots stand out more when brightening the tooth’s surface.
For more treatment options for your teeth, check out Your Teeth After Braces. The best thing you can do is schedule an appointment with your dentist and let them guide you. They will be able to determine the cause of the white spots on teeth from braces and the best treatment.
Preventing White Spots on Teeth With Braces
The best way to prevent white spots on teeth with braces is through good oral hygiene practices. Leaving the plaque and bacteria on your teeth for long periods of time will weaken the enamel and scar your teeth with white spots.
The best practices to prevent white spots on teeth with braces are the following:
- Brush at least 2 times a day for 2 minutes. Don’t forget to brush the brackets as well as your teeth.
- Floss your teeth at least once a day.
- Remove trapped food as soon as possible.
- Use anti-gingivitis toothpaste and mouthwash to fight the bacteria that causes bleeding gums.
- Check out our article, Your Guide to a Healthy Smile for more tips.
Home Care Guide to Avoid White Spots on Teeth from Braces
Braces require extra work when cleaning your teeth. The brackets and wire collect and trap plaque, making it harder to remove daily.
In order to avoid getting white spots on teeth from braces, it’s best to know how to properly care for your braces at home.
Our top tips for taking care of braces are:
- Use an electric toothbrush to remove food, plaque, and bacteria better.
- Water flossers are easier to use than floss threaders and work better with braces.
- Interdental brushes, dental picks, and proxy brushes can help squeeze in tight places.
- See your dental hygienist for a cleaning every 4 months instead of every 6 months.
By following these simple steps, you will be setting yourself up for success. Properly caring for your braces is better than needed to receive treatment to remove white spots on teeth from braces.
Additional Resources
For more information on orthodontic treatment, check out our articles below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do white spots after braces go away?
Unfortunately, white spots on teeth after braces will not go away on their own. The enamel needs to be strengthened again to prevent a cavity. Your dental professionals can also help remove the white spot.
Why does my teeth have whites spots after braces?
White spots on teeth after braces will occur if plaque and bacteria aren’t removed daily. Extra brushing and flossing are needed with braces to prevent demineralization. Consult your dental team on how to best treat the white spots.
Does removing braces damage enamel?
If done improperly, removing braces can damage the enamel. The chance of damaging the enamel increase if white spots have occurred during orthodontic treatment time. Your skillful orthodontist can remove the brackets and bonding while keeping the enamel safe.
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