What are braces stains?
One of the most common concerns people have about braces is the potential for stains on their teeth. These braces marks on teeth are discolorations that can appear during or after your orthodontic treatment. While they are common, it’s important to understand that braces themselves don’t actually cause these stains.
The real culprit is poor oral hygiene. Braces create all sorts of nooks and crannies where plaque and tartar can build up, which can cause discoloration. If you don’t brush and floss diligently, you’re more likely to end up with stains around where your brackets used to be.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes braces stains, how you can prevent them, and what treatment options are available to help you get that bright smile you’ve always wanted.
What causes braces stains?
Braces stains are usually the result of a few different factors, all working together.
Poor oral hygiene
The biggest culprit is failing to brush and floss properly. When you don’t brush and floss, plaque builds up around the brackets and wires of your braces, leading to enamel erosion and, potentially, tooth decay.
If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which is much more difficult to remove and creates a rough surface that attracts even more plaque.
Diet and lifestyle
What you eat and drink can also cause staining. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and soda can all stain your teeth. Acidic and sugary foods also contribute to demineralization, which weakens the enamel and makes it more susceptible to staining. Smoking and tobacco use are also big contributors.
Decalcification and demineralization
Decalcification, which shows up as white spots on your teeth, is a common type of stain caused by a loss of minerals from the enamel due to plaque acids. If you don’t treat it, decalcification can become permanent.
Demineralization also weakens the enamel, making it more likely to stain.
Improper braces removal
If your orthodontist doesn’t remove your braces properly, small stained or corroded pieces of adhesive may be left on your teeth.
Preventing braces stains: Proactive oral hygiene
While discoloration from braces is common, it’s also preventable. Here’s how you can keep your teeth looking their best while undergoing orthodontic treatment:
Effective brushing techniques
Brush your teeth after every meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and pay close attention to the areas around the brackets and wires. It’s also a good idea to use interdental brushes, also called proxy brushes, to clean the spots that are hard to reach with a regular toothbrush.
Daily flossing is essential
Flossing with braces can be a little tricky, but it’s important to make it a daily habit. Use floss threaders or orthodontic floss to help you get the floss around the brackets and wires. You might also consider using a water flosser for more effective cleaning.
Mouthwash for added protection
Rinsing with an antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash can help reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth.
Dietary modifications
Try to limit how much you eat and drink of foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Regular dental check-ups and cleanings
Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings while you’re wearing braces. A professional cleaning will remove plaque and tartar buildup that you can’t get rid of at home.
Treatment Options for Braces Stains: Restoring Your Smile
So, you’ve got your braces off. Congrats! But now you’re seeing some staining or discoloration. Don’t panic. There are several ways to get your smile back to its pre-braces brilliance.
Professional Teeth Whitening
For fast, noticeable results, in-office teeth whitening is a good option. Your dentist will use a high-concentration whitening gel and may use a special light to activate it. If you’re looking for something a little less intense, custom whitening kits from your dentist offer a good compromise between cost and effectiveness. These kits include custom-fitted trays and a whitening gel you use at home.
If the staining is mild, over-the-counter whitening products like whitening toothpastes or strips might do the trick. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and don’t overdo it, as overuse can lead to tooth sensitivity.
Remineralization Therapy
Sometimes, the staining isn’t just on the surface. Braces can sometimes cause demineralization of the enamel, making teeth appear chalky or spotted. Fluoride treatments can help strengthen the enamel and even reverse early demineralization. Your dentist can apply a fluoride varnish or gel in the office. You can also use remineralizing toothpastes and mouthwashes at home.
Microabrasion
For superficial stains and discolorations, microabrasion can be a good choice. In this procedure, your dentist uses a special paste and a polishing tool to gently remove the outer layer of enamel, revealing a brighter, more even-toned surface.
Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions
If whitening and remineralization aren’t enough, cosmetic dentistry offers other options:
- Composite Restoration: Your dentist can fill in stained areas with a tooth-colored resin, blending it seamlessly with your natural tooth.
- Veneers: For more severe staining or other cosmetic issues, veneers – thin porcelain shells that cover the front surface of the teeth – can provide a dramatic and long-lasting transformation.
How to get rid of white spots after braces
Those chalky white spots that appear after braces are areas where your tooth enamel has started to break down, a process dentists call demineralization. Basically, the acid from plaque has been sitting on one spot for too long and started to dissolve the enamel.
Luckily, you have options for treating these spots:
- Fluoride treatments and remineralization therapy: These can help rebuild the enamel in mild cases.
- Microabrasion: This can remove the top layer of enamel where the white spot is.
- Composite fillings or veneers: For more severe damage, your dentist might recommend these.
The sooner you address these spots, the easier they are to treat, so talk to your dentist right away.
To Conclude
Whether you’re wearing braces now or just had them removed, remember that good oral hygiene is essential. Careful brushing and flossing, along with regular check-ups, are your first line of defense against braces marks.
If you do notice staining, don’t worry! From professional whitening treatments to cosmetic dentistry, there are solutions for nearly every type of stain left behind by braces. The key is to talk to your orthodontist or dentist.
They can assess the type and severity of the staining and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Early intervention is always best for preventing and treating braces stains, so don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation and keep your smile looking its best!