Orthodontic braces are the most effective and popular way to achieve straighter smiles. They are a proven treatment method for even the most complex orthodontic conditions. However, some people might notice that their teeth do not look the same post-treatment.
White spots can sometimes develop in the tooth enamel after wearing braces. Fortunately, this unpleasant outcome is a rather infrequent occurrence, and it is also completely avoidable. At BigSmile Dental Clinic, we want to help you optimise your orthodontic and dental treatments. We will do all we can to avoid any damage to your smile. In this article, we will look at why white spots develop on your teeth after wearing braces and what you can do to prevent it from happening.
What causes white spots to develop?
As mentioned earlier, the development of white spots on teeth after wearing braces is not a common occurrence. They typically appear only in those who have had fixed braces and are caused by the decalcification of the teeth. Several factors result in teeth decalcification, such as dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, excessive use of cough drops, and diet. However, the number one reason for the decalcification of the teeth is usually a bad diet, resulting in cariogenic bacteria producing acids that attack tooth enamel.
When plaque and food debris are left on the teeth for prolonged periods, it causes a increase in the amount of harmful bacteria in our mouth. When these bacteria metabolise sugar, they produce acid, which corrodes our tooth enamel, causing the development of white spots. When they occur during the period when fixed braces are worn, it results in white spots or white areas around the edges of the brackets.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is an essential aspect of ensuring good dental health. With the addition of fixed braces during orthodontic treatment, more attention must be paid to oral hygiene. If you wear braces, you might already know how much more complex it is to maintain oral hygiene effectively. The wires and brackets provide hiding spots for oral bacteria; food particles and bacteria can get lodged in tiny gaps & edges of the brackets. Hence, it is vital that you pay extra attention to your teeth and gums when brushing teeth with braces.
How to prevent white spots from developing?
As with everything regarding oral diseases, it is a whole lot easier to prevent issues from happening rather than fix them once they have happened. The same goes for preventing white spots.
No one wants to see white spots on their teeth after wearing braces. You have already invested a significant amount of effort, money, and time into achieving a new smile – you definitely want your teeth to look the best once your braces treatment is over! Here are some steps to prevent white spots from developing.
- Limit acidic and sugary foods: Acidic and sugary foods, such as sodas, vinegar, lemons, and candy worsen the decalcification of your teeth.
- Floss every day: Flossing should be part of your daily routine, with or without braces. However, with braces, it becomes even more essential. When flossing with braces, you might want to switch to a floss threader or an orthodontic floss to make the task easier.
- Brush your teeth: While brushing may seem really simple, not many individuals brush properly. If you wear braces, dental hygiene is going to be of utmost consideration. Make sure to brush your teeth before you sleep, and after every meal or snack. When brushing teeth with braces attached, take extra care not to damage the brackets and wires.
You are not immune to developing tooth decay even if you wear invisible braces rather than conventional ones. If you do not keep your Invisalign trays clean, bacteria left on them can still be transferred to your teeth, leading to the formation of bacterial plaque. And if you take sweet drinks, bacteria converts the sugar to acids that attack your enamel, leading to tooth decay.
How do you fix white spots?
While prevention is always better than cure, we understand that it sometimes can be too late to avoid it from happening. Fret not. If there are white spots already developing on your teeth, it does not mean that you are stuck with them permanently. With the right steps, you can get back your desired smile. Here are some ways to do so.
- Ask your dentist about micro-abrasion: Your dentist should be capable of removing the white spots using micro-abrasion. In general terms, the process consists of polishing your teeth to make the white spots less visible.
- Get dental veneers: Dental veneers may help you depending on the severity of the white spots. Veneers or laminates are ultra-thin coverings that are designed to match the natural colour of your tooth, covering up any unsightly spots.
- Use fluoride toothpaste: Repairing your enamel is the starting point for fixing white spots. Fluoride helps to strengthen your teeth and helps to limit further progression of dental caries. Excessive ingestion of fluoride in an infant can lead to dental fluorosis, with the discolouration of the
- Remineralise your teeth: Because white spots occur due to demineralisation of your teeth, remineralising with calcium phosphate can help restore your enamel to their original state, provided the damage is small and superficial.
- Getting a filling: White spots forming on your teeth do not mean the end of your dental health. Even if they are there, you can still restore the affected tooth with a tooth-coloured filling, masking the appearance of white spots.
Conclusion
Taking care of your teeth should be your number one priority when undergoing braces treatment. That includes watching what you eat, how often you clean your teeth, and how you clean your teeth. If you recently got braces placed and are noticing white spots, do not worry. Contact BigSmile Dental Clinic to discuss the available treatment options with our team.