Getting braces is a big step toward a better smile. But once they come off, some people notice white spots or yellow stains on their teeth. This can be frustrating, especially after spending time and money on orthodontic care. The good news is that there are simple ways to prevent these stains and several ways to treat them if they happen.
What Causes Stains From Braces?
The stains you see after braces usually don’t come from the braces themselves. They’re often caused by plaque and food getting trapped around the brackets and wires. When plaque sits on your teeth, the bacteria release acid that weakens the enamel. This process is called demineralization, and it can leave white spots on your teeth.
Some stains can also come from dark foods and drinks like soda, coffee, tea, or fruit juice. If these are not cleaned off properly, they may cause discoloration.
How to Prevent Braces Stains
There are a few things you can do every day to help keep your teeth clean and prevent staining while wearing braces.
Brush and Floss After Every Meal
Brushing at least twice a day is important, but brushing after every meal is even better when you have braces. This helps remove any trapped food and reduces plaque. Use a soft-bristled brush or an electric toothbrush with a special orthodontic head for better results. Make sure to brush all sides of the teeth and around the brackets.
Flossing is just as important. Use a floss threader, special orthodontic floss, or a water flosser to clean between your teeth once a day. Flossing can reduce plaque more effectively than brushing alone.
Rinse With Water or Fluoride Rinse
If you can’t brush right away, rinse your mouth with water after eating. This helps wash away sugars and food bits. Using a fluoride rinse after brushing may also help strengthen your enamel and lower the chance of white spots.
Watch What You Eat and Drink
Some foods and drinks can make stains worse. Try to limit:
- Sugary and starchy foods
- Soda and sports drinks
- Coffee, tea, and fruit juices
- Sticky or crunchy snacks that are hard to clean off
Instead, choose tooth-friendly snacks like cheese, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and lots of water.
Use the Right Toothpaste
Choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride, like stannous fluoride, which helps fight plaque and keeps your enamel strong. Some whitening toothpastes are gentle enough to use with braces, but ask your dentist before using them. Avoid using strong whitening products while braces are still on, since they can make your teeth look unevenly colored once the brackets come off.
Don’t Brush Too Soon After Eating
Wait about 60 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. When you eat, your mouth becomes more acidic for a short time, which softens your enamel. Brushing too soon can wear away that softened enamel. Waiting allows your saliva to neutralize the acid and protect your teeth.
Keep Up With Dental Cleanings
Even if you do a great job at home, it’s still important to visit your dentist regularly. Professional cleanings can remove tartar and stains that your toothbrush can’t. Your dentist may also offer extra fluoride treatments or sealants to help protect your teeth while wearing braces.
How to Treat Braces Stains After Removal
If you’ve already had your braces removed and notice white spots or stains, there are several ways to fix them depending on how deep or noticeable they are.
Remineralization
This process helps repair areas of enamel that lost minerals during demineralization. Your dentist may recommend a special toothpaste or rinse that contains fluoride and calcium. Diet changes and some supplements, like vitamins or probiotics, might also support this process. This method works best on newer or lighter white spots.
Composite Restoration
If the white spots are very noticeable and don’t go away with remineralization, a dentist can use a tooth-colored resin to cover the spot. This makes your tooth look more even in color and shape.
Microabrasion
This method gently sands away the top layer of enamel using a mix of fine particles like pumice or diamond. It helps remove surface stains and improves the appearance of white spots. This treatment is usually quick and painless.
Veneers
If the stains are large or deep, veneers might be an option. These are thin shells made of porcelain or resin that cover the front surface of your tooth. They hide the discoloration completely and create a smooth, white smile.
Can Clear Aligners Help Prevent Stains?
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. This makes it easier to brush and floss without anything in the way. Because there are no brackets or wires trapping food, there’s less risk of stains. However, it’s still important to brush after meals and clean your aligners properly.
When to Seek Dental Help
Having braces doesn’t mean your teeth will be stained or discolored. With the right care and attention, you can keep your teeth healthy and clean during treatment. If you already have stains, your local dentist can recommend the best way to treat them, whether it’s a simple cleaning or a cosmetic fix.
If you have any questions or want to learn more about keeping your smile bright, call Suncreek Dental Group at (303) 933-2522 to schedule an appointment.
Category: Orthodontics