No matter your age, having your braces removed after treatment should be a joyous occasion, and even a cause for celebration. After all, you’ve worked hard and probably had high expectations for stunning results. With this, the last thing you’d want to discover is a less-than-pleasing smile, such as one with white spots on teeth. Also referred to as white spot lesions, these unappealing spots won’t be a cause for celebration.
Here at Trapnell Orthodontics, we want each and every one of our patients to achieve the results they had originally expected before orthodontic treatment. White spots on teeth can quickly put a damper on the day your braces are removed. Luckily, you can prevent white spots with a little extra work, but you should also be familiar with how they form. Of course, we’ll gladly fill you in.
What Causes White Spots on Teeth?
Much like that of cavities, the white spots on teeth that often occur during treatment are caused by plaque buildup—it’s that simple. Braces create many hard-to-reach places throughout your mouth, namely the areas between your brackets and gums. When plaque resides in these areas for long periods of time, it creates acids and wears minerals off the surfaces of your teeth. These affected areas reflect light differently, resulting in an unwanted appearance.
Of course, the white spots can be prevented. Often times, orthodontists will warn patients when they see the spots or plaque buildup forming, but sometimes they aren’t so easy to spot. Swollen gums from braces can hide the white spots on teeth, which then may not be detected until after braces are removed. Still, you can avoid these unsightly spots.
Preventing White Spots
In essence, braces don’t cause white spots on teeth, they just make removing the spot-causing plaque a more difficult task. In fact, research shows nearly 25% of younger patients without braces develop white spots on their teeth. However, this number quickly increases to 50% of teens when braces are a factor! Preventing these white spots is essentially as simple as proper oral care. Though we’ve covered maintaining teeth with braces, here’s a little refresher on how you can avoid plaque buildup and the resulting white spots:
- Avoid harmful foods
- Refrain from using whitening toothpaste
- Use fluoride toothpaste or mouthwash
- Try an electronic toothbrush
- Brush your teeth at a 45º angle
- Ask your orthodontist about sealants
Meet Your Expectations with Proper Care!
Clearly, the best, if not only way to avoid white spots on teeth after braces is to properly care for your teeth throughout treatment. Though you’re told by your dentist time and time again, it’s all the more important in achieving pleasing results with your orthodontic treatment. At Trapnell, we’ll keep a close eye on your teeth and let you know when a thorough professional cleaning is recommended.
Interested in attaining a straighter smile? Contact us today! We offer multiple options within our orthodontic treatments, with treatment methods for every patient. Schedule an appointment today!
