Unraveling the Mystery of White Spots on Teeth After Braces

February 14, 2024
Risinger Orthodontics

If you’ve recently bid farewell to your braces (hooray!), you might have noticed some unexpected guests: white spots on your teeth.

While these spots might be a bit of a surprise, they’re a common occurrence. But, more importantly, they’re preventable. In this blog, we’ll dive into the causes of white spots from braces, how to avoid them, and what steps to take if they’ve already appeared on your journey to a brighter smile.

What Causes White Spots After Braces?

Discovering white spots on your teeth after braces can be disheartening, especially when you’ve been looking forward to showing off your new smile. Essentially, they are the result of decalcification, where minerals are lost from the tooth enamel, leading to noticeable white spots.

This process is often caused by plaque and bacteria buildup around brackets and bands. Many braces wearers know how challenging it can be to clean thoroughly around brackets, wires, and bands; yet it’s still crucial to do so.

Bacteria and plaque thrive on sugar and starches left behind from our meals and snacks. These bacteria produce acids that attack the tooth enamel, forming white spots that are early signs of cavities.

How to Remove White Spots

White spots from braces do not mean your dream of a brilliant smile can’t come true. Effective at-home and professional treatments are available to significantly reduce or even eliminate those pesky white spots, restoring your teeth to their natural beauty.

If you’re facing this issue, consider the following options:

Consult a Cosmetic Dentist: Often, the most effective way to address white spots is through professional treatment. A cosmetic dentist can evaluate the severity and recommend specific procedures tailored to your needs, such as specialized tooth whitening treatments or polishing.
Remineralization Treatments: These treatments aim to restore essential minerals to your teeth, potentially fading mild white spots. Your orthodontist might have already suggested such treatments, which can strengthen and improve the health of your teeth.
Adopt Rigorous Oral Hygiene Practices: Diligent brushing and flossing can help rebuild tooth enamel and reduce the visibility of white spots. Look for toothpaste specifically made to rebuild enamel, and consult your dentist to ensure it will work for you.
Consider Dental Veneers: For more severe cases, dental veneers might be recommended. These thin coverings are designed to match the color of your teeth and can effectively cover white spots, providing a seamless look.
Inquire About Microabrasion: This technique involves lightly polishing the teeth to diminish the appearance of white spots. It's a minimally invasive procedure that can offer significant improvements.

How to Prevent White Spots on Teeth After Braces

It is completely possible to prevent white spots from braces. With the right practices, you can ensure your teeth remain as healthy as they are straight. Here are our top recommendations for keeping your teeth free from white spots during and after your braces journey.

Brush Regularly and Thoroughly: Make it a habit to brush your teeth after every meal and snack. This helps remove food particles and plaque that can lead to white spots. A travel toothbrush and toothpaste can be lifesavers for on-the-go dental care.
Floss Daily: Using floss threaders or interdental brushes is crucial for cleaning between your teeth and around the braces' brackets and wires. These tools help you reach areas that are difficult to clean with a toothbrush alone.
Limit Sugary and Starchy Foods: These foods contribute to plaque and acid formation. If you do eat them, try to do so during meals and brush your teeth shortly afterward.
Maintain Regular Dental Checkups: Keep up with your scheduled visits to your orthodontist and dentist. They play a crucial role in monitoring your treatment progress and identifying any early signs of white spots or other dental issues.
Use Fluoride Products: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent demineralization. Use fluoride toothpaste and consider incorporating fluoride mouthwash into your daily oral hygiene routine.

Our braces care page goes into more detail about cleaning and caring for your teeth while you have braces. A healthy smile is just as important as a straight one, and at Risinger Orthodontics, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Stop White Spots From Braces Before They Happen

Don’t be afraid to ask your orthodontist what the best methods, toothpaste, and mouthwash are for cleaning your teeth with braces. The importance of regular and thorough brushing and flossing with braces cannot be overstated, especially around the brackets and wires, to prevent white spots on teeth after braces.

Braces can take some getting used to, but don’t worry, we’re here to make it fun and easy! The Risinger Orthodontics team is all about helping you achieve a smile you love. We’re happy to answer your questions, address your concerns, and guide you through a successful and enjoyable orthodontic experience.