Will Braces Leave White Spots on My Teeth?
Round Lake, IL – One question orthodontists often hear is “will braces leave whites spots on my teeth?” How can you ensure that your smile is not only straighter, but without any blemish after your orthodontic treatment? Dr. Michael Stosich of Stosich Consulting, a board certified orthodontist and a braces expert from Round Lake, IL area explains how white spots can form on the teeth and how to ensure it doesn’t happen to you during orthodontic treatment.
“First, it’s important to distinguish what can cause white spots on the teeth,” says Dr. Stosich. “Some people may have some on their teeth prior to even beginning orthodontic treatment. These spots can be caused by our genetic makeup, nutrition, or from fluorosis, a condition caused by excess fluoride intake.”
The best way to avoid this happening to you prior to orthodontic treatment is to have a good oral hygiene routine, eat a healthy diet, and use the proper amount of fluoride, as indicated by your dentist.
Orthodontic white spot lesions, the white spots some orthodontic patients finish treatment with, are completely preventable. These white spots are caused by plaque buildup on the teeth, which leads to decalcification. White spots on your teeth are an early sign of tooth decay – the minerals that protect your teeth have a very slightly yellow hue to them. When they are stripped away, the tissue underneath is exposed. This tissue is white, and also very sensitive.
The risk of getting these white spots increases with braces because braces can be harder to properly brush and floss around. However, they are 100% preventable.
“One of the most important things we discuss with our patients after they get braces placed is how to brush and floss properly while in braces,” says Dr. Stosich. “It may take you a little bit to get the right technique down, but I promise taking a bit of extra time will be well worth it when you see your results.”
Here are some of Dr. Stosich’s best tips for taking proper care of your smile:
- Orthodontic patients should take special care to brush at least twice daily, and after meals when possible. Be sure you brush for at least two minutes and take special care to brush thoroughly around your brackets and wires.
- Use an electric toothbrush. This will add a bit more vibration to your brushing, which can help to loosen any plaque buildup on your teeth.
- Invest in a water flosser. Flossing under the wires of your braces can be tricky, but a water flosser can be a great help. A tool like a Waterpik can remove the hard-to-reach plaque buildup in between teeth and at the gumline.
- Don’t forget about your dentist. Even in orthodontic treatment, it’s important to maintain your regular dental check-ups. This will ensure your smile is healthy and your end result will be stable.
“At each of your visits, we’ll not only be checking to make sure the braces are working properly, but we will also be checking to make sure you’re taking proper care of your smile,” says Dr. Stosich. “If needed, we’ll take extra time to coach you on how to better care for your smile so that you will have a straighter, healthier and more beautiful smile once your braces are removed.”
The best way to prevent white spots is to pay extra attention to your dental hygiene routine during the course of your treatment. With proper care and maintenance, your end result will be a properly functioning and more attractive smile that you’ll love showing off to the world.
If you have questions about how to properly maintain your smile during treatment, or are ready to begin your orthodontic journey, call Dr. Stosich at Stosich Consulting today – 847-548-4200 (Grayslake) or 224-408-2200 (Kenilworth).
