Braces have become more popular than ever before. As a safe and easy orthodontic option to straighten teeth, many people choose to get braces to improve their smiles. But after they come off, unfortunately, many people can notice stained teeth from braces.
In this article, we’ll explore some of why stains from braces can occur on your teeth. Next, we’ll talk about how you can remove them and make your teeth as bright as possible.
Causes For Stained Teeth: It’s Probably Not Your Braces
Orthodontic devices such as braces are designed with a system of brackets that adhere to the surfaces of the teeth. An archwire holds these brackets together, and the entire system occupies significant space inside your mouth. The result is that the wire and brackets can accumulate food, saliva and oral bacteria, allowing dental plaque to form.
Normally, a good oral hygiene routine would get rid of the plaque through proper brushing and flossing. However, it’s more difficult to clean in the crevices in and around the braces, and the plaque accumulates and thickens. Bacteria that reside within the plaque produce acids that weaken and demineralize tooth enamel, which results in small white patches and spots in difficult-to-reach areas. Meanwhile, the plaque hardens over time and becomes tartar, which is creamy-white to yellowish. Tartar deposits on your teeth are hard enough that you cannot remove them even with vigorous brushing.
Of course, all of these cases show that it’s not the braces themselves that are causing the staining. Rather, it’s the fact that the braces can make it difficult to clean your teeth and gums properly.
Stained Teeth From Braces Happen Because Of Poor Oral Care
As we’ve learned, braces can make it more difficult to clean your teeth properly – leading to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. That’s why the best way to prevent stained teeth from braces is to defend your teeth against plaque buildup while you have braces.
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly. If you have braces, brush, and floss after every meal. You can use a water flosser for those hard-to-reach areas or an orthodontic floss threader to floss the wire and brackets of your braces.
- Use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens your teeth and prevents tooth decay and cavities.
- Visit your dentist regularly. Regular cleanings of your teeth and braces will thoroughly remove debris and buildup that you can’t remove on your own.
- Watch what you eat and drink. Acidic foods and beverages, sweet foods high in sugar, and staining foods and beverages like coffee, wine, and tea contribute to tooth staining. If you consume one of these foods or beverages, rinsing your mouth with water is a good way to neutralize the acidic environment.
Conclusion: Removing Stains from Teeth After Braces
If you have stained teeth after your braces have been removed, a dentist can professionally whiten them to give you a brighter, more uniform smile.
Pasadena Dental Doc offers state-of-the-art dental care with fair, transparent prices. We specialize in a wide variety of dental procedures. We also have flexible office hours and accept most insurance plans. For any questions or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us at (713) 947-0293. We pride ourselves on being the best dentist in Pasadena, TX.
BY GARGLE