While
your orthodontist takes steps to ensure your braces straighten your
teeth properly, you need to take steps at home to ward off
demineralization of your teeth that can occur around your braces
brackets. This demineralization can lead to the development of white
spots on your teeth that only become obvious after your braces are
removed.
These
white spots, also called white spot lesions (WSL), cannot be removed
once they form. However, they are preventable when you maintain good
oral hygiene habits while wearing your braces. In addition, your
dentist and/or orthodontist may be able to provide in-office
treatments to ward off these spots.
Read
on to learn how to prevent WSLs while wearing braces and
what to do if you have had your braces removed and you now have these
spots.
Preventing
Braces White Spots
When
white spots develop on teeth during braces wear, they typically occur
right around the braces brackets. Plaque can accumulate around the
perimeter of the bracket, and the acidic bacteria in the plaque
causes tooth demineralization, which is a form of early tooth decay.
Some
orthodontists apply special sealants to teeth before brackets are
adhered to protect tooth enamel from decay to prevent white spots. In
addition, a new bracket adhesive has been designed designed to
prevent WSLs. This adhesive continuously releases fluoride, calcium,
and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel under and around braces
brackets to prevent WSLs.
However,
whether your orthodontist offers a special bracket adhesive or tooth
sealant or not, the number one way to prevent WSLs is to keep your
teeth as clean and plaque-free as possible when wearing your braces.
Your
oral hygiene routine while wearing braces should consist of:
- Brushing your teeth 2 to 3 times each day. Be sure to brush your teeth thoroughly for at least two minutes during each brushing and take special care to clean braces brackets and the tooth surface surrounding them thoroughly. You can use a soft, manual toothbrush or make an investment in an electric toothbrush that has a special head dedicated to cleaning around braces brackets,
- Flossing daily. While flossing while wearing braces can seem difficult at first while you are learning how to maneuver floss under your braces' wires, daily flossing will pay off when your teeth are picture-perfect after braces are removed.
- Consider using a water flosser. If traditional flossing takes too long for your busy schedule or you find it too difficult, then using a water flosser may be a better option for you. Not only can it be used to remove plaque between teeth, as typical dental floss can, but you can also target the plaque around braces brackets with it.
- Use a fluoride mouth rinse daily. Even when using fluoride toothpaste, the additional fluoride in a fluoride rinse can help prevent tooth decalcification even further.
In
addition, be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a
professional exam and dental cleaning. While your orthodontist takes
great care to straighten your smile, your dentist removes tartar from
your teeth and checks your teeth for cavities. Your dentist may even
perform extra services, such as apply special fluoride treatments, to
help prevent the development of white spots on your teeth.
Restoring
the Appearance of Teeth with White Spots
If
you recently had your braces removed and discovered white spots on
your teeth, then you do have options to help you improve the
appearance of your smile. One option is to obtain a teeth whitening
procedure. Whitening your teeth can help the white spots blend in
visually with the surrounding tooth enamel once it is also very
white.
If
you find that whitening your teeth does not help disguise your white
spots as much as you would like, then dental bonding that can be
"painted" over WSL-affected teeth.
While
white spots can develop on teeth while wearing braces, these spots
are not difficult to prevent. Contact Donald E. Snyder Orthodontics
to schedule a braces consultation today.
