Some patients who have their braces removed see white spots on their new smiles. These white spots after braces can be caused by a variety of factors, like genetics or nutrition. Most often, however, they are caused by plaque buildup during your braces procedure.
Plaque buildup becomes harder to fight when you have braces because bacteria remains trapped around the brackets and gums. If plaque isn’t thoroughly brushed away, it can result in decalcification. This is when the acid starts to dissolve the surface of your tooth, leaving these white marks.
These white spots are most noticeable after your braces are removed. You’ll see them surrounding the spaces where your brackets once were. They can be a frustrating discovery after your braces come off!
How can I make white spots after braces go away?
Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done after decalcification has occurred. You cannot simply reverse the spots’ appearance by brushing them away. In fact, these white spots are not usually reversible, unless you resort to cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, tooth whitening, bleaching, or microabrasion.
How can I prevent white spots on my teeth?
While there may be little you can do after these white spots appear, there is a lot you can do to decrease your chances of getting them while you’re wearing braces!
- Brush your teeth regularly. Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Don’t forget to brush your teeth before you go to sleep for the night so plaque doesn’t sit on your teeth for hours. There are special brushes you can use that help clean the small areas beneath your wires.
- Floss daily. These white spots can also appear between teeth and are more susceptible to serious decay. Floss regularly to ensure no plaque is left unseen between your teeth.
- Keep acidic foods to a minimum. Decalcification occurs when acid eats away at the surface of your teeth. Foods like lemons or sour candies or popular sodas have high levels of acid in them and should be avoided.
- Visit your family dentist every six months. Your family dentist can provide a more thorough cleaning and find plaque buildup you may have missed. You can also ask your dentist about prescription toothpaste brands or rinses that are available for preventative care.
If you have questions about caring for your teeth before, during, and after braces, request a consultation with our team of orthodontists in Allentown, Easton, Reading, and beyond. If you want to smile with a spark, orthodontics in Lehigh Valley & Berks County are now accepting new patients.