Braces are an excellent way to achieve a straighter smile, but they can sometimes come with a new set of challenges that patients should prepare for. One of the most common concerns Razi Orthodontics patients have is about white spot lesions forming on their teeth after their braces come off. While it can be frustrating to see these stains after such a long time spent in treatment, there are several steps patients can take to prevent them from occurring – or fix them after they’ve formed. Keep reading to learn more about white spot treatment and prevention!
Facts About White Spot Lesions
Whether you call them white spots, white spot lesions, decalcification, or simply discoloration, it can be disheartening to find white stains on your teeth after Dr. Razi removes your braces. If you notice white spots that can’t be washed away after one brushing session alone, you may be experiencing the signs of enamel decalcification.
White Spots Are Caused by Enamel Erosion
Typically, enamel decalcification is caused by excessive exposure to acid in your food, beverages, or even bad bacteria found in dental plaque. When your teeth come in contact with these acids, they slowly erode the enamel, leaving opaque white spots that reveal signs of damage to this layer of the tooth.
A good oral hygiene routine is key to preventing these acids from wearing away the enamel and causing decalcification, but when you have braces, brushing effectively can become that much more difficult. Working around brackets and wires takes time to learn, and even the best brushers may develop white spots after orthodontic treatment.
White Spots Are Common
If you have white spots, you’re not alone. In fact, up to 50% of braces-wearers develop white spots over the course of treatment, so this condition is very common. Fortunately, white spots are highly preventable and treatable, so even if you have them, the Razi Orthodontics team can give you some tips for refreshing your smile.
White Spots May Disappear On Their Own
White spots on your teeth do not have to be permanent, and they can even disappear naturally through a consistent oral hygiene routine. Sometimes brushing with a fluoride toothpaste alone can restore the enamel and reduce the effects of white spot lesions.
Preventing White Spots with Braces
Although it is possible for white spots to fade away naturally, it’s much more effective to do all you can to prevent them from forming in the first place. Use these pro tips from Dr. Razi to ensure your teeth stay even-toned throughout your treatment so you can enjoy a bright white and straight smile when treatment is over.
Brush Your Teeth Well
By far, the most important step in preventing enamel decalcification is sticking to a consistent oral hygiene routine. This means brushing your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice a day for two minutes at a time. Brushing after meals adds an extra layer of protection against acid build-up that causes white spots, so consider keeping an on-the-go toothbrush handy when you’re out and about.
Keep a Proxabrush Handy
Proxabrushes are excellent orthodontic tools that are great for getting in between the brackets and wires to clean the entire surface of each tooth more effectively. When you’re done brushing your teeth normally, try using a proxabrush to clean the hard-to-reach surfaces in your mouth for a thorough clean that will help prevent white spots from forming.
Avoid Sugar
Foods and beverages with high sugar contents are like bait for cavity-causing bacteria. When these bad bacteria are around, they produce acids that wear away your enamel and lead to white spots. Similarly, acidic foods and drinks can cause enamel erosion leading to decalcification. Instead, opt for water and other healthier food options to protect your enamel and your smile.
Fixing White Spots After They’ve Formed
If you just got your braces off, and you’re reading this blog in a panic because you already have white spots on your teeth, don’t worry! There are more than a few things you can do to turn back the clock on those white spot lesions. Options like in-office professional whitening, microabrasion, fluoride treatments, or dental veneers are all designed to reduce the look of white spots, so be sure to ask a professional which one is right for you.
Trust the Experts at Razi Orthodontics
No one likes white spots, but by following these directions and communicating with Dr. Razi throughout your treatment, you’ll get that pearly white smile you want without a hitch. Our team has years of experience treating patients of all ages and conditions in Wheaton, so no matter your concern, we’ve handled it before, and we’ll handle it for you. If you’re ready to get started, schedule your free braces or Invisalign consultation today!