Teeth discoloration after braces – Tips to prevent it

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If you’ve worn braces or are wearing one, you would be familiar with teeth discoloration. Braces are a common treatment for straightening teeth. But a side effect of braces is that people often find stains on their teeth after the removal of braces.

This typically happens because brushing your teeth while you have braces, is not an ideal situation to clean. There are many spots and crannies that you miss simply because you cannot reach them. These spots are mainly the areas behind the wire and bracket of the braces.

Over the time, plaque accumulates and becomes tartar or thickened calculus. This leaves a yellowish or brownish stain after braces are removed. At times, this buildup of tartar can also lead to demineralization of teeth, which weakens them and makes them prone to cavities and decays.

How to prevent teeth discoloration

Brushing your teeth and maintaining oral hygiene can be tough when you are wearing braces, but the best way to avoid teeth discoloration and any stains is by maintaining proper and regular oral cleaning and hygiene. Consider incorporating the following practices in your oral care regimen.

  • Brushing-

    One of the most important steps in oral care, especially when you have braces is to brush your teeth regularly and often to prevent any accumulation of plaque. While it is ideal to brush twice a day under normal circumstances, when wearing braces, you must brush after every meal. Use a good fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. An electric toothbrush is apt in such cases as it minimizes the effort when brushing. The Oral-B Vitality Series Electric toothbrush comes with a 2 minutes embedded timer that helps you brush for a longer time. Perfect for an everyday comprehensive cleaning, the Vitality series electric toothbrush comes with 2D technology that oscillates and rotates around your teeth, removing more plaque than a manual toothbrush.

  • Rinsing–

    You must rinse your mouth using a fluoride mouth wash after every meal and after brushing. Check your mouth for any leftover food particles and do a double rinse if needed.

  • Flossing–

    This is a habit that everyone must incorporate into their daily oral care. Flossing helps to reach in spaces between your bracket and teeth, and between wires. Use Oral-B’s Essential Mint Dental Floss that comes with a shred-resistant technology. This means you don’t have to worry about the thread breaking or fibers getting stuck in between your teeth.

  • Food–

    Make sure to avoid all kinds of sugary and sticky foods. The sugary foods will simply lead to plaque formation and increase chances of decay and teeth discoloration.

Are teeth stains after braces permanent?

When plaque builds up over a period, it leads to demineralization of teeth. This means the acids in the plaque attack the enamel of your teeth, making it weak and soft. This leaves white spots on your teeth and if left untreated can also cause cavities.

The best way to tackle this is by maintaining good oral hygiene using the steps mentioned above. Also, having routine dental check-ups will help in identifying any major concern beforehand.

Once you’ve removed your braces, depending on the severity of your stains, your dentist will suggest some solution:

Tooth discoloration treatments:

  1. Teeth whitening


    From toothpaste and strips, to gels and more, there are many teeth whitening products available these days. Consult your dentist which is the best way to go forward, depending on how bad the teeth stains are.

  2. Remineralization


    Once demineralization has occurred, you are bound to have white spots on your teeth. The best way to tackle this is by minimizing the effects by adopting good oral hygiene practices and altering your lifestyle and diet – avoiding sugary and starchy foods, taking vitamin supplements etc.

  3. Veneers


    In severe cases of teeth discoloration, your dentist may suggest getting veneers. These are thin shells that are attached to the front of your teeth.

Whether you have braces or not, the best way to avoid stains or any oral issue is by maintaining dental care and a good oral hygiene regimen. When you have braces, following a proper regimen will help a great deal in minimizing any chances of teeth discoloration.

FAQs

Why are my teeth discolored with braces?

Brushing your teeth when you have braces is not an ideal situation to clean your teeth. There are many spots and crannies that you miss simply because you cannot reach them. These spots are mainly areas behind the wire and bracket of the braces. Over time, plaque accumulates and becomes tartar or thickened calculus. This leaves a yellowish or brownish stain after braces are removed.

How do you get rid of stains on your teeth from braces?

There are many ways to get rid of stains such as teeth whitening procedures, veneers, and remineralization.

How do you keep your teeth white when you have braces?

Maintaining a good oral care regimen of brushing, rinsing, and flossing regularly and frequently will help keep your teeth white when you have braces.