Finally, D-day is here! Your braces have come off, unveiling your gorgeous, straight smile. But wait, what are those tiny white spots on your teeth? They are definitely not something you were hoping to see. Let’s take this further and see what these spots on teeth are and methods to get rid of them.
What Are Those White Spots On Teeth?
Such spots on teeth are a very common side effect. It is basically plaque buildup during braces treatment.
White Spots on Teeth after Braces – Causes
White spots or lesions appear when acid comes into contact with your tooth enamel for a long period, leading to essential minerals like calcium’s dissolution in those specific areas.
During the time braces are worn, teeth cleaning is a significant challenge. The wires and brackets of braces make it harder to brush and floss, increasing the chances of plaque buildup and bacterial acid production. Over time, these missed areas can lead to the formation of white spots on teeth.
Can These Spots After Braces Go Away?
Prevention is of the essence. To lessen the risk of developing these spots, dedicate proper time to oral hygiene, especially around the braces. Regular brushing and flossing alone may not be enough; use tools such as interproximal toothbrushes, power brushes, and water flossers for more impactful cleaning in hard-to-reach areas.
Treating White Lesions on Teeth after Braces
White spots are frustrating. Fortunately, dentistry offers many effective treatment options to minimize their appearance and restore your smile:
At-Home Treatments
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- Fluoride Toothpaste strengthens the enamel and repairs it over time via fluoridation. This helps reduce the visibility of white spots on teeth.
- Teeth Whitening Products temporarily alter the appearance of your smile and diminish the visual effects of white lesions.
In-Office Treatments
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- Fluoride Remineralization Treatments involve the topical application of fluoride varnish, which delivers fluoride to the enamel quickly.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening effectively reduces the appearance of white spot lesions by whitening the surface of the enamel, matching it to the color of the spots.
Composite Resin Bonding is applied to fill in noticeable gaps in the enamel. - Microabrasion Treatment smooths out the enamel’s appearance to remove the spots. It can be combined with other treatments for optimal results.
- Dental Veneers are thin, and porcelain shells are bonded to the front surface of the teeth, creating a flawless smile.
Closing Note
Braces may cause discoloration, but start a proper oral hygiene regime and whitening toothpaste or mouthwash to help remove stains from your teeth. Get in touch with the dental experts from Smile Unique Dental and Orthodontics to learn about the options you have. Dial (832) 391-8660 to connect with us or drop by our clinic. We are located at 19355 Katy Freeway STE 600, Houston, TX 77094.