Life after braces: Why are my teeth stained?

Yay! You have successfully gone through a treatment of braces! Now what? You may notice some changes in your teeth; the feeling, and their color! Are you noticing any stains? This is completely normal, and there are ways to safely handle the stains!

Why does this happen?

When your teeth are in braces, it can become more difficult to brush and floss. This results in the buildup of plaque, leading to overall discoloration. Plaque is a sticky film that builds up on teeth after eating and drinking. Over time, if left untreated, this plaque will turn into tartar, which shows on the teeth as a brown/yellow color. If tartar is left untreated, a cavity will form.

How can you treat the discoloration?

The best way to treat discoloration is with regular flossing and brushing. It is important to get into the gumline, which is a hard-to-reach area when braces are in the way. There are ways to get around it, and your dentist is sure to help you find a solution that works best for you! It is also important to schedule routine dental cleanings. This will ensure a proper cleaning, all while getting tips from your dentist!

Life after braces

You may notice some white spots on your teeth after the braces are removed. The brackets are glued to your teeth, so any discoloration or plaque buildup is bound to occur on the teeth surrounding the brackets. Once the brackets are removed, you will notice small white spots, noticeably whiter than the rest of your teeth. Don’t worry, this is not permanent! Treatment ranges from whitening to remineralization. In extreme cases, veneers may be an option. However, the other options are proven very effective!

Living with new and improved teeth!

You just got your braces off, this is news to be celebrated! Try not to fret about discoloration, as this is temporary and your new smile is forever! Keep up with the brushing, flossing, and dental visits. These small spots of discoloration will be gone in no time.