Some people experience discoloration of their teeth around their brackets throughout the course of treatment with traditional braces. This is a common occurrence that can lead to unevenness in tooth color after your braces are removed. Thankfully, there are steps you can take to keep your smile bright while undergoing treatment with braces, and there are also methods for correcting tooth shade after your treatment is complete! Our Richmond, VA, braces provider explains more here.
Why Does Staining Occur?
Discoloration can occur when food becomes stuck in between brackets and wires or when you consume foods and drinks that tend to stain. Food debris causes a buildup of bacteria and plaque, which then leads to further staining and spots on the teeth.
How To Prevent Staining
The simplest way to keep your teeth white and minimize the chance of white spots is to always brush and floss after each meal. Clean between your wires either with a tool or a water pick to ensure that all debris is removed. It’s also important to avoid foods and drinks that tend to stain the teeth, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, and reduce consumption of acidic foods and sugary drinks, which can damage your enamel.
Whitening Methods
Using whitening methods such as whitening trays or strips is not recommended while you undergo treatment with traditional metal braces. If you notice staining and want to correct it, try using a whitening toothpaste or mouthwash that is designed to gently lift tooth stains. Following your treatment, if you notice there are white spots where your brackets were, you may want to consider professional whitening treatment to even out the color of your teeth and make your smile bright! Our orthodontist will advise if professional whitening treatment is right for you.
Contact Our Richmond, VA, Braces Provider Today To Find Out More!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact White Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office for braces or Invisalign in Richmond, VA, by clicking here or by calling 804.715.1998.