Braces provide life-changing treatment by pushing teeth into a better alignment and fixing jaw placement. Braces are loved for their noninvasive approach that can take as little as six weeks complete. A question Dr. Backus often hears from his patients is, “Will I get white spots?” Because the development of white spots is 50/50, we can’t guarantee you’ll get them or not. However, we can tell you about things you can do that help to minimize your risk of developing discoloration.
Oral Hygiene
Proper oral hygiene is essential before, during, and after treatment for good oral health. But it is also a key element in preventing white spots. Brushing and flossing help to remove any residue from your braces, teeth, and gums that can erode the enamel and cause white spots.
Unclean teeth encourage the development of white spots because the bacteria will eat your enamel away, leaving the teeth vulnerable to threats that cause discoloration. We strongly recommend you invest in a water flosser. This device uses streams of water at various intensities to clean hard-to-reach places and remove stubborn bacteria.
An interproximal brush is another tool that can help with oral hygiene during treatment. This tool is small enough to fit under your wire, between the brackets, and between your teeth as an extra precaution against white spots. It is also small and portable, perfect for people who are constantly on the go or for any moments when you cannot use your water flosser. Positive side effects of an interproximal brush include no food stuck in your braces and fresher breath; this makes an interproximal brush an excellent tool to have, even if you are not concerned about decalcification.
Follow Your Diet
Overly acidic and sugary foods can break down the enamel and create decalcification spots (white spots). These substances are fuel for harmful bacteria that eat away at the protective layer of your teeth. Following the diet given to you by Dr. Backus will minimize your consumption of dangerous foods. It also reduces the risk of undesirable food getting stuck in hard-to-reach places, which can lead to white spots if the mouth is not cleaned thoroughly.
No Whitening Products
A surefire way to see discoloration on your teeth is to use whitening products while wearing braces! This is because the product is not able to reach all parts of your teeth thanks to your braces blocking the way (they do not come out). That means whenever your braces are removed, your teeth will be different shades of white!
At Backus Orthodontics, we know and understand that white teeth are trendy and beautiful. We would love to help you achieve the white teeth aesthetic one day after treatment is over, and Dr. Backus has removed your braces.
Fluoride Products
Fluoride is a natural substance already found in the teeth and your water. This ingredient can help strengthen your enamel, which can ward off white spots! If your enamel has weakened before, during, or after treatment, consider using mouthwash or toothpaste containing fluoride.
Before using any fluoride products, speak to Dr. Backus or your dentist! Unfortunately, too much fluoride can have the opposite effect—it can create white spots!—so it is best to speak to your oral healthcare before implementing fluoride into your routine.
Need More Information? Visit Backus Orthodontics!
If you notice white spots on your teeth, we urge you not to panic! Most of the time, white spots are not permanent and can be removed with proper care at home or with dental procedures.
At Backus Orthodontics, we do everything in our power to help you prevent and remove white spots when you are in our office. We also send you home with all the information and resources you need to successfully avoid white spots outside of the office, too.
Current patients who want to learn more about white spots and how to prevent them, and to receive personalized advice based on their habits and lifestyle, come to Backus Orthodontics today! Contact us to schedule an appointment with our Hoover office!
If you are a new patient interested in beginning orthodontic care, schedule a free consultation to find out which treatment options are best for you. Dr. Backus and his team will help you determine which choices you qualify for and help you narrow it down to the best fit.
Don’t wait until your white spots are irreversible; see us soon!