Braces are a common and effective treatment method for teeth that are not properly aligned. For some patients, braces are necessary for fixing issues in bite, and for others, it may be an aesthetic choice to fix crooked teeth. Whatever the reason for braces, at the end of treatment people expect straight, white teeth.
A Common Concern
A common concern and question that many patients ask is whether braces can stain your teeth. Braces themselves will not stain teeth, but could contribute to discolouration during treatment. Stains are often caused by the accumulation of plaque on the brackets that is not properly cleaned. Plaque can accumulate and become trapped easier due to the number of hard to clean places around the brackets and wires of the braces. The extra plaque can result in white spots from decalcification, or yellow spots from decay. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent staining when undergoing treatment.
How to Prevent Discoloration
As staining is caused by plaque, it is especially important to make sure you remove plaque before it has a chance. This can be done with constant brushing and daily flossing. Brushing several times a day, and flossing at least once daily can help remove plaque. You should also avoid food and drink that contributes to plaque. Sugary food and drink, and sticky food that clings to teeth should be avoided.
While it is possible to get stained teeth during orthodontic treatment, it is not caused by the treatment itself. Avoid the white and yellow spots by making sure you keep up a high degree of oral hygiene during treatment, and visiting your dentist regularly.
