Your ARCH Orthodontist in Greater Boston knows firsthand what orthodontics can do for you and your smile. With straight teeth comes more confidence and more opportunity. With every kind of treatment we provide at our offices, the day we get most excited for is when it’s time for your braces to come off. You’re finally able to see your new smile! But sometimes you see white spots on your teeth too. Your ARCH orthodontist would like to take a moment to explain what they are, how they get there, and what you can do to make them disappear.
What are the Post-Braces White Spots?
So there they are – white spots on your newly straightened smile. They’re usually not hard to miss because they’re significantly lighter than the rest of your tooth enamel. Sometimes they feel different than the rest of your tooth too. They’re typically caused by something known as demineralization and referred to as white spot lesions. The minerals in your teeth have worn down over the course of your orthodontic treatment from ARCH.
What you’re seeing is actually an optical illusion due to mineral loss inside of your teeth behind the enamel. White spots are typically caused by acid erosion from bacteria and sugars present in our mouths.
How Did These White Spots Get There?
Unfortunately, white spots can develop pretty fast with patients undergoing orthodontic treatment that uses brackets and bands. Sometimes when we eat foods and drink beverages that are high in sugars and acids, it’s hard to brush effectively enough to remove all traces of them from your teeth and your orthodontic gear. This leads to a big buildup of bad bacteria which can turn into plaque and cavities. This is why is it’s super important to keep your teeth clean when undergoing orthodontic treatment.
How Can I Remove the White Spots on My Teeth?
There are a few ways you can make the white spots disappear.
1. Do Nothing – Sometimes with regular brushing and good oral hygiene, the spots will go away all on their own.
2. Re-Mineralization – This common solution usually involves applying a cream to your teeth that contains the minerals the bad bacteria took from your teeth. This treatment can cause spots to fade or disappear completely.
3. Tooth Whitening – This special chemical treatment can have a quick and direct impact on your white spots. It can normalize and boost the color of your teeth for a straight, bright, and white smile.
4. Dental Veneers – Some patients opt for cosmetic dental veneers that are placed directly over the front of your teeth. Veneers are durable and will make your smile look completely refreshed and natural.
There are even more options out there to help get rid of the spots on your teeth. To find what solution is best for you and your smile, it’s important that you speak with your ARCH orthodontist in Greater Boston and your general dentist to find the right solution for you. And don’t forget to brush and floss regularly when you’re undergoing any orthodontic treatment to ensure your smile stays free from cavities and white spots. Do you still have questions? Don’t hesitate to give your neighborhood ARCH Orthodontics office a call! We’re always happy to help you.
