Stains on teeth after braces: how to prevent them and how to get rid of them

As you may already know, braces are the only effective way to straighten crooked teeth. But you may also know that perfect dental care with braces is quite difficult. However, if you neglect to clean your teeth according to the instructions of your dentist or orthodontist, stains will be waiting for you on the front surfaces of your teeth when you remove your fixed braces. How? And how to prevent it? Find out in this article.

Why you may have ruined teeth after braces

The short answer is: Inadequate oral hygiene. The longer answer is: 

Plaque naturally forms on teeth after eating and drinking. This contains bacteria, and when it builds up on your teeth, it can cause brown or yellow discolouration. If you remove plaque by brushing regularly and thoroughly, it doesn't build up - and your teeth don't become discoloured.

However, if you don't look after your teeth carefully enough, and you have fixed braces, plaque builds up around the brackets. This can then cause enamel to demineralise, leading to white stains on your teeth - which you won't find out about until after your braces come off.

Types of stains and discolorations that can occur

White spots on teeth after braces

White stains are caused by demineralization of tooth enamel. They are then often visible around the area where the braces were fitted and can be difficult to remove.

Brown spots on teeth (after braces)

Brown stains are usually the result of poor oral hygiene and plaque build-up. This type of stain is usually harder to remove and may require professional intervention.

How to avoid stains after braces?

Prevention is always better than cure. So let's review the basics of proper dental care with braces, which also act as a prevention against stains after braces. 

• Use the tips from our article on how to care for your teeth with fixed braces. In addition, if you're also interested in how your life will change after you start orthodontic treatment, read our article Life with braces.
• Don't skip regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleaning at a dental hygiene appointment to remove plaque build-up and identify dental risk factors.
• Talk to your dentist about special cleaning tools and methods for cleaning hard-to-reach areas when wearing braces.
• Include fluoride products (toothpastes, mouthwashes, etc.) in your daily oral hygiene routine. Fluoride helps remineralise weak enamel and strengthen it. Stains will therefore not form.
• Follow a healthy and balanced diet that improves oral health. We've written more about this in our dental care article. Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as sugary drinks, coffee and red wine, or drink them through a straw.
• Instead of fixed braces, choose Invisalign invisible braces. You take them off to brush your teeth, which makes dental maintenance easier.

How to get rid of stains from braces

Don't worry if you get stains on your teeth when you take your braces off. There are several ways to get rid of stains from braces. Your dentist will recommend a treatment regimen that's right for you. We carry the three most common ones:

1. Teeth whitening

You can get whitening toothpastes and brush your teeth with them according to the manufacturer's instructions. However, if this doesn't work, use professional teeth whitening - either in-office orhome whitening (from a dentist).

Tip: Take advantage of the modern aesthetic dentistry clinic DENTALABS. 

2. Microabrasion

It is the grinding of enamel to improve the colour of teeth using pumice or diamond. This method is usually effective in restoring the appearance of teeth and works on typical stains after braces are removed.

3. Facets

In severe cases of discoloration, the dentist or orthodontist may suggest veneers to cover it. Veneers are ultra-thin tooth-coloured plates that are placed on the front surfaces of the teeth. This covers discolored teeth and promotes a beautiful smile.

Tip: The aesthetic clinic DENTALABS will also take care of your perfect dental veneers.

However, if you're just starting orthodontic treatment, consider invisible braces. Schedule a free consultation with us and read 10 reasons why invisible braces are the right choice.

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