La Habra/Chino Hills, CA – Patients getting ready to start orthodontic treatment often have many questions. One common question Dr. Robert Gire of Gire Orthodontics hears is, “will orthodontic treatment leave white marks on my teeth?” We know that patients look forward to the day their braces come off and don’t want to see unsightly white marks – so is it possible to avoid getting these marks altogether?

“First it’s important to understand how these spots form in the first place so then we can talk about the steps needed to avoid them forming in the first place,” says Dr. Gire. “In most cases these spots appear due to minerals being stripped from the teeth. They typically form due to plaque build-up that decalcifies the teeth.”

The bacteria that live in plaque produce an acid that if not washed away works to dissolve the mineralized surfaces of our teeth. When the minerals are stripped away the white spots will appear. This can happen at any time but we can be especially vulnerable while wearing braces.

Brushing and flossing can be a bit more challenging while in braces. If your orthodontic treatment consists of braces made of brackets and wires you must take extra time to clean properly around them. Dr. Gire offers these additional tips to help keep your smile as bright as possible.

1. Clean your teeth properly. White spots can appear on anyone, not just those in orthodontic treatment. If the patient doesn’t pay close attention to their oral care routine, they will be more susceptible. Brush at least twice daily paying close attention to cleaning around the brackets and under the wires. Floss at least once daily and use a floss threader if you have a hard time getting the floss under the wires.
2. Maintain regular visits with your dentist. Being in orthodontic treatment is no reason to skip out on seeing your dentist – if anything, it’s even more important. We need your teeth to be as healthy as possible for orthodontic treatment to be most effective. That means seeing the dentist at least every six months. For some patients we may even suggest every three months.
3. Get plenty of fluoride. Fluoride helps our teeth stay strong so be sure you are using a fluoridated toothpaste when you brush. Your dentist can recommend additional fluoride sources if he or she believes it may keep your smile healthy.
4. Use an electric toothbrush. The vibration an electric toothbrush emits can help loosen plaque from the teeth and help keep your teeth as clean as possible. Many also come with built in timers so you are sure to brush for the right amount of time. There are even some that come with special attachments to make it as easy as possible to clean around brackets and wires.
5. Add a water flosser to your oral care routine. This can help loosen up anything that may still be left over and it can reach areas you may have difficulty getting to with your toothbrush and standard floss. Nothing replaces using actual floss but everything helps!

“If we notice white spots beginning to form, we will work with our patients to understand the necessary steps to take to prevent them from worsening,” says Dr. Gire. “Avoiding snacking too often, making healthy diet decisions, and brushing and flossing properly are all important steps to take to avoid white spots. We want to ensure your smile is ready to show off the minute your braces are removed.”

If you have any other questions about white spots and its prevention, please call us in our La Habra office (562-690-1199) or in our Chino Hills office (909-393-9911).