Braces are a great solution for getting your teeth aligned into a beautiful smile. However, for those undergoing orthodontic treatment with the traditional brackets and bands, an unfortunate side-effect is white marks or discoloration on the teeth. These marks happen when you consume sugary or acidic foods and beverages and don’t maintain proper dental hygiene. Brushing effectively around the brackets glued onto the teeth becomes challenging with traditional braces. It can also result in a build-up of bad bacteria that feed on the sugars present in the mouth and create plaque and acid that erodes the tooth’s enamel. If timely care isn’t taken, these marks can slowly erode away the tooth’s surface and lead to cavities eventually. You then end-up with two problems – teeth alignment as well as cavities! The most important takeaway here is that when undergoing orthodontic treatment, marks on your teeth are preventable. All you need to do is be extra vigilant about keeping your teeth clean and avoid consuming sugary and acidic food.

White marks are permanent

These leftover marks from wearing braces are permanent and are due to decalcification. White marks are a result of plaque build-up resulting in leaching out of calcium and minerals from the outer enamel structure of the tooth. Plaques are made up of bacteria, food debris and polysaccharides and glycoproteins from saliva.

Preventing white marks

1. Brushing effectively around the brackets after every meal or snack
2. Flossing at least once a day
3. Avoiding sugary and acidic foods and beverages for the duration of treatment
4. Regular dental check-ups as recommended by your orthodontist

Getting rid of white marks

Re-mineralization – One of the easiest ways to fade away marks from your tooth is by applying prescription creams that contain minerals that were eroded away. Teeth Whitening – This process involves the direct application of a chemical on the white spots to help even out their color and brighten the overall color of your teeth. Dental Veneers – Another option is to go with cosmetic dental veneers which are placed directly on the outer surface of the teeth. These veneers are very durable and look just like natural teeth, giving you an even and perfect smile. Go natural – If the marks aren’t too deep, they can sometimes go away on their own without you doing anything - you will, however, need to follow good oral hygiene and brush regularly. While traditional braces do an excellent job of aligning your teeth, the discolorations left behind can sometimes become an additional problem. The best way out of this dilemma is to go with alternatives to metal braces. The easy-to-use transparent OrthoFX aligners make better options. All you need do is remove them out when eating or drinking and slip them back on again when done. It’s that simple!