Stained braces are a common problem for many orthodontic patients. It ruins the appearance of the individual, can be a harbour for bacteria that cause tooth decay and can contribute to the malfunctioning of the actual braces themselves.
Common dental braces staining agents
Coffee and tea have to be the most common staining agents in the world. Not only do they discolour your tooth enamel, they also stain your braces and pretty much everything else they come in contact with; coffee can be used as brown paint because of the super high levels of tannin that are in it. Tea also has a lot of tannin and will stain your braces if it comes into contact frequently. Next on the list is smoking. Nicotine and tar deposits will show up on your braces as nasty brown stains, much like on fingernails or wallpaper. Red fruits and berries, as well as red wine and chocolate are also rich in tannins and will stain brackets and wires as well.
How to remove stains off your orthodontic braces
The best way to remove stains is with mouthwash. Get alcohol free mouthwash and gargle with it 3 times a day, making sure to keep it in your mouth for at least 2 minutes at a time. This should be able to break up most stains, but not all of them. If you are serious about removing them, use a bit of sodium bicarbonate and apply it to a toothbrush. The granules should help in removing stains, but be careful not to scrub too hard, or you can end up hurting your enamel.
What NOT to use on your dental braces
Although the internet swears by it, citric acid or lemon juice cannot be used to remove stains. They may remove them, but they will also eat up your tooth enamel. This goes for all kinds of acid, regardless of how weak. The best policy is to talk to your orthodontist first, as s/he may have a good solution to your problem, and may even clean the stain off him or herself.
Now you know what you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to stained braces, so make sure to get in touch with Oldham Orthodontics today if you are in need of help with stained braces or if you require further information at 0161 768 0931.
FAQs
How to remove stains off your orthodontic braces. The best way to remove stains is with mouthwash. Get alcohol free mouthwash and gargle with it 3 times a day, making sure to keep it in your mouth for at least 2 minutes at a time. This should be able to break up most stains, but not all of them.
What to do if your braces get stained? ›
Stains from braces are usually not permanent. With proper dental care, both during and after your orthodontic treatment, most stains can be removed. In cases where the staining is more severe, professional treatments like dental cleaning or teeth whitening can effectively eliminate them.
Why have my braces gone yellow? ›
Yellowing of your clear braces can happen for a range of reasons, but the most likely are that you've either eaten or drunk something while wearing them, or you smoke. Clear braces, like Invisalign, aren't designed to be worn while having snacks and meals, and smoking isn't a good idea, either.
Do orthodontists reuse brackets? ›
The presidents of all OMA member companies have read and have approved this article. "No one would seriously consider ushzg someone else's false teeth. But unbeknownst to their patients, many ortho- dontists do recycle braces and brackets used hz straightening teeth."
Do braces stains fade? ›
Provided proper dental hygiene is practiced, the spots will not get bigger. However, without treatment, stained teeth after braces won't disappear, although they will gradually fade.
Can yellow stains from braces be removed? ›
Professional dental cleaning can help remove stubborn stains that are hard to remove at home. Your orthodontist may use an ultrasonic scaler, sandblaster or laser equipment to remove the plaque and tartar buildup.
Do orthodontists clean teeth after braces? ›
Following the removal of your braces, your teeth will need a thorough cleaning. That's because braces tend to trap plaque and food in your teeth. Your orthodontist will also polish your teeth with a hard grinder, removing any residue of the adhesive used to fix your brackets to your teeth.
What color cancels out yellow braces? ›
However, if you are looking to have the illusion of whiter teeth, consider the following. Darker blues and purples will create contrast and make your teeth look whiter. This is because blue is the contrasting color of yellow and the two will cancel each other out. Some shades of purple can also do this.
How do I make my braces less yellow? ›
- Practice Good Oral Hygiene Habits. Good oral hygiene habits are essential regardless of what type or orthodontic treatment a patient is undergoing. ...
- Avoid Highly Staining Foods and Beverages. ...
- Refrain From Smoking. ...
- Replace Orthodontic Appliances as Recommended. ...
- Contact Us.
Nicotine and tar deposits will show up on your braces as nasty brown stains, much like on fingernails or wallpaper. Items of food or drink that contain turmeric and saffron will stain the elastic module that holds the wire in position, it will turn the elastic from a clear colour to a bright yellow or orange.
To avoid poor orthodontic treatment, you should consider several factors when choosing an orthodontist. For starters, check out their academic and professional background and experience. Plus, their personality and people skills, and whether they put the patient's interest first.
Will my orthodontist be mad if I break a bracket? ›
No, your orthodontist should not be mad if you break a bracket. Brackets can become loose or even break during normal wear and tear. Contact your orthodontist immediately to ensure that the treatment process is not affected.
Why do braces last 2 years? ›
You're probably wondering, “Why do braces take 2 years?” Again, that goes back to making sure we give your bones time to repair themselves as your teeth move.
How do I remove stains from my braces? ›
How to Get Rid of Braces Stains
- Brush with an Electric Toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes effectively remove plaque and food particles from around the brackets. ...
- Floss Regularly. ...
- Rinse with a Fluoridated Mouthwash. ...
- Avoid Staining Products and Drinks. ...
- Remineralization. ...
- Microabrasion. ...
- Visit your Orthodontist as Recommended.
Having braces make it difficult to remove this plaque, allowing it to create acids that strip the minerals from your enamel. This demineralization changes the way the tooth surface reflects the light, resulting in the development of those tiny white spots in the areas that are difficult to reach.
Can you reverse braces stains? ›
White spots on teeth after braces cannot be removed with a regular oral care routine. A cosmetic dentist can help you with different treatment options for white spot removal after braces. Some of these options include dental bleaching, microabrasion, enamel infiltration, cosmetic bonding, and dental veneers.
How to remove white stains from braces? ›
Unfortunately, there's no way for you to remove white spots on your own. Working with a great cosmetic dentist can provide you with various treatments for white spot removal after braces. Depending on the extent of the staining and how many teeth are involved, the process may be as simple as whitening your teeth.
How to remove staining from teeth? ›
How To Remove Stains From Teeth? – 10 Simple Ways
- Use whitening toothpaste. Does that sound prosaic to you? ...
- Use baking soda. Take a couple of large spoons of baking soda. ...
- Apply activated charcoal. ...
- Apply hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Rub with fruit peel. ...
- Consume a better diet. ...
- Tooth whitening strips. ...
- Eat fruits.
Most stains and spots caused by fluorosis or tooth decay are likewise irreversible. For permanent or stubborn brown spots on the teeth a dentist may be able to hide discolorations, or prevent further discoloration, with: white composite fillings.
