Having braces can make it more challenging to keep your teeth looking their whitest. The brackets and wires used in orthodontic appliances can trap food and plaque, leading to stains. However, with a bit of extra care, it is possible to maintain white teeth while wearing braces.
Causes of Stained Teeth with Braces
There are a few reasons why braces promote tooth discoloration:
- Brackets provide places for plaque to build up and collect stains
- Elastic ties and ligatures can harbor bacteria and get stained over time
- The metal wires interact with foods, drinks and plaque, causing more discoloration
- Braces make brushing and flossing more difficult, allowing stains to set
The brackets, bands and wires used in braces are right next to the teeth. This makes it easy for plaque and pigmented foods to come into contact with the tooth surface and cause stains. The intricate components of braces also make it harder to properly clean the teeth.
How to Keep Teeth White with Braces
Even though orthodontic appliances promote stains, you can take steps to minimize discoloration and maintain bright teeth:
Brush Carefully
Make sure to thoroughly brush around braces every time you clean your teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or an orthodontic brush designed to clean around brackets and wires. Take your time to gently brush each bracket, wire and tooth surface. Use a fluoride toothpaste approved by your orthodontist.
Floss Regularly
Floss at least once per day to clear plaque from between teeth and under wires. Use floss threaders or interdental brushes to thoroughly clean between brackets. Ask your orthodontist to demonstrate proper flossing techniques.
Use a Fluoride Mouthwash
An ADA-approved fluoride mouthwash can help strengthen enamel and limit stains while wearing braces. Swish the mouthwash around brackets thoroughly to help reduce plaque buildup. But don’t use mouthwash as a replacement for brushing and flossing.
Limit Staining Foods and Drinks
Avoid foods and beverages that can stain your braces like coffee, tea, colored sauces and dark sodas. If you do indulge in them, be sure to brush or rinse your mouth afterwards. Stay away from sugary foods that increase plaque.
Get Professional Cleanings
See your dentist every 6 months for a thorough cleaning to remove hardened plaque from around braces. You can also get braces polished to prevent buildup. Ask your orthodontist how often polishing is recommended.
Whitening Options for Braces
Special whitening products are available to brighten teeth and prevent stains during orthodontic treatment:
| Whitening Method | How It Works | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Whitening Toothpastes | Gently polishes away surface stains with mild abrasives approved for braces | Results are mild compared to other methods |
| Whitening Rinses | Uses hydrogen peroxide to lift some stains from enamel around brackets | May temporarily whiten teeth but stains return quickly |
| Whitening Strips | Apply strips containing peroxide gel directly to teeth surfaces | Can be difficult to place precisely around braces |
| In-Office Whitening | Dentist applies concentrated peroxide gel to teeth | Most effective but can’t be done too frequently |
Always consult your orthodontist before trying any whitening products to make sure they are safe for your situation. Overuse of whitening chemicals can damage enamel over time.
Preventing Stains Before and After Braces
You can take steps before, during and after orthodontic treatment to keep your teeth looking their best:
- Before braces – Get any necessary fillings or dental work. Have teeth cleaned and whitened.
- With braces – Follow proper oral hygiene and limit staining foods/drinks. Use recommended whitening methods.
- After braces – Get teeth cleaned by a hygienist to remove glue and residue. Maintain excellent oral hygiene.
Ask your orthodontist for specific guidance on keeping teeth white before, during and after your course of braces. With proper care, it is possible to complete orthodontic treatment with bright and beautiful smile.
The Impact of Braces on Teeth Whiteness
Wearing braces often leads to some degree of tooth discoloration, but the extent of staining varies between individuals. Factors like oral hygiene, diet and genetics influence how much teeth will stain with braces.
In a study published in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, researchers evaluated tooth color changes in 80 patients before and after 18 months of fixed orthodontic treatment. They found that:
- 100% of patients exhibited some objective increase in tooth discoloration during braces treatment.
- The most staining occurred during the first 6 months, followed by gradual discoloration over the remaining 12 months.
- Yellow and yellow-brown stains were most common around brackets and bands.
- Patients with poor oral hygiene before treatment had worse discoloration than those with good hygiene.
The findings confirm that fixed braces make teeth more prone to staining due to factors like plaque buildup and difficulty cleaning. However, researchers emphasized that diligent oral hygiene and professional whitening can still keep teeth looking bright with braces.
Maintaining a White Smile Throughout Orthodontic Care
While fixed braces promote stains, there are effective ways to minimize discoloration of your teeth during orthodontic treatment:
- Meticulously brush and floss around brackets every day
- Use specialized orthodontic oral hygiene tools
- Follow any dietary guidelines from your orthodontist
- Select clear or tooth-colored brackets when possible
- Get professional cleanings and teeth whitening treatments
- Avoid smoking, tobacco, red wine and other staining products
The best results come from diligent daily oral hygiene routines, professional cleanings and periodic whitening touch-ups. This keeps stains from setting around brackets and wires. Your orthodontist can recommend the ideal stain removal techniques and frequency for your unique situation.
With concerted effort and care, you can complete orthodontic treatment with visibly whiter and brighter teeth. Temporary discoloration from braces can be controlled and reversed.
Conclusion
Braces make keeping teeth white challenging due to increased plaque buildup and difficulty cleaning around brackets and wires. Staining typically worsens over the first 6 months before leveling off. However, by maintaining impeccable oral hygiene, limiting staining foods/drinks and using whitening products recommended by your orthodontist, you can prevent severe discoloration of your teeth during braces treatment. With proper care, it is possible to complete orthodontic treatment with whiter and brighter teeth.
