White spots are a common problem that people complain about after they have their braces taken off. It's an unpleasant sight, especially after waiting months or years to get that perfect smile. However, if you're interested in braces, that doesn't mean that you're doomed to have white spots on your teeth when your orthodontic treatment is done. Read on to learn more about these white spots and to discover the secret of how to avoid them.

What Are They?

The white spots left behind after braces come off actually aren't the fault of the braces themselves. These white marks are there because plaque adhered to the edges of the braces and wasn't cleaned away properly by the person wearing them. While the rest of the tooth - and the part covered by the braces bracket - appear normal, the white line or spots are where plaque accumulated and caused damage to the tooth. In essence, these white marks are like a mini-cavity. Enough damage was done to change the appearance of the tooth and to weaken the enamel, but typically not enough to create a full-fledged cavity.

How to Avoid

All it takes to keep your teeth from getting these white spots is to take good care of them. This means that you have to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and you should continue or start flossing. Your teeth are at a higher risk of developing problems while you're wearing braces because the braces can make it a little more difficult to clean every crevice of your teeth. However, it's certainly not impossible to do so, and many people are pleased to see healthy teeth when their braces are taken off.

Oral Health Tips

In addition to brushing and flossing, there are some extra things you can do to protect your teeth.

First of all, you can consider having your teeth bonded before you get your braces put on. Tooth bonding puts an extra layer of protection on the outside of your teeth that plaque has to break through before it can even begin to harm your tooth.

Secondly, add some extra tools to your oral hygiene arsenal. A water flosser, for example, does a great job of getting into the crevices around your braces and blasting away plaque and the bacteria responsible for making plaque. You can also use it to get the gunk out from between your teeth and from under the wires of your braces. If you don't want or can't afford a water flosser, try an interdental brush instead to achieve the same effect.

Lastly, make sure to see your orthodontist and general dentist regularly for check-ups. This will help you to catch problems early on to ensure that you don't get white spots. Getting your teeth straightened doesn't mean that your teeth are going to be damaged in the process. With proper care, you can finish your treatment with the perfect smile you're looking for and not a white spot in sight.

For more information, contact a dental office like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.