For patients with
severe orthodontic issues, the only way to improve their smile is through Insignia braces. While Insignia braces is
far more comfortable and effective than traditional metal braces, patients
still need them for a couple of years and they can cause a degree of pain and
discomfort. While braces used to be associated with teenagers, an increasing
number of adults are now choosing to straighten their teeth with Insignia
braces. For most patients, the last day of wearing braces is the most exciting
day of their lives, and nothing is sweeter than reaping the rewards of hard
work and dedication!
Regrettably,
some patients are astounded to uncover that some of their teeth are stained in
the areas where their brackets once were. While teeth staining is relatively
normal and will usually disappear within a couple of months of regular
brushing, it can be disheartening and some patients want to jump straight into
teeth whitening. To offer you some insight into the topic, today we’ll be
talking about teeth stains from braces, how to prevent them, and what to do if
they don’t go away!
Why do teeth stain?
Having metal
brackets and wires glued to your teeth isn’t healthy for your teeth’s enamel.
Consequently, it’s paramount that patients with braces learn how to effectively
brush and floss around each bracket. Food particles and plaque can easily build-up
in areas of your teeth which are hard to reach when wearing braces, and this
can cause some discolouration. If plaque is left on your teeth for too long, it
creates acids that draws minerals from your teeth’s enamel and result in
demineralisation. When this happens, light is reflected from the surface of
your teeth differently and this results in white spots appearing.
How to stop teeth from staining?
Prevention is
always better than cure when it concerns your teeth, and there are a variety of
ways in which you can prevent your teeth from staining when wearing Insignia
braces.
1. Don't
use whitening toothpaste
You may expect that using whitening
toothpaste will prevent teeth stains, but the opposite is actually true.
Considered that this style of toothpaste will only whiten the regions of your
teeth not covered by brackets, your teeth will look very stained once your
braces are finally removed. For the best results, stay with regular toothpaste!
2. Regular
dental cleaning
Just because you have Insignia braces
doesn't imply that you don't have visit your dentist! It's highly encouraged to
pay a visit to your dentist every 6 months for a check-up and dental cleaning
to remove any build-up of tartar that you can't remove from everyday brushing.
3. Brush
and floss on a regular basis
The trick to good oral health is
consistently brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day. This removes any
food particles, bacteria, and plaque from your teeth which can cause
decalcification and other dental issues. When wearing braces, it's best to
brush your teeth thirty minutes after each meal which gives your enamel time
for saliva to clear any acids.
4. Keep
away from sugary foods and drinks
Make an effort to avoid sugary foods
and drinks as much as possible when wearing Insignia braces. Foods and drinks
such as sodas, sports drinks, high acid fruit drinks, cookies, and ice cream
have a high sugar and/or acid content which will advance teeth staining. If you
can't refuse the urge for your daily soda, just remember to brush your teeth
afterwards.
5. Ask
your orthodontist about sealants
Many orthodontists advise applying a
sealant to patients' teeth before they commence treatment with Insignia braces.
A sealant makes your teeth more immune to teeth staining and medical studies
have revealed that they are very helpful at doing this. Before you start
treatment, ask your orthodontist if you're a suitable candidate for a sealant.
Even if you
discover you have stained teeth when your braces are finally removed there are
various teeth whitening treatments available, however it's recommended to wait
around six months prior to starting this kind of treatment. Most of the time,
any stains from braces will organically be removed from daily brushing and
flossing, so it’s generally only a short-term issue.
If you have any
more questions on how to stop teeth stains from braces, reach
out to the friendly team at Clear Smiles Orthodontics on the Gold Coast by calling
07 5593 3733.
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