How to Avoid Stains During Orthodontic Treatment

Now that you have orthodontic braces, you might worry about how to keep your teeth clean and stain-free. It’s really not all that difficult if you take a little extra time, a few times a day, to ensure your teeth will not only be straight and beautiful when the braces come off, but they will look clean and healthy too.

Dr. Nima Hajibaik, or as his patients fondly call him, “Dr. Nima” at Newpark Orthodontics, says, “Love your toothbrush and brush your teeth for at least 2-4 minutes.” He also says, “The more you spend time with your toothbrush, the chances of you ending up with white chalky spots are less.” This is, of course, excellent advice from a true professional.

Orthodontic treatment is necessary at almost any age for many people. Although it is more often seen in children and young adults, as some adults mature, teeth may shift or jawbones can lose integrity, mandating the need for adult orthodontics. Proper cleaning and oral hygiene is more important than you realize while wearing the appliance in order to prevent white chalky spots or unwanted gum irritation.

Although having dental braces will make it a little harder to practice good oral hygiene, it can be done. In fact, it should become a very important step that is taken seriously during your orthodontic treatment. Brushing and flossing needs to be done after every meal to make sure all food particles are removed from your teeth and braces in order to prevent stains.

It is best use a soft-bristle brush, using up and down strokes above and below the braces at the gum line, and a soft, circular motion on the brackets, buttons, and archwires of the appliance to do the job properly. If you are unsure how to brush, your orthodontist will be happy to demonstrate the proper method. Be sure to purchase a toothbrush specifically made for those wearing dental braces, and to opt for a good toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and one that contains fluoride.

Although you want to avoid stains on your teeth during orthodontic treatment, a whitening toothpaste may not be the best type toothpaste while wearing the appliance, as some parts of the teeth are covered and will be for a period of time, therefore giving you uneven whitening in the long run. It is best to just concentrate on keeping your teeth clean to prevent stains. Food and drink also play an important role while wearing braces.

Dr. Nima