Stains on teeth after removing brackets?

[newsboysgrl777]

Good afternoon, all!!

Well, this question is sort of a 'theory' question, but it does affect me personally. See, when I went to get my braces on, my ortho told me for my wedding (which is QUICKLY approaching - July 3) she would take off the 6 (I think that's what she said) brackets on the top of my teeth and give me a clear retainer to wear for the day. That way there are NO BRACES on the day of my wedding. Here's my question: I've heard a few things here and there about white spots on teeth from having the braces on, and I'd like to know more about that. Where does that come from? How do you know if you've got it? How do you avoid that?

I have to confess that I haven't been extremely 'hygenic' with my braces. I brush me teeth EVERY NIGHT without fail and I use a tongue scraper and mouthwash...and every OTHER NIGHT I floss...but aside from that, I hardly brush after meals. I know this is something you REALLY should be doing, but I find it SO difficult because I'm honestly the slowest eater on earth, and then when I drink something - be it iced tea, coffee, or whatever - I drink it so slowly (not on purpose), that I'd be brushing my teeth constantly. I don't know. Maybe that's just what I have to do?

Anyway, please tell me about these white spots. And, if I were to get my brackets off then head straight to my dentist for a cleaning, would that get rid of them, or no? What can I expect when I get the brackets off for my big day? I could ask all of this to my ortho (and I will), but it's difficult getting her to come into the room and talk to you face to face for several minutes because her practice is so busy. (Is this common? Or should I be demanding more 'individual' time from her since she IS my doc?)



Thanks guys!!

[mariahfromchicago]

I hardly ever flossed when I had braces. I only brushed 2 times a day, used mouthwash and a tongue scraper.

I thought I would have those white spots because it was yellow all around my bottom brackets, but it was just the glue.

My teeth didn't have any white spots.

In the gallery I do have some pictures of my teeth post debanding.

Good luck!

[Zoso]

The white spots are usually caused by decalcification of the enamel. If it's really bad, you basically get an outline of where the brackets used to be. See, for example, the image on this web page: ortho/faq/foods/home.htm" target="_blank">Foods To avoid With Braces

Edited to add: if they are less severe than this, whitening the teeth might get rid of them. But, on the other hand, it might just make them even more obvious. Different dental professionals told me different things, and I think there's perhaps some luck involved.

(Happily, I had no such problems at debanding)

[sonny53]

Like Zoso said, white spots are decalcification, meaning the minerals that normally comprise your tooth start washing out. You can do some teeth bleaching which may help a little. Some dentists may provide a concentrated fluoride treatment which may also help.