Braces have left white spots on my teeth

[Doron]

I had braces for 2 years and when they came off there are white spots on my teeth around where the metal brackets were attached to my teeth.

My dentist says they are areas of weakened enamel, and that i should brush well in those areas to protect the enamel from breaking off.

Could you please give me a second opinion and let me how i can improve the appearance of my teeth. Is there anything that I can do to protect the enamel from further damage?

[Dr Ehsan J. Esfahani]

Hello Doron,

Thank you for your post.

Fixed orthodontic appliances are associated with increased plaque build-up and in some cases loss of tooth enamel mineral which can show as white spots. These white spots are weakened enamel areas which can form around the brace brackets.

To improve your tooth appearance we need to see you to assess the extent of the white spots. If the white spots are very extensive there are cosmetic options to improve the tooth appearance. A hygiene may be necessary if plaque/calculus deposits are present. You will be advised to use enamel strengthening toothpaste like sensodyne pronamel. Tooth Mousse can also be applied to the white spot areas by the dentist.

Teeth whitening may help reduce the extent of the white spots and make them less noticeable. You should try home teeth whitening first. If this does not work too well, then acid microabrasion will be tried and this removes a very superficial layer of the enamel and the white spots. If this treatment is unsuccessful then restorative cosmetic treatments will be considered. These include composite fillings, composite and porcelain veneers.

Good oral hygiene, balanced diet without excessive sugar and acidic drinks intake and regular hygiene visits will help protect the enamel from further damage.

You can contact our clinic to book a free cosmetic consultation and we will be happy to help.