Imagine the confidence of flashing a radiant, brace-filled smile without a hint of yellow! Combining braces and discolored teeth may seem like an overwhelming challenge, but fear not – achieving that perfect grin is within your reach.
By employing diligent oral care techniques and embracing the unique aspects of life with braces, you'll be well on your way to unveiling an attractive new smile in mere weeks. Here's how to improve your smile and banish those unsightly yellow hues for good.
Optimal Ways To Keep Your Teeth Whiter With Braces
Luckily, there are a few ways to maintain or reinvigorate your white smile, even while wearing braces. Let's take a look at some of the most effective ways to get rid of yellow teeth with braces.
Brush After Every Meal
Although it’s a hassle to brush your teeth with braces, brushing your teeth after every meal is the best way to keep them white and is the most natural teeth whitening option. Make sure to brush around and between your brackets as well.
It's important to note that brushing too hard or with a hard-bristled toothbrush wears down the enamel on your teeth, which may make them more vulnerable to staining. So try using a soft-bristled toothbrush and use gentle circular motions when brushing around and in between brackets.
You also create staining through brushing ineffectively, especially when using an old toothbrush filled with bacteria from old meals. You should change your toothbrush head every three months, and three out of four people do not change it that often.
Don’t Forget To Floss Regularly
Never underestimate the power of regular flossing, especially when it comes to maintaining excellent oral hygiene with braces. Braces present unique challenges for keeping your teeth clean, and daily flossing around your wires and brackets is crucial in combating those obstacles. By doing so, you'll help prevent plaque buildup that could otherwise lead to discolored teeth or even cavities.
As you embark on this journey toward impeccable dental health, start by dedicating time each day specifically for thorough flossing. Be gentle as you navigate around the wires and brackets to avoid damaging them while still effectively cleaning between your teeth. This consistent practice will not only protect your teeth from discoloration but also contribute significantly to their overall health.
To further enhance your flossing routine, consult with your orthodontist about special interdental cleaners designed specifically for braces-wearers like yourself. These handy tools are engineered to reach those hard-to-access spots nestled between the intricate wiring of your braces – areas where food particles may easily become trapped and foster bacterial growth if left unattended.
By prioritizing regular flossing alongside these additional measures geared towards promoting outstanding dental cleanliness, you'll be well-equipped to tackle any challenges posed by having both yellow teeth and braces simultaneously. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve a truly stunning smile that reflects the effort and care invested into preserving its brilliance.
Use Mouthwash
Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine is a simple yet powerful method to combat yellow teeth while wearing braces. Not only does it effortlessly eliminate the bacteria responsible for discoloration, but it also contributes significantly to maintaining overall dental health.
When selecting a mouthwash, opt for one that contains fluoride – this essential ingredient works wonders in preventing plaque buildup and mitigating the risk of unsightly stains caused by food and beverages. By consistently using a fluoride-rich mouthwash, you'll actively protect your teeth from both external and internal factors contributing to yellowing.
Mouthwashes can access those hard-to-reach areas in your mouth where bristles of toothbrushes or even floss might struggle to reach effectively. Braces create numerous nooks and crannies where particles could accumulate over time; utilizing an antibacterial rinse helps flush out lingering debris hiding within these spaces. This thorough cleansing action ensures that every corner of your oral cavity remains clean and free from potential sources of discoloration.
Enhance the efficacy of your chosen mouthwash by swishing it around in your mouth for at least 30 seconds before spitting it out. This allows ample time for its active ingredients to work their magic on eliminating harmful bacteria while fortifying enamel with protective fluoride.
For best results, consider incorporating other complementary practices into your oral care routine such as brushing with teeth whitening toothpaste or seeking professional dental cleanings periodically during orthodontic treatment. These combined efforts will go hand-in-hand with regular use of high-quality mouthwash ensuring optimal dental hygiene throughout the duration of having braces.
Whiten Your Teeth Before Getting Braces
Before applying braces, whiten your teeth with a professional whitening treatment or an at-home teeth whitening kit. This will help your teeth become as white and bright as possible before the orthodontic process begins. Professional whitening treatments are safe and make a significant difference in the color of your teeth before you begin wearing braces. There are plenty of teeth whitening options to suit your time, budget, needs, etc.
Maintain A Proper Diet
A proper diet is essential when it comes to keeping your teeth white while wearing braces. Avoiding sugary foods and drinks like soda, candy, and gum helps keep plaque from building up around brackets. Eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables also promotes healthy tooth enamel. Additionally, avoiding foods that will get caught in your braces, like popcorn or sticky sweets, will make cleaning your teeth and braces much easier.
Regular Dental Checkups
Visiting your dentist regularly is essential for all orthodontic patients. This will allow the dentist to spot any new problems with the teeth and gums, as well as prevent existing issues from worsening. The dentist also provides advice on how you should whiten your teeth while wearing braces that will be tailored to your specific case.
Now that you know some ways to keep your teeth white or restore their white appearance, let’s answer some of your persistent questions.
Why Do Teeth Look More Yellow With Braces?
Teeth look more yellow with braces due to the accumulation of plaque and tartar on the brackets, wires, and bands. Metal braces tend to trap food particles and bacteria, which leads to discoloration. Usually, a simple brush, floss, and mouthwash routine will improve the appearance of yellowness on your teeth.
Is It Normal To Have Yellow Teeth With Braces?
Yes, it is normal for teeth to become discolored while wearing braces. This happens when the brackets and wires of dental braces trap food particles and bacteria. As plaque builds up on your teeth, they turn yellow or brown. It is usually easy to make your teeth appear white again by improving your oral hygiene routine and doing what your dentist recommends to clean teeth with braces.
Why Are My Teeth Turning Yellow With Braces?
Braces cause teeth to become discolored due to the buildup of plaque and tartar. Debris from the food and drinks you consume gets trapped in between your braces and the surface of your teeth, which leads to a yellowish appearance. In addition, certain medications or treatments that involve temporary changes in saliva production also cause discoloration.
Do Yellow Stains From Braces Go Away?
Yes, the yellow stains caused by braces are removed with proper care and maintenance of your teeth and braces. Regular brushing, flossing, and rinsing help reduce the discoloration from braces. Additionally, an in-office whitening appointment may be necessary to remove stubborn stains that won't go away with regular oral hygiene practices. If improvements to your oral hygiene routine do not help with the yellowing of your teeth, you should consult with your dentist about what you should do.
Do All White Braces Turn Yellow?
No, not all white braces turn yellow. The type of material the braces are made from will determine whether or not they discolor over time, not your brace colors. Your orthodontist will help you decide which type of material is best for your individual needs.
What Is The Fastest Way To Remove Braces Stains?
The fastest way to remove braces stains is by brushing your teeth with whitening toothpaste twice daily, flossing regularly, and using an electric toothbrush. While none of these are immediate fixes, they will help immensely and are quicker and less expensive than a lot of other options. You may also get professional whitening treatments from your orthodontist or dentist if the stains are particularly stubborn.
Wrapping Up
Having braces isn’t easy, but it doesn’t have to mean saying goodbye to a bright and healthy smile. With proper oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your orthodontist or dentist, you keep yellow teeth with braces at bay.
Remember that it may take some time for your teeth to go back to their natural white color if they were previously stained or discolored before wearing braces.
Be sure to brush twice daily, floss regularly, use mouthwash, and avoid foods and drinks known for staining teeth until your treatment is complete.
