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Yellow Teeth And Braces: Is It Normal?

yellow-teeth-and-braces

It is quite normal for your teeth to appear more yellow while you undergo your orthodontic treatment. This discolouration can happen for a number of reasons, including poor oral hygiene practices. Wondering about how to prevent teeth from becoming yellow? Or how to get rid of yellow teeth after braces? Allow us to answer all your questions. Skip to:

Why are my teeth turning yellow with braces?

As mentioned earlier, there are many possible causes behind your staining. If you see your teeth getting yellow with braces, it may be a result of the following:

Cause

Why?

Poor oral hygiene

Thanks to their metal wires and brackets, fixed braces are tricky to clean. Food easily gets stuck too, leading to a build-up of bacteria and plaque, a damaging substance that leads to discolouration, gum disease and tooth decay.

Demineralisation

Plaque, if left untreated, begins to eat away at the enamel and steal its minerals. This is a result of the bacteria in your mouth creating harmful acids. When teeth become demineralised, white and brown spots can begin to appear.

Smoking

Smoking and vaping pose numerous oral health risks. These risks include turning your teeth a yellow or brown colour. If you opted for clear braces, the tobacco found in cigarettes and vapes will likely turn the brackets yellow.

Diet

Very pigmented foods like berries and curries are significant contributing factors to stained teeth. The intake of highly-acid food and drinks should also be limited where possible as they may harm the enamel.

Your bonding material has discoloured

The bonding (glue) used to attach the brackets to your teeth can discolour if you consume a lot of staining substances. Do not worry though – this material is removed when your braces are taken off your teeth.

 

Top tips for preventing stained teeth from braces

Braces and yellow teeth are avoidable if you stick to a rigorous oral health regime. This will help to remove food particles lodged in the braces and subsequently stop a build-up of bacteria. Another preventative measure you are able to take is by being mindful of your diet and limiting teeth-staining substances. For patients who consume a lot of tea and coffee, try drinking through a straw to limit the contact between the drink and your teeth. We also recommend having two hygienist appointments with your dentist annually for a deep clean. Using special tools, your dentist will remove bacteria and lift surface stains, making your smile appear brighter.

How to clean teeth with braces

As mentioned earlier, oral hygiene is key when you are straightening your teeth with a fixed brace. Our step-by-step guide will tell you exactly how to keep your smile feeling and looking fresh.

  1. First, rinse your mouth with water to dislodge anything stuck between the braces and teeth, then floss.
  2. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush. Make sure it contains fluoride.
  3. Start brushing at a 45-degree angle at the gum line, before moving to the top of the brackets. Make sure the brush is now angled downwards.
  4. Now, move to the bottom of the bracket. Angle the brush upwards and brush.
  5. Repeat until you have brushed every single tooth.

What about flossing? This is a crucial part of your everyday cleaning routine and should be done before brushing. If you use a string floss, thread the string behind the wire and use a back and forth motion to clean between the teeth. Alternatively, use a water flosser (also known as an oral irrigator) or an interdental brush. Remember to brush your teeth after every meal, as well as every morning and night like normal. Do this one hour post-eating. You should be brushing for at least two minutes to ensure an affective clean.

Is dental discolouration caused by braces permanent?

Discolouration caused by braces is easily treatable. There are multiple options patients can opt for to achieve the confident, gleaming smile they have always wanted.

  • Remineralisation: By incorporating fluoride-infused toothpastes and mouth rinses into your everyday routine, you are able to remineralise your weakened enamel and visibly minimise discolouration.
  • Teeth whitening: Whether it’s carried out in a private practice or at-home with trays, strips, toothpastes, pens or pastes, teeth whitening is proven to refresh the colour of your teeth.
  • Nanofill Composite Bonding®: Our exclusive treatment disguises the appearance of discolouration, alongside chips and cracks, with a durable dental resin that stays in place for up to eight years.
  • Hygiene appointments: Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) and a scale and polish are just two types of procedures available at your dental office that can make your teeth appear whiter. How? By removing plaque and surface stains.
  • Enamel microabrasion: This is a permanent cosmetic treatment that removes yellow and brown spots on the teeth, as well as staining. The process includes removing microlayers of enamel.

FAQs

We have answered some common questions we receive about yellow teeth and braces. If your query isn’t covered below, do not hesitate to contact us. We are happy to help!

Can you whiten yellow teeth with braces?

You can, but we advise waiting until your braces are off for effective stain removal and even results. If you want to brighten your smile while wearing braces, try natural whitening methods or using a teeth whitening toothpaste. Do not attempt to use products like whitening strips.

Should I use an electric toothbrush with braces or manual?

The experts at Yorkshire Dental Suite advise using an electric toothbrush as they provide an excellent clean. Please note however that you should be extremely cautious when brushing with an electronic device, so you do not accidentally damage the brackets or wires.

What colour braces make your teeth look whiter?

Opting for a brace with coloured brackets? If you want your teeth to appear whiter, opt for dark or jewel-toned shades like navy and purple – this will create a brightening effect. Green is another great choice, but be wary that it may look like food. Ask your dentist about your colour options. Conclusion: Yellow teeth and braces are a common occurrence and easily treatable. If you are looking for an effective at-home teeth whitening kit or dental bonding to complete your smile makeover, contact us today. We will make the straight, dazzling teeth you have always dreamt of a reality.