A member asked:

I'm curious if you think i will have white marks on my teeth when i get my braces off? is this a common thing?

6 doctors weighed in across 4 answers
Dr. Manami Yamaguchi answered

Specializes in Dentistry

White Square Marks: This is preventable, so let's prevent this! the marks are caused by the enamel surface losing its minerals from bacterial acid produced by unbrushed plaque around the metal brackets. Thus it is important to remove all plaque around brackets, otherwise the plaque (millions of bacteria!) constantly releases acids as a byproduct, eating away enamel minerals every second. Fluoride puts minerals back.

Answered 6/25/2014

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All Depends: The white spots on teeth following orthodontic treatment are decalcification marks. These marks are caused by poor oral hygiene during treatment and from excessive carbination consumption during treatment. Carbination can get into the brace/tooth interface and decalcify the enamel.

Answered 12/4/2013

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Likely not: it is not common. The vast majority of our patients do not have any discoloring

Answered 7/13/2014

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Depends on you: White spots caused by bacteria collecting next to braces turning food debris into acid which etches calcium out of tooth enamel. The better you oral hygiene, the less chance of damage. Follow Orthodontic Specialists instructions to the letter. It's up to you.

Answered 9/29/2016

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