Will braces leave my teeth stained? i have a friend who had hers off, and there are little square marks where you can tell the brackets were. is this unavoidable?

This : This is usually from residual cement, surface stain or decalcification resulting from less than ideal homecare. It is sometimes the result of the attachment process allowing the brackets to adhere to the teeth. Regardless, the solution is anything from polishing out the areas if minor to bonding if the irregularities are deeper beneath the surface.

If : If the little marks are very white, the cause may be decalcification. There is a product called icon which may help in that regard (http://www.Dmg-america.Com/news/introducing-icon) if the marks are pretty square and more tooth-colored, then it is more likely residual cement and needs to be polished off. Braces do not in themselves cause staining o your teeth. Also, another alternate might be invisalign?

Yes, : Yes, those marks are avoidable. First the dentist can seal the teeth before the brackets go on, then he can use cement that emits flouride. Most important is your own homecare. You must carefully remove all plaque that will cling to the enamel in "the shadow" of the brackets. Of you do this every night before bed you can look forward to unstained teen when the braces come off.