Getting braces means having brackets attached to your teeth and then wires that help to straighten your teeth. Treatment time may last from 18 to 24 months and requires elastics, wires, springs, and bands. Many patients experience yellow teeth after braces due to staining and possible tartar build-up that occurs as a result of having brackets on their teeth for prolonged periods. This is a common concern for people who notice their teeth getting yellow with braces, especially when brackets make cleaning more challenging.

While it’s a normal occurrence, it can be prevented and yellow teeth after braces can be fixed. In this blog, our orthodontist in Tacoma will tell you about tips and causes of yellow teeth after braces, , including how choosing the best toothpaste for braces can help reduce staining and keep your teeth healthy throughout treatment.

Poor Oral Hygiene

When you have braces on, you need to be conscious of your oral hygiene and make sure to brush and floss properly and regularly. Without good oral hygiene, yellowing teeth can be caused by plaque buildup, bacteria, and the yellowing of enamel due to tartar.

Staining From Food, Drink, and Tobacco

Foods and drinks that are high in sugar, acid, and tannins can cause the yellowing of teeth after braces. These include coffee, tea, soda, sports drinks, wine, chewy or hard candy, sugary foods, and dark-colored sauces. Tobacco may also lead to yellow teeth after braces as it can leave yellow or brown stains on the teeth.

No Regular Dental Cleaning

When you have braces in Tacoma, it’s still important to visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. A dental professional can help to spot yellow teeth before they worsen and provide advice on how to prevent yellowing, as well as perform a deep cleaning to remove any tartar or plaque that may have built up on the teeth.

Tips to Fix Yellow Teeth After Braces

#1 – Brush and floss correctly after treatment.

After the braces treatment is done, you need to prioritize your oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day to remove any plaque or food that might be stuck between the teeth. You may also consider doing these other oral hygiene tips below so yellow teeth after braces can be managed:

Brush for a minimum of 2 minutes, using gentle, circular motions.
Use an electric toothbrush to make sure your teeth are being cleaned thoroughly
Use fluoride toothpaste and teeth-whitening toothpaste.
Rinse your mouth after every meal.
Don’t use alcohol-based mouthwash.
Floss around each tooth, not just between them.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.

#2 – Get professional teeth cleaning.

Regular visits to your dentist or dental hygienist are important for those wondering do teeth become yellow after wearing braces. A professional may be able to spot yellow teeth before they become worse and provide advice on how to prevent yellowing. They can also perform a deep cleaning to remove any tartar or plaque buildup on the teeth.

Regular teeth cleaning should take place once every six months or as recommended by your dentist. You may need to visit more frequently if yellow teeth after braces are a concern.

#3 – Consider professional teeth whitening.

If yellow teeth after braces are removed and you have been practicing good oral hygiene, professional teeth whitening may be an option for you. Your dentist can recommend a whitening procedure that is tailored to your needs.

Professional teeth whitening can be done using laser whitening, which uses light to activate a special whitening gel applied to the teeth. The process usually only takes one visit and results can be seen after just one treatment. It is considered a safe and effective procedure if yellow teeth after braces are still present.

#4 – Use at-home teeth whitening kits.

At-home teeth whitening kits can also help fix yellow teeth with braces. Kits available if you would like to try and whiten yellow teeth after braces on your own. These kits usually contain whitening gel, a custom-fitting tray, and a whitening light to accelerate the process.

At-home teeth whitening kits are a great option if yellow teeth after braces are still present but may take multiple treatments to see results. It is important to read the instructions carefully and follow all safety guidelines. You should also consult with your dentist before using any at-home teeth whitening kit.

#5 – Avoid foods and drinks that stain.

Once yellow teeth after braces have been taken care of, it is important to avoid the same practices that caused yellowing teeth in the first place. Avoiding foods and drinks that stain, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can help to keep yellow teeth from returning. You should also reduce your intake of sugary and acidic foods, as these can erode tooth enamel and cause yellowing.

If you do eat or drink any of these, you can simply brush your teeth afterward to prevent yellowing.

Consult an Orthodontist in Tacoma, Federal Way, and Southcenter WA

Successful braces treatment begins with consulting the right orthodontist. If you are concerned about yellow teeth after braces, Dr. Bobby Virk and Dr. Basma Tamasas at Pacific Northwest Orthodontics can help. Both doctors specialize in braces and can help you get the beautiful smile you desire.

We are here to answer all of your questions about yellow teeth after braces and provide a tailored plan to ensure that your smile shines bright. Pacific Northwest Orthodontics offers all types of braces as well as Invisalign and other orthodontic appliances. We also provide emergency care, if needed.

If you want to accelerate your orthodontic treatment so you don’t spend too much time and money, we also provide AcceleDent Aura. It’s a proven and effective way to reduce your treatment time by up to 50 percent and reduce the discomfort of teeth movement.

Contact us today to book a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you achieve a beautiful smile you can be proud of. Our team is here to help you go through a comprehensive treatment in the shortest amount of time possible!

FAQs:

1. Is it normal to have yellow teeth after braces?

Yes, it is normal to have yellow teeth after braces. Brackets and wires can make it harder to clean your teeth properly, which may lead to plaque buildup, tartar, and surface staining. Foods, drinks, and oral hygiene habits also play a role. The good news is that yellowing is usually temporary and can be improved with proper brushing, professional cleanings, and whitening options after treatment.

2. How to Whiten Teeth With Braces?

You can whiten your teeth with braces, but you need to do it safely and correctly. Here are the recommended ways:

1. Use Whitening Toothpaste: A gentle whitening toothpaste helps remove surface stains without affecting brackets or enamel.

2. Try a Whitening Mouthwash: Whitening mouthwashes help lighten stains and keep your mouth fresh while reducing plaque around brackets.

3. Get Professional Teeth Cleanings: Regular dental cleanings are the most effective way to prevent discoloration and remove tartar that causes teeth to look yellow with braces.

4. Use Orthodontist-Approved Whitening Products: Some whitening gels or pens can be safely used around brackets, but always check with your orthodontist first.

5. Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Coffee, tea, soda, wine, and dark sauces can make teeth look more yellow. Limit them or rinse your mouth afterward.

Yellow Teeth After Braces and How to Fix It: 5 Useful Tips