The Increased Challenge of Braces A special challenge is created for patients with traditional bracket and wire braces, because studies have shown that demineralization can occur around orthodontic appliances as early as one month into treatment.
Full Answer
What is demineralization of teeth?
Just as it sounds, demineralization occurs when the mineral content decreases in your tooth enamel. It is the first step to tooth decay and can be caused by several things that dentists recommend avoiding or moderating. Enamel is such a hard and protective substance for your teeth precisely because...
How do you find the origin of the demineralized enamel?
Clues about the origin of the demineralized enamel can be obtained by studying the pattern of demineralization on the teeth. This includes looking at which teeth are involved, which surfaces of the teeth, the amount of surface area involved, and the location of the demineralization.
How do you get rid of demineralization in teeth?
Early demineralization can often be arrested by the application of topical fluoride gels or varnishes. The dentist may recommend using a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse until the soft spots can be remineralized.
What is remineralization of a tooth?
Restoring these mineral ions again to the HA crystals is called remineralization. Both processes occur on the tooth surface, and a substantial number of mineral ions can be lost from HA without destroying its integrity but high sensitivity to hot, cold, pressure, and pain would be expected.
Do braces cause demineralization?
Demineralization can eat away at tooth enamel and often leaves white spots. If untreated, it can cause a cavity. It is possible to prevent staining and demineralization caused by braces. If you're wearing an orthodontic device, following a regular teeth-cleaning regimen can cut your risks of tooth discoloration.
How do you prevent demineralization of teeth with braces?
Demineralization around orthodontic bands can be stopped and/or reversed by the use of commercially available fluoride products such as prescription fluoride toothpastes and professionally applied fluoride varnish.
How long does it take for demineralization to occur?
Months are usually involved. Summitt's textbook of operative dentistry (the repair of teeth) states that it may take 4 to 5 years before the demineralization process has progressed through a tooth's enamel.
What causes decalcification of teeth when wearing braces?
Poor oral hygiene is the major cause of decalcification. When food is not removed from around the braces, it mixes with saliva and becomes acidic bacteria. If the bacteria are not removed, it will destroy the nutrients that protect the enamel leaving the teeth susceptible to decalcification and decay.
Can you reverse demineralization?
Fortunately, demineralization can generally be stopped and even reversed. The opposite process, in which minerals are reintroduced to the body, is known as remineralization.
Do orthodontists whiten teeth after braces?
There are several methods to whiten your teeth after braces. The Orthodontists don't provide any teeth whitening services so we recommend seeing your dentist for a scale and clean, and to discuss risks and costs of your options before proceeding with any whitening treatments.
What is the direct cause of demineralization of the enamel on teeth?
Chemical demineralization of teeth is caused by acidic attack through two primary means: dietary acid consumed through food or drink and microbial attack from bacteria present in the mouth.
At what pH will tooth demineralization occur?
At a pH of 5.5 the teeth begin to demineralize, putting them at risk for cavities. A healthy mouth is in a neutral pH range. To keep your teeth healthy, you must keep oral acidity to a minimum. Teeth can actually become stronger and remineralize when the mouth has a pH of 7.5 or above.
Where does demineralization occur?
What is Demineralization? Demineralization of teeth occurs when the acidic by-product of plaque wears away at the enamel of the teeth. Enamel, which is formed by minerals, obtains much of its strength and hardness from mineral compounds such as calcium and phosphate.
How common are white spots after braces?
The most common location for white spots tends to be either along the gumline or around the edges of the brackets. Not every patient who has braces will get white spots. In fact, the majority of orthodontic patients will not have any after treatment. It is a relatively uncommon effect of wearing braces.
Is decalcification and demineralization the same?
Decalcification, or the appearance of white spot lesions, occurs as a result of demineralization and can be a sign of oncoming carious lesions or early tooth decay. Demineralization is the process through which minerals such as phosphorus and calcium vanish from the tooth structure.
How do you fix decalcification after braces?
Treatment OptionsRe-Mineralization – if your demineralization is not severe, you can try a homeopathic or a fluoride-rich tooth powder when brushing. ... Microabrasion – this technique uses hydrochloric acid and pumice to remove the stains from the teeth. ... Veneers – Veneers are a custom made shell for your teeth.More items...
What Is Tooth Enamel Demineralization?
Enamel demineralization represents a superficial dissolving of the surface enamel—the glassy outer shell — of the tooth. It is the earliest stage o...
How Does The Dentist Diagnose Tooth Enamel Demineralization?
Note: ToothIQ.com contains general information. Only a dentist can properly diagnose your specific condition.Tooth enamel is extremely durable, and...
How Is Tooth Enamel Demineralization Treated?
Early demineralization can often be arrested by the application of topical fluoride gels or varnishes. The dentist may recommend using a prescripti...
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a discipline in dentistry, like many other disciplines in this field, it can have adverse effects associated with the execution of treatment. These effects can be related to the patient or practitioner.
What is TMD in medical terms?
TMD is a condition that can include masticatory muscle pain, internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc, and degenerative TMJ disorders as separate problems or can be a combination. In the general untreated adult population, 26–59% have been shown to report at least one symptom of TMD.
What is the white spot on my teeth?
Decalcification of enamel (white spots) is a common adverse effect of orthodontic treatment. Decalcification is considered to be the first step toward cavitation. Decalcification of enamel occurs in 50% of orthodontic patients and the most affected teeth are the maxillary incisors (Gorelick et al., 1982).
Can TMD be controlled?
Then, the signs and symptoms of TMD must be controlled using a conservative approach. Once the signs and symptoms are under control, then the practitioner must re-evaluate the objectives of treatment. In some cases, the orthodontic treatment must be terminated if the signs and symptoms cannot be controlled. 8.
Is TMD a cause and effect?
The etiology of TMD is complex and cannot be explained on a cause-and-effect basis. Malocclusion may be considered in some cases as a contributing factor, but it is not the sole etiological factor. Skeletal anterior open bite, reduced overbite, and increased overjet are associated with osteoarthritic TMJ patients.
Does posterior crossbite cause TMJ?
Additionally, the presence of posterior crossbite does not seem to provoke TMJ symptoms or disease (Seligman and Pullinger, 1991). Certain features, such as anterior open bite in osteoarthrosis patients, were considered to be a consequence of TMD rather than etiological factors of the disorder (Pullinger et al., 1993).
Does toothpaste help with gingivitis?
The use of toothpaste with stannous fluor ide produced a higher inhibitory effect on dental plaque and gingivitis development (Ogaard et al., 2006). The use of fluoride and chlorohexidine varnishes reduces the levels of bacterial plaque (Beyth et al., 2003).
Why is demineralization common?
While more common outside of developed countries, sometimes demineralization can occur because too few minerals are being absorbed in the diet. It’s important to get the proper levels of calcium and phosphates, which come from dairy products and many types of green leafy vegetables.
How often should I visit the dentist?
Be sure to also watch your diet for things like soft drinks, and to visit the dentist at least once or twice a year to get a deep cleaning and proper treatment for your situation. It can’t be stressed enough: Visit your dentist regularly and you’ll have a major head start against the progress of any demineralization.
Why is enamel hard?
Enamel is such a hard and protective substance for your teeth precisely because of its high mineral content, and generally speaking, demineralization has to happen before cavities and other problems occur.
Why do my teeth have white spots?
If you’ve had issues with your teeth that involve weakening, white spots, or numerous cavities, one of the key causes could be demineralized enamel. To understand what demineralization is and how to remineralize in order to address the problem, take a look at this guide. You’ll understand that demineralization is not actually damage to tooth enamel – but it is the first sign that such damage may be coming soon, among other problems. Fortunately, demineralization can be stopped, and your teeth can remain protected.
How to use fluoride to restore enamel?
The most common way dentists use fluoride is by applying a foaming gel to the teeth after thoroughly cleaning them.
How do dentists use fluoride?
The most common way dentists use fluoride is by applying a foaming gel to the teeth after thoroughly cleaning them. You can also purchase such gels for you to use at home or toothpaste with a special extra-fluoride formula.
What is the key feature of enamel?
One key feature of tooth enamel is its smooth, slippery surface, which also fades away with demineralization. As the teeth get rougher, their surface area increases and plaque, tartar, and staining elements coat the teeth more readily.
What is the most important consideration for successful orthodontic treatment?
But by far the most important consideration for successful orthodontic treatment is the condition of an individual’s mouth: What type of malocclusion (“mal” – bad;
What to do if one tooth doesn't grow in?
However, if it is just one tooth that didn’t grow in, another good option might be to remove the same tooth on the other side for symmetry and then close the gaps with braces. This kind of treatment can provide an aesthetically pleasing result, and may be simpler and less costly to accomplish than tooth replacement.
What is impacted tooth?
Impacted Teeth. When a tooth is blocked from growing in and remains at least partially submerged beneath the gum and/or bone, it is said to be impacted. It is often possible to attach special orthodontic hardware to these teeth and pull them into correct alignment.
Why do my teeth not fit together?
Sometimes when teeth don’t fit together properly, it’s actually a problem with the way the jaws are aligned. For example, a severe overbite could result from a lower jaw that is too far back. Generally, the best way to correct this in an adult is to surgically reposition the jaws so that the lower jaw is brought farther forward. But some people would prefer not to have jaw surgery. In that case, it may be possible to remove two upper teeth and then use braces to move the rest of the teeth back. This makes the overbite less noticeable—but it can also narrow the airway, and therefore must be approached with caution.
Why do teeth get pushed out of alignment?
Severe crowding of teeth occurs when the upper and/or lower jaw is not large enough to accommodate all of the teeth that are present (or growing in). This causes some teeth to be pushed out of alignment. In an adult, tooth removal will almost always be recommended because the patient does not have any growth potential that could create more room for the teeth. In a child who has not yet reached puberty or lost all their baby teeth, we may have some other options.
Why do you need a tooth extraction?
Why tooth extractions might be necessary to straighten a smile. Orthodontics, the art and science of moving teeth into better positions, allows us to transform a crooked smile into one that is beautifully aligned. Exactly how this is done depends on several factors, including the desires of the patient, the training and experience ...
Can you close your lips with protruding teeth?
In severe cases, protruding front teeth can prevent a person from being able to close their lips. Braces and other orthodontic appliances can be used to bring the teeth into better alignment, but teeth will often need to be removed in order to create the space that’s needed to do this.
What can you use to clean orthodontic brackets?
In addition to normal brushing and flossing, there are special brushes that can be used to clean around orthodontic brackets and wires, and floss threaders to help you work with dental floss. You can also try using a “water flosser” to flush material from between teeth and beneath the gums.
What causes WSLs in teeth?
The acids are produced by bacteria when they break down sugar in your mouth. WSLs can occur when the teeth aren’t cleaned well enough to remove biofilm (plaque), allowing bacteria to collect on the teeth and gums, and around difficult-to-clean orthodontic brackets.
Why are braces so hard to clean?
Prevent Them. As you may have discovered, braces can make it extra-challenging to keep your teeth really clean, because the brackets and wires may get in the way of your brush and floss. That’s why orthodontists always stress how important it is to make the extra effort. While you’re wearing braces, there are several things ...
Why do I have white spots on my teeth?
The chalky appearance of these white spot lesions (WSLs) is an optical effect caused by mineral loss underneath the tooth’s surface enamel.
How to keep your mouth moist?
You can help here, too: Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water, and by avoiding tobacco, alcohol and caffeine. If your mouth does get dry, try chewing gum or mints that contain xylitol; these promote salivation, and can help reduce the risk of tooth decay. Treat Them.
Can WSLs develop in orthodontics?
WSLs can develop quite rapidly in people having orthodontic treatment, and are often seen in areas near bracket s and bands. The process is aided by poor dietary habits: snacking frequently, and drinking beverages high in sugar or acids, such as juices, sodas, “sports” and “energy” drinks.
What do you need to clean your teeth during orthodontic treatment?
As mentioned above, you need an upgraded collection of tools to properly clean your teeth during orthodontic treatment. Toothbrushes and floss still provide the foundation. However, you'll now need floss threaders to weave the floss under your metal arch wire. Proxabrushes or "christmas tree brushes" (see photo atop this article for a reference) will also be useful for angling in between metal brackets. Many parents tell us that their teenager loves the electric toothbrush for cleaning around brace brackets as well. Here are some brief tips about cleaning time and technique that I hope you'll find useful:
Is orthodontic treatment a rite of passage?
Orthodontic treatment has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for teenagers (like having wisdom teeth removed). A successful treatment outcome involves not only straight teeth but also teeth that are healthy and esthetic looking. To achieve this, the level of diligence during cleaning must go way up. With this, comes increased cleaning time.
Why do teeth lose minerals?
Mineral loss is inevitable because of the elements that teeth are exposed to every day. From food and drinks, to saliva and bacteria, your teeth are put through a lot of wear and tear. While your teeth are built to take on these elements, too much demineralization can eventually wear them down.
Why do I lose my teeth as I get older?
They also prevent tooth decay and subsequent cavities. As you age, you lose the minerals in your teeth. This may be caused by eating sugary and acidic foods. It also occurs when bacteria accumulate in your mouth. Once the enamel or bone are gone, there’s no way to get them back without replacing the tooth entirely.
How to prevent dry mouth from saliva?
Saliva not only prevents dry mouth, but it also contains phosphate and calcium. If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist about chewing gums and rinses you can use to increase saliva activity. 10. Reduce starchy foods. Starchy foods, such as potatoes, rice, and bread, are loaded with simple carbohydrates.
How to get sugarless gum to remineralize?
To reap the remineralization benefits of sugarless gum, consider chewing after or between meals. 5. Consume fruit and fruit juices in moderation . While fruit is part of a healthy, balanced diet, it can also be highly acidic. Some of the worst culprits are citrus fruits, such as grapefruit and oranges.
How to get rid of caries in your mouth?
1. Brush your teeth. Brushing your teeth is important for removing bacteria. Cavities (also called dental caries) are primarily caused by the accumulation of Streptococcus mutans bacteria in your mouth. According to a 2016 study. Trusted Source. , these bacteria are transmitted via food and drink.
What foods can erode teeth?
Starchy foods, such as potatoes, rice, and bread , are loaded with simple carbohydrates. These increase the amount of fermentable sugars in the mouth, which can erode your teeth. However, according to a 2003 study. Trusted Source.
Does toothpaste have to be fluoride?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends fluoride toothpaste. In fact, toothpaste won’t get the ADA Seal of Acceptance unless it contains fluoride. Fluoride toothpaste may prevent tooth decay and can also strengthen your teeth, making them less susceptible to future mineral loss. 3. Cut out sugar.