Podcast Episode #57: Why Do I Have White Spots on My Teeth After Braces?

Welcome back to another episode of Ask the Dentist! Today’s question is from a listener who has white spots on her teeth following braces, and she wants to know what Dr. B recommends to treat them. We dive into the topic with Dr. B’s explanation of what these white spots are, and how they are formed. We learn why the current standard practice of orthodontics is outdated, and why parents need to be involved when a kid gets braces. Tune in to hear Dr. B’s three main suggestions on how to prevent these white spots (diet, swishing, and mouth tape), and how they work. Next, we move on to the noninvasive treatments, like fluoride- and hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste, the Icon procedure, and tooth whitening. We wrap up the episode with the pros and cons of choosing more invasive treatments, and how visiting a functional dentist from a young age can eliminate the need for braces entirely. For all this and so much more, join us today.

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Key Points From This Episode:

Talking about demineralization following the use of braces [0:00:07]
Why spring podcast season is helping spread the word of functional dentistry [0:02:34]
Today’s question: what to do about the white spots on my teeth after braces? [0:04:05]
How TikTok is helping get information out [0:05:42]
Why our current approach to orthodontics is archaic and doesn’t address the root cause [0:06:13]
Why demineralization should be considered a cavity [0:14:12]
How your diet affects the development of these white spots [0:15:14]
Dr. B’s musings on how etching might be the start of the demineralization [0:18:11]
Why prevention is better than treatment, and when to use cavity detectors [0:27:17]
How mouth tape can prevent demineralization [0:28:46]
Why parents need to get involved [0:30:06]
Dr. B’s recommendations for treating lesions [0:30:43]
What to expect when whitening your teeth [0:33:27]
The pros and cons of the Icon procedure [0:34:28]
Dr. B’s fluorosis and how he’s managed it [0:39:49]
Why porcelain veneers should be the last resort [0:40:51]
What Dr. B hopes listeners learned from today’s episode [0:42:01]