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The brackets on my braces keep loosening

By Braces, Orthodontics No Comments

Hi. My name is Santiago. I am writing because the brackets on my braces keep getting loose. My dentist does fast braces but it isn’t going fast for me. She says it is taking longer because the brackets keep loosening due to bad fluorosis stains on my teeth and it’s making it harder for them to stick. I am worried that my treatment is going to take over a year because the brackets keep slipping. My mom and dad are worried about this, but they are no good with technology to find some answers. Also for some reason they feel like they would hurt the dentist’s feelings if we switch. I am wondering if you can give me some information on what I should tell them to help them think about getting me another dentist. Thanks.

Santiago – Your dentist is correct. It is more difficult to bond brackets to teeth with fluorosis stains. But there is a way to prepare the teeth to accept the bonding and prevent the brackets from slipping.

There are three points for you to remember:

  • In cases of severe fluorosis stains, the time for etching your teeth (roughening the surface) needs to be longer than usual.
  • This isn’t something you should ask your dentist to do, because she might not be sure how to properly do it.
  • You can also ask your parents to look at a June 2017 post on the mynewsmile.com/blog website on fluorosis stains and orthodontic treatment. The information there can help your parents decide if they want to schedule an appointment for you with an orthodontist.

If your brackets are slipping, it can affect the quality of your orthodontic treatment and affect your treatment time. You made a good decision to write us and ask for guidance. We hope you get a good solution, the treatment goes well, and that you’ll like the results.

This post is sponsored by Naperville dentist Dr. Anthony LaVacca.

Will braces leave spots on my teeth?

By Braces, Orthodontics

Hi. I am so excited about getting braces in two weeks. It seemed like every time I went to the dentist I had a new cavity to fill and I had to wait for all of that to get straightened out before I could get braces. The orthodontist pulled 2 teeth to make room for my other teeth so everything would work out with the braces. I am excited but also nervous. 3 of the 5 people that I know had spotted teeth after their braces came off. Is there a way to tell in advance whether or not braces will leave spots on my teeth? Lena

Lena – Whether or not braces leave spots on your teeth has a lot to do with how well you take care of your teeth while wearing braces.

When you wear braces, food can easily get trapped between the braces and your teeth. Trapped food can lead to a formation of plaque, bacteria, and decay. Plaque buildup on your teeth causes decalcification, which shows as white spots on your teeth.

The white spots can be prevented if you are diligent about maintaining good oral hygiene—particularly with braces. Avoid acidic food and drink. Thoroughly floss and brush your teeth after you eat, and pay attention to the areas around and under your braces. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Keep your regularly scheduled dental cleaning and exam appointments.

If you are very careful about what you eat and how you take care of your teeth but you still have a few spots on your teeth after your braces are removed, visit a skilled cosmetic dentist. He or she will let you know your options for concealing the spots, as well as the best time to receive the treatment to conceal them.

Invisalign is an exception. The clear braces are removed when you eat and when you floss and brush your teeth. You can maintain excellent oral hygiene and not have to be concerned about plaque buildup.

This post is sponsored by Dr. Anthony LaVacca of Naperville Dental Specialists.

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