Finding a Pennsylvania(PA) orthodontist that is right for you or your child can be challenging. To help aid you in your search for the perfect orthodontist, we have put together the top 10 things you must know before choosing your orthodontist. We invite you to read it over and see if Spark Orthodontics will be a good fit for you!
Northampton PA Orthodontist Answers: Do Braces Cause White Spots?
Pesky white spots have developed a reputation for being a common consequence after braces. Our Northampton PA orthodontist explains that plaque, not braces, is the true culprit behind white spots. The good news is that plaque buildup is 100% preventable, and therefore, white spots are too! Read on for tips on how to make sure white spots do not stand in the way of your 5-star smile after braces.
Northampton PA Orthodontist Explains Damaging Effects Of Plaque
The reason white spots and braces have become so closely associated is because braces can often make good oral hygiene habits a bit more challenging. Braces temporarily add more nooks and crannies to your smile, and brushing and flossing can require extra diligence. Without extra care, plaque has an easier time building up. The bacteria in plaque has acidic properties that erode the strong, mineralized enamel of the teeth. This erosion is called decalcification and leads to many little, hollow holes in the teeth which provide the white appearance. Therefore, the more plaque accumulates, the faster white spots appear.
Once white spots have taken root, restoring consistent color can be a challenging and slow process. That’s why it’s best to be as proactive as possible and commit yourself to positive, preventive practices.
It may sound too easy and obvious to be true, but maintaining, if not improving upon, good oral hygiene habits is the number one way to prevent white spots. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, ideally after meals, is important. But just brushing is not enough—you also must brush correctly. Our Northampton orthodontist is happy to sit down with patients and review the best practices and techniques.
Practices To Prevent White Spots From Our Northampton PA Orthodontist
Critical to keep in mind is duration of brushing. It is recommended brushing lasts for at least 2 minutes; however, many patients tend to brush for only 30 seconds or less. An electric toothbrush is also recommended, as the vibrations tend to loosen plaque in places that cannot be easily flossed, like the bottom gumline.
Daily flossing will help to minimize plaque buildup as well. Using wax floss is optimal, and the best flossing results will require you to thread the floss below the main wire of braces before doing so. Again, daily flossing with braces may require more time than you are used to, but the prevention of white spots for a clean smile after removal is well worth it.
Fluoride use is a powerful preventative as well. Fluoride works to protect and strengthen enamel so that plaque cannot do damage. Our Northampton orthodontist can apply fluoride varnish to your smile 2-4 times a year. At home, fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash are products that you can take advantage of as well.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to orthodontics, feel free to contact Spark Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office location near Northampton PA, by clicking here or by calling 610.223.7777.
Spark Orthodontics can help you or your loved one achieve a smile that benefits dental health as much as it increases confidence. However, we want you to feel confident that your choice in an orthodontist in PA, is the right one. Follow the steps below and get that smile you have always dreamed of.
Contact one of our orthodontic offices in Reading, Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Schnecksville, Schuylkill Haven, Lancaster, York, Danville, Hazleton or Freeland, PA, via our online form.
Finding the orthodontist office in PA that is right for you can be a challenge. To help aid you in your search for the perfect orthodontist office for you, we have put together the top ten most important features to look for in an orthodontic office. We invite you to read it over and see if Spark Orthodontics will be a good fit for you!
Spark Affordable
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At Spark Orthodontics, we accept virtually all insurances. We also help with paperwork submissions and filing. Additionally, we offer many financing options with no money down and flexible terms.
Accelerate Your Treatment By Up To 50% With Spark
Traditional orthodontic treatment can take up to two years to complete. At Spark Orthodontics, we offer a system that allows you to speed up treatment by up to 50%! Ask for more details during your no-obligation Spark Smile Assessment.
Spark smile
assessment
Finding an orthodontist in PA you like, trust, and ultimately feel comfortable with can be challenging. For this reason, we invite you to take advantage of our Spark Smile Assessment at no charge and no obligation! The assessment includes a comprehensive initial exam, digital x-rays, consultation and analysis, a $249 value - yours for free!
As orthodontists, we get many questions from parents just like you, who are not sure if their child needs braces, if they should see an orthodontist, as well as many other questions. We invite you to download this free report to help answer these questions.
Our award-winning orthodontist in Reading, Bethlehem, Schnecksville, Pottsville, Lancaster, York, Danville, and Hazleton, PA, offers the most advanced braces for children, braces for teens and braces for adults. These types of braces include metal braces, clear braces, and Invisalign. We can even help you get straight teeth up to 50% faster with AcceleDent!
Come experience Spark Orthodontics! You will see we offer effective and affordable braces in Reading, Camp Hill, Harrisburg, Bethlehem, Schnecksville, Pottsville, Lancaster, York, Danville, and Hazleton, PA.
Call (610) 223-7777 today for a free consultation for braces at one of our orthodontic offices in Reading, PA, Camp Hill, PA, Harrisburg, PA, Bethlehem, PA, Schnecksville, PA, Pottsville, PA, Lancaster, PA, York, PA, West Hazleton, PA, or Danville, PA.