Preventing White Spots and Cavities During Orthodontic Treatment

Finishing orthodontic treatment with straight teeth is the goal. Finishing with chalky white spots or new cavities is the outcome everyone wants to avoid. Both are largely preventable with the right daily habits, whether you're wearing braces or clear aligners.

White spot lesions are areas where acid from plaque bacteria has pulled minerals out of the enamel. They're the earliest stage of a cavity. With braces, they tend to form in a ring around the brackets where plaque collects. With aligners, they can appear when food or sugary drinks are trapped under the trays.

• Teens, who often find it harder to keep up with thorough brushing
• Anyone who snacks or sips sugary drinks often throughout the day
• People with dry mouth, which reduces saliva's natural protection
• Patients who've had several cavities in the past

• Brush around every bracket — above and below the wire — after meals.
• Use floss threaders, orthodontic floss or a water flosser to clean between teeth.
• Limit sticky and sugary snacks that cling to brackets.

• Take trays out to eat and to drink anything other than plain water.
• Brush, or at least rinse well, before putting the trays back in.
• Never sip soda, sweet tea or sports drinks with trays in — the sugar sits against your teeth for hours.
• Clean your trays daily so they don't hold plaque against your enamel.

Fluoride toothpaste twice a day is the foundation. Your dentist may also recommend a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste, a fluoride rinse or fluoride varnish at cleanings if you're at higher risk. Keep your regular cleaning appointments throughout treatment.

Tell your provider or dentist. Early spots can sometimes improve with fluoride and good hygiene, and there are in-office treatments that can reduce their appearance once treatment is done.

An Infinity Aligner certified provider will review your hygiene routine at the start of treatment and help you keep your enamel healthy to the finish line.