Did My Orthodontist Cause White Marks on My Teeth?

You come into your orthodontist’s clinic and notice that despite the fact you have been faithfully brushing your teeth twice a day, they still seem to be stained. Upon inquiring with your dentist or orthodontist, they advise that you might have developed white spots on your teeth.

What is a White Spot?

A white spot, or whitening tooth discoloration, is a common problem many face. Despite brushing their teeth diligently twice a day, they experience bumps and marks on their teeth, which may be yellowish-white. The spots, known as dentine cysts or dentine cavities, are filled with saliva and can appear like white dots on the surface of your teeth.

Causes of White Spots on Teeth

A few different factors can cause white spots on teeth. The most common is poor oral hygiene habits and ignoring dental treatments.

In most cases, the marks are permanent unless treated professionally. For example, teeth that have been bonded usually have a permanent spot even if the bonding is removed. This happens because only the enamel is affected, not the tooth's root. The teeth should return to their natural whitening colour if the bonding is gone.

Surgery may cause white spots on your teeth. If your teeth require extensive dental work, such as a bridge or crown that needs to be made, you will likely develop white marks if you have not been seeing a dentist regularly or if you have ignored your dental treatments.

The white marks can be developed in other situations as well. It is possible to create white spots on your teeth if you have experienced trauma or injury to your mouth. In this case, it is recommended that you visit a dentist as soon as possible. If you have been grinding or clenching your teeth, the symptoms of bruxism may have caused damage to the enamel. In cases like this, you should see a dentist who can take an x-ray of your teeth and make recommendations or provide treatment.

If you want to improve your teeth’s appearance and whiten them, there are a couple of things your orthodontist can do for you. First off, whitening toothpaste and tooth whitening treatments may help change the color of your teeth from yellow-white to a more natural white. However, if you are looking for an instant fix, you may also want to inquire with your orthodontist about other options, such as bonding or veneers.