Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Discoloration of Teeth After Braces

01/13/2011

Question:

I am 46 years old, recently got my braces off after 2 1/2 years. I am very unhappy with the discoloration that has occurred. There is a faint grayish uniformed line on the entire top row of my teeth! The bottom row does not have this.I maintained my teeth hygienically very well during the braces. There was no calcification at all and my teeth do not show other stains, only the type I mentioned. I tried Crest professional white strips but the line did not go away. I brush with whitening toothpaste often but the stain never seems to fade.Can you please tell me what the cause of this is and whether or not it will ever go away.

I also noticed that a couple of my teeth now have fissures which were not there before.

I also have a concern about wearing my retainer 24 hours a day as instructed. Wont this trap bacteria between the retainer and my teeth which could cause decay and more discoloration?

Thank you for any information you can provide.

Answer:

This is not related to your braces. It sounds like an intrinsic stain that was the result of something that happened when the teeth were forming; you just did not notice it before your braces were placed.

As far as treatment, you need to talk to your dentist about treatment options.

For more information:

Go to the Braces health topic.