Frequently Asked Questions
The links below offer a comprehensive list of Frequently Asked Questions relating to the specialty of orthodontics as it is practiced in North America
Please visit our “Informative Links” section for more information.
Question: I just had my braces off. What are the
white or stained marks around where the braces were?
Dr. Boutin: If you didn’t clean all the “plaque” off your teeth after each time you ate something you can get decalcification (white marks – early stage of cavities) or actual cavities (darker stained areas or holes in the enamel). When you eat something, the bacteria also get fed, and when they eat, they produce acids for at least 90 minutes – this acid attacks your enamel and causes the marks (whitish acid burns) that can become cavities. It also Causes gum inflammation (gingivitis). See the animation below (please note that the area protected by the brace does not show damage – the glue we use seals and prevents cavities underneath the braces – we cannot seal the whole tooth unfortunately!)