Do White Braces Turn Yellow?

Posted on 05/08/2023
Braces are meant to straighten your teeth and align your bite. By extension, they can also improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. Myers Orthodontics hears a lot of unusual questions about braces, or more importantly, the brackets that go on each tooth. Their expert knowledge alleviates your concerns.
 

Braces Can Change Color

Yes, resin brackets that are white can change color, but there are a number of factors that cause this. For one, what you eat and drink affects tooth color, and in turn, affects resin bracket color. Another factor is poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush, both your teeth and your braces will alter their coloring.

Your orthodontist will supply you with a list of foods you should avoid. It's not just for the protection of your braces while you wear them. It's to prevent discoloration.

For example, the skins of blueberries can become trapped in the brackets and wires while simultaneously turning everything a blue-green hue. If you don't immediately brush and floss, some of that staining remains.

Coffee, tea, and colas turn everything an unpleasant shade of yellow too. Brushing helps, but dental resin tends to hold onto those yellowing stains more than the teeth themselves. It's a big reason why these drinks are on the forbidden list for people with braces.
 

How Yellow They Get Depends on You

How yellow your white resin brackets become depends on you. If you religiously avoid most food and drink that can discolor teeth and braces, that's half the battle. The other half of the battle is frequent and proper brushing.

If you can manage to follow oral hygiene care and restrictions while you have braces, your brackets will hardly be yellow at all. If you aren't wild about that, consider requesting brackets that are already brightly colored. Yellowing is more difficult to see when your brackets are blue, red, green, pink, or any color combination available.
 

You Could Also Choose Metal Brackets or Sublingual Braces

Most adults and some teens opt for white braces/brackets because these are less noticeable than traditional metal brackets. It's a cosmetic choice, but it still comes with a cost. If you can't keep up with frequent hygiene demands or you can't stay away from food and drink that stains, consider metal brackets or sublingual braces.

Other Options Available from Myers Orthodontics
Myers Orthodontics has a variety of orthodontic options. If you are really concerned about people seeing your braces, talk to one of the orthodontists at Myers Orthodontics at your first appointment.