Do braces make your teeth yellow?

There are many fantastic benefits to undergoing orthodontic treatment in London, from improved confidence to better oral health. But what about the potential side effects? Can braces cause your teeth to look yellow? At Whites Dental, we’re here to help answer your questions. Our friendly dental team provides a wide range of braces options, including ceramic braces, Invisalign, Damon Fast braces, clear braces, and lingual braces. We are conveniently located in London Waterloo, adjacent to Southwark Station, and just a short walk from Waterloo rail station or London Bridge.

Can Braces Cause Yellow Teeth?

It’s not uncommon to see some discolouration around your braces during treatment. This can happen if certain areas are missed during brushing or flossing due to the brackets and wires blocking access. After spending months straightening your teeth, it’s understandable to want your smile to be just as white as it is straight.

Unfortunately, some patients are disappointed when their braces are removed to find yellow spots, white lesions, or even cavities on their teeth. These issues are often the result of poor oral hygiene or skipped dental check-ups. Braces make it harder to clean certain surfaces, which increases the risk of oral disease. That’s why regular check-ups during treatment are essential.

How to Avoid Yellow Teeth During Braces

The best defence against staining or decay is an upgraded at-home hygiene routine. While flossing is more difficult with braces, it’s still essential. If traditional floss isn’t working for you, try using interdental brushes—they’re excellent for cleaning around wires and between brackets. Thorough plaque and food removal is key to avoiding discolouration.

Equally important is maintaining a tooth-friendly diet. Avoid sticky foods and limit your intake of sugary snacks and drinks like sports drinks, fizzy pop, and coffee. These can damage your enamel and lead to yellowing or decay. A healthy, balanced diet will help keep your teeth strong and vibrant throughout treatment.

After Braces: What If Your Teeth Are Still Yellow?

Even with perfect hygiene, some staining may occur. That’s why your orthodontist will typically recommend a hygiene appointment after treatment. This cleaning session helps remove residual plaque and superficial stains.

For more noticeable discolouration, teeth whitening may be the next step. This can be done either in-clinic or at home with a professional whitening kit. However, it’s important to wait at least six months after your braces are removed. This gives your enamel time to settle and helps reduce sensitivity, while allowing natural saliva flow to even out minor discolouration.

Should You Whiten Before Braces?

No – teeth whitening should always be done after braces. Whitening beforehand can lead to uneven colouring due to overlapping teeth or the placement of brackets. Once your teeth have shifted into their final position, you can safely whiten them for a consistent, bright smile.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in straightening your teeth, book a free consultation at Whites Dental. Our dental team is always happy to provide honest, tailored advice based on your needs, including how to care for your teeth during and after braces.

At Whites Dental, we work with some of the best orthodontists in London, offering a full range of treatments including fixed braces, Invisalign, Damon braces, Fastbraces, Six Month Smiles, lingual braces, and metal braces. This page provides guidance on whether braces can make your teeth yellow—and how to avoid it.

We are located in Central London near London Waterloo, right next to Southwark tube station. We’re also just a short walk from Elephant and Castle, Southbank, London Bridge, and Borough Market.