After braces: fixing what's left.
A practical guide to the most common cosmetic issues people notice once the brackets are off — and what a boutique cosmetic dentist actually does about them.
1. White-spot lesions.
Cloudy white patches where brackets used to sit. Caused by demineralization during treatment. Treated with professional whitening, resin infiltration (Icon), or, in stubborn cases, very thin composite bonding.
2. Uneven edges and lengths.
Teeth that wore unevenly during treatment, or that were never quite right to begin with. Treated with cosmetic recontouring (no anesthesia, no drill — just polishing the enamel into shape) or composite bonding for missing length.
3. Gum recession.
Sometimes a side effect of long orthodontic treatment, especially with crowding cases. Treated with periodontal therapy or, in advanced cases, gum graft surgery. We screen for this at every cosmetic consult.
4. Black triangles.
Small dark gaps between teeth near the gumline. Often more visible after braces because teeth are now straight. Treated with composite bonding or, in some cases, hyaluronic acid gum injection.
Common questions.
How long after braces should I wait?
We recommend 4–6 weeks for the bite to settle. Whitening can start right away.
Will the orthodontist do this?
Orthodontists straighten teeth — they generally don't do cosmetic refinement. That's a different specialty.
Will insurance cover any of it?
Cosmetic work is generally not covered. Some functional issues (worn enamel, bite correction) may be partially covered. We verify in real time.
Long ortho case, still not happy?
A 30-minute consult will tell you exactly what's possible and what it costs.
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