Decalcification is a permanent white or yellow scaring of the teeth.
It is not caused by braces, but by the dental plaque that is left on the teeth due to improper or infrequent brushing. The bacteria in the plaque produce acid which begins to eat through the enamel of the teeth. Because the braces give plaque more areas to accumulate, people with braces are more prone to have decalcified areas on their teeth. Orthodontic patients who pay meticulous attention to keeping their teeth clean seldom get decalcified areas on their teeth. Unfortunately, it has been shown over and over again that patients in orthodontic practices across the country, even with the best intentions, do not keep their teeth as clean as they should.