隱形牙箍清潔要注意的事項

One of the advantages of invisible braces, such as Invisalign, is the convenience they offer for eating and the ability to remove them for cleaning. In contrast, traditional metal braces are fixed onto the teeth and have more attachments and smaller components, requiring users to spend more time on maintenance and cleaning. Improper cleaning can lead to the development of "decalcification spots" on the tooth surface for some users, which can create another aesthetic concern after completing the treatment.

Figure 1: Decalcification spots left after improper cleaning upon removal of metal braces.

Proper cleaning, along with invisible braces, can help reduce the occurrence of the above issue. Here are eight "tips" for cleaning invisible braces:

1. Remove the aligners when eating and clean them as soon as possible after eating, then wear the aligners again, ensuring to wear them for 20-22 hours per day.

2. Only drink plain water while wearing the aligners and avoid consuming sugary beverages to prevent sugar accumulation inside the aligners, which may lead to tooth decay.

3. Avoid consuming dark-colored foods or drinks such as curry, milk tea, coffee, etc., or clean the aligners after eating before wearing them to prevent pigment staining on the aligners.

4. During the period of wearing braces, as your teeth are moving, there may be wider gaps between them, making it easier for food debris to accumulate. Therefore, before wearing braces each time, it is necessary to use dental floss to clean the interdental spaces and remove any food particles.

5. Thoroughly clean your braces in the morning and evening. You can use a small toothbrush with a small amount of toothpaste to brush the braces inside and outside.

6. Optionally, you can use braces cleaning tablets, such as BRITE, to soak your braces for 30 minutes. This helps to eliminate bacteria, odors, and any pigment deposits.