If you’ve always wanted to have a perfectly straight smile without having to wear metal brackets and wires, then Invisalign may be the ideal option for you. Not only do these clear aligners offer a quicker and more discreet process, but you also won’t have to hold back on enjoying your favorite meals. While you’ll simply have to remove them before eating or drinking anything (except for water), this means food can get stuck between your teeth during your treatment. To maintain your smile, here’s what you should know about flossing with Invisalign!
Why Do I Need to Floss?
Although a frequently overlooked task, flossing is one of the most important steps in your oral hygiene regimen. Though your toothbrush can scrub the majority of your smile, the bristles won’t be able to reach between your pearly whites. These are also the areas where bacteria and plaque grow the most, which can lead to serious oral health issues if left unchecked. That’s why it’s especially necessary to floss during Invisalign treatment since you will be wearing your aligners for up to 22 hours a day. If food gets trapped underneath them, it can increase your risk of cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. For this reason, you should aim to floss after every meal.
How Do I Properly Clean My Teeth with Invisalign?
Are you uncertain about how to correctly clean your teeth during your orthodontic treatment? Here’s a simple guide on flossing with Invisalign:
Remove Your Aligners
The first step is always to remove your clear braces before cleaning your smile. If done properly, you likely already removed them before eating. During your meal, you should soak your aligners in a glass cup of water or cleaning solution to keep them fresh and bacteria-free until you wear them again.
Brush Your Teeth
Once you’re done eating, brush your teeth thoroughly. You’ll need to remove as many food particles, debris, and bacteria from your smile as possible. Even if you’ve scrubbed for the recommended two minutes, remember that your bristles can’t reach all the areas of your mouth.
Rinse Your Mouth
After brushing, be sure to rinse out any remaining food particles by swishing water or mouthwash around your mouth. You may even be surprised by how much was still left behind. Rinse and repeat as needed.
Floss Your Teeth
When using dental floss to remove debris, food particles, plaque, tartar, and bacteria, make sure to practice the following steps:
- Use a strand that’s about 18 cm long for extra room to hold the floss.
- Wrap the ends around your fingers until you have a few inches to work with.
- Glide the strand between your teeth, carefully reaching beneath the gum line.
- Make a “C” shape around the sides of your teeth, using an up-and-down motion.
- After finishing one tooth, repeat the above steps to clean the rest of your pearly whites.
Once you’re done, you can wear your Invisalign aligners again without worrying about any trapped debris. Keep these tips in mind, and you should maintain a clean and healthy smile throughout your treatment!
About the Author
Dr. Robert Blake earned his dental degree from the Georgetown University School of Dentistry. He’s also completed countless hours of continuing education to remain on top of the latest advancements in the field. He offers a wide range of high-quality services, including Invisalign. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call 978-927-3515.