Many patients are hesitant to move forward with orthodontic treatment because they want to avoid the hassle of metal wires and brackets. Well, Invisalign is a modern solution that allows you to discreetly and comfortably get the straight smile you’ve always wanted. One significant advantage it offers is that there are no dietary restrictions! You must simply remove the clear aligners before eating. Unfortunately, that means food can easily get trapped between teeth when you put the trays back in. Flossing is essential after every meal to prevent bacteria growth and tooth decay. In this blog post, you’ll learn more about the importance of flossing and how to do it correctly.
Why Is Flossing with Invisalign Important?
Flossing is a crucial part of your oral hygiene because it helps remove food particles, bacteria, plaque, and other unwanted substances from between your teeth. While everyone should be doing it every day, it’s especially important for those undergoing Invisalign treatment. Since you cover your teeth with aligners for 22 hours a day, neglecting to floss can cause bacteria to accumulate on your teeth, increasing your risk of gum damage and chronic bad breath. You should be flossing after every meal or at least once a day to keep your smile in tip-top shape.
How to Properly Floss with Invisalign
For optimal results, you need to make sure you’re flossing your teeth correctly. If you’re not sure what that looks like, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Remove Your Aligners
As you can imagine, the first step of the process is to remove your clear aligners. If you were eating, they were probably already out to begin with. It’s a good idea to soak them to ensure they’re clean once it’s time to put them back in your mouth
Brush Your Teeth
Brushing is essential for removing particles and other unwanted debris from your mouth after eating. Of course, it’s important to remember that there are small areas of your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach no matter how hard you try.
Rinse Your Mouth
Swish water or mouthwash around your mouth to loosen up any remaining food particles. Rinse thoroughly and repeat as needed.
Floss Your Teeth
Use dental floss to remove food particles, plaque, tartar, and bacteria from between your teeth. Gently slide it between your teeth and move it slowly up towards the gum line. Repeat until you’ve cleaned between all your teeth.
Once you’re done cleaning your teeth, you can put your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth. Using the tips above will ensure your smile remains happy and healthy throughout your treatment!
About the Practice
At Gannett Drive Dental, we are passionate about helping you achieve optimal oral health in a comfortable, relaxed, and nurturing environment. Our team values patient education to ensure you’re making confident and well-informed decisions for your smile. If you have any questions about flossing with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can speak to a member of our team via our website or call (207) 253-5600.