One of the biggest advantages of Invisalign treatment is that the aligners are removable. This feature can allow you to eat your favorite foods, go treatment-free for special photos, and, of course, enjoy easy oral hygiene. Removing your aligners can enable you to brush and floss your teeth without using any special techniques or navigating around a lot of brackets and wires. Just why is flossing with Invisalign so important, and how can you do so effectively? This blog post provides some helpful information.
The Importance of Flossing During Invisalign Treatment
Flossing is important for everyone, but it is especially so for individuals who are undergoing Invisalign treatment. After you eat a meal, your teeth should be clean before you slide your aligners back onto your teeth. If any food particles get trapped inside your trays, your risk of developing decay, gum disease, and bad breath can significantly increase. Your aligners may also start to become discolored and take on an unpleasant odor.
Brushing after each meal can remove a large portion of any food debris that is left in your mouth. However, a toothbrush simply cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth, especially if your teeth are crooked or overlapping. Floss is the most effective way to clean those areas that are difficult to access.
How to Floss with Invisalign
Flossing with Invisalign is basically the same as flossing without it. You should:
- Start with around 18 inches of floss. Twist it around your middle fingers, and keep it tight while you insert it between your teeth.
- Be gentle and purposeful. Do not simply insert the floss between your teeth and then remove it. Instead, gently move it along the sides of both teeth that surround each space.
- Use clean floss. Roll the floss between your fingers as you move around your mouth so you are always using a clean section.
It is usually best to floss before brushing. Floss can remove particles that would otherwise place a barrier between your teeth and the fluoride in your toothpaste.
Tips to Make Flossing Easier
Many people do not like to floss, so if this aspect of oral hygiene is challenging for you, you are far from alone! Here are some tips that might help:
- Find the right floss. Floss is available in different flavors, textures, and thicknesses. You might need to try multiple products before finding one that works for you.
- Be gentle. Discomfort and bleeding are more likely if you hurriedly snap the floss between your teeth. Use slow and careful motions instead.
- Try floss alternatives. Pre-threaded flossers and water flossers (like WaterPik) are not quite as effective as regular string floss. However, they may be an acceptable alternative if you struggle to use traditional floss.
Flossing is important for Invisalign patients! Try to do it after every meal so you can keep your smile healthy and strong throughout your orthodontic treatment.
Meet the Practice
Our Richardson Orthodontics team works under the leadership of Drs. Tamara Jones and Stephanie Amerson. We provide a broad range of treatments, including Invisalign clear aligners. If you have questions about this service or how you can make a success out of it, we would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 972-238-7101.