One of the main perks of Invisalign treatment is that you don’t have to follow the same dietary restrictions as you do with traditional braces. Because you can easily remove your aligners for meals and cleanings, you can still eat and drink whatever you want, as long as you properly care for your teeth before you put them back on. But part of that includes flossing your teeth. If you’re already a regular flosser, that’s great news, but if you have been inconsistent with that part of your oral hygiene routine, it’s imperative that you start back up once you get your aligners. Here’s why flossing with Invisalign is so important, and some effective tips for making this important step a little easier!
Why Floss?
Flossing your teeth is the best way to clean between your teeth and along your gums. In fact, did you know that when you brush alone, you’re missing about 30 percent of your teeth? This can increase your risk of interproximal cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.
With Invisalign, you are essentially wearing a casing on your teeth for 22 hours a day. This means that any food that is on or between your teeth prior to putting your aligners on will be trapped there all day long with no way to be rinsed free by saliva. Thus, if you don’t floss after each meal, you are leaving your teeth vulnerable to cavities, gum disease, and infection.
How to Floss with Invisalign
Flossing your teeth with Invisalign isn’t much different than doing it without aligners. While you may have buttons installed on your teeth during your treatment, for the most part the process looks and feels the same. Here’s how to do it:
- Take out your aligners and store them safely in their case.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes
- Rinse your mouth completely
- To floss:
- Remove a 20” long string of floss and wrap the ends around your fingers
- Slide it between each tooth in a back and forth and up and down motion as you work up towards the gumline in a “c” motion
- As you clean, adjust your floss so that each area gets an unused piece.
- Once you have finished flossing between all teeth, rinse your mouth to remove any debris
Before you put your aligners back in, make sure they’re clean, too. You can do this by gently brushing them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and then rinsing them well. You can also soak them in retainer soak as needed.
Remember, even though it always was, flossing may not have seemed that important before Invisalign, but now that you have aligners it’s more crucial than ever before. To keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy during your treatment, be sure to floss each time you eat and before you put your aligners back in your mouth!
About Dr. O’Connell
Dr. Russell O’Connell loves being able to get to know his patients on a personal level. He is proud to provide each individual with customized care, so you never feel like just another number. Whether you’re in need of a cleaning and exam, a restoration like dental implants, or you’d like to straighten your smile with the help of Invisalign, he’s here to help!
To schedule an appointment for Invisalign at Califon Dental Arts, please visit our website or call us today at 908-832-2300.