Most people have been taught to brush and floss their teeth twice a day to maintain their smile. But what about if you’re undergoing the Invisalign treatment? If you’re going through this procedure, then cleaning between your teeth might be more essential than you realize! Keep reading to learn why flossing with Invisalign is vital for your dental health and how to do it properly.
The Importance of Flossing With Invisalign
Plaque buildup occurs between your teeth and around your gums. If left unchecked, it can cause gum disease, which can contribute to other more serious health conditions—like heart disease and strokes. While you’ll have to brush and rinse your teeth (and aligners) after every meal, flossing is an essential part of your dental hygiene. Should you skip flossing with Invisalign, you might actually allow for the plaque and bacteria to collect underneath your aligners. This can increase your risk of gum damage in the long run.
The 4 Step Flossing Process
To reduce your chances of periodontal disease or gum issues, it’s crucial to thoroughly floss before putting your Invisalign trays back on. For the best outcome, you should follow these steps when cleaning your smile:
- Remove Trays: Always take your clear aligners off before eating or cleaning them. You won’t want to risk damaging them by chewing on anything. If you’re about to eat, try soaking them so they remain bacteria free during your meal.
- Brush Your Teeth: Scrub away the majority of any debris and food matter from the open and obvious areas of your mouth. You should also pay extra attention to your gum line to remove as much plaque as you can.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Break away or loosen any food particles by swishing water or mouthwash around your mouth. Repeat this as many times as you want to ensure a thorough cleansing.
- Floss Thoroughly: Take about 12 inches of dental floss and wrap both sides around two fingers so you can work with a single one-inch piece at a time. Carefully push the floss between two teeth, curve it in a ‘C’ shape around one tooth, and slide it up and down to remove any plaque and debris. Once you’re done with both sides, repeat the process between your other teeth, always using a clean section of dental floss along the way.
After you’ve finished flossing, you can rinse your mouth once more before placing your Invisalign trays again. This will ensure that any removed particles are washed away, allowing you to continue your treatment while maintaining a clean and healthy smile!
About the Author
Dr. Arthur Volker is a proud member of several prestigious groups including the American College of Dentists, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the Queens County Dental Society. He lectures nationally/internationally on various topics like cosmetic therapy and dental equipment, and is also certified in providing Invisalign. If you’d like to know more about the importance of flossing with Invisalign, feel free to visit our website or call 718-937-6750.