How to Floss with Invisalign

These days, you no don’t have to endure the hassle of metal wires and brackets if you want a straighter smile. Invisalign is a modern orthodontic treatment that discreetly and comfortably helps you achieve your desired results. Because the clear aligners are removable, you can eat pretty much anything you want during treatment. Of course, you must remove the food particles from your teeth after every meal to prevent bacteria growth and decay. The best way to accomplish that? Flossing! Continue reading to learn why it’s important to floss with Invisalign and how you can do it properly.  

Why Is Flossing Important with Invisalign?

Oral hygiene is crucial for a healthy smile. Brushing and flossing are essential practices that help prevent gum damage and chronic bad breath. While daily flossing is important for everyone, it’s especially so for patients with Invisalign. When you cover your teeth with a clear aligner for 22 hours a day, you’re creating the ideal environment for bacteria growth, worsening issues like decay and infection.

Using dental floss is the best way to clean the nooks and crannies in your mouth. Not only does it remove food particles, but it helps eliminate dental plaque. If it’s left on your teeth, it can harden into tartar and cause decay. Plaque is constantly building in the mouth, which is why it’s important to floss regularly. It helps break up any buildup that would otherwise be fertilizing between your teeth and aligners.  

How to Floss Properly with Invisalign

As mentioned earlier, flossing is the best way to remove debris from between the teeth. Here’s a step-by-step on the proper technique for cleaning your teeth:

• Remove your aligners. The first thing you need to do is remove your aligners if you haven’t done so already. While eating, it’s a good idea to leave them soaking to ensure they’re clean once it’s time to put them back in your mouth.
• Brush your teeth. You must do this after every meal to remove food particles. However, brushing alone isn’t enough to eliminate all the unwanted debris from your mouth.
• Rinse your mouth. Swish water or mouthwash around your mouth to break up food particles. Repeat as many times as needed.
• Floss thoroughly. Use dental floss to carefully remove any food particles, plaque, tartar, and bacteria from between the teeth.

It’s strongly recommended that you floss at least once a day to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Doing so will ensure your smile is straight and healthy by the time you’re done with Invisalign!

About the Practice

At Darby Creek Dental, we provide state-of-the-art and high-quality services to patients of all ages. Our team is passionate about helping everyone achieve and maintain their very best smiles. If you have any questions about flossing with Invisalign, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via our website or call (937) 644-8822.