Invisalign has discreetly and comfortably straightened millions of smiles, and the treatment is only growing in popularity. While most patients report that this orthodontic method is much easier to comply with than traditional braces, it’s still important to practice excellent oral hygiene when wearing clear aligners to prevent oral infections, dental stains, and treatment delays. Here’s a brief guide to how you should use dental floss during Invisalign treatment.
Why Is Flossing So Important When Wearing Invisalign?
Invisalign clear aligners are designed to fit snugly over your teeth while they are gradually shifted into healthier positions, and any food debris trapped between the teeth and the aligner will be protected from the mouth’s natural cleaning process. If you wear your clear aligners without thoroughly brushing and flossing beforehand, you may develop issues like tooth decay, stains, and discoloration that diminish the beauty of your smile and can result in treatment delays.
How Do I Floss with Invisalign?
One of the major perks of Invisalign is that its clear aligners are completely removable so patients can eat whatever they like and easily practice oral hygiene. Before wearing your aligners, always be sure to brush and floss thoroughly to eliminate plaque and food debris. Proper flossing technique for Invisalign patients involves the following steps:
- Remove your clear aligners.
- Cut an appropriate length of floss from the package.
- Hold a section of about an inch or two taut between your hands.
- Gently slide the floss between two teeth.
- Work the floss up and down and from side to side against the edge of either tooth. Take care not to dig too hard into your gums, as this can damage these soft tissues.
- Carefully pull the floss from between your teeth, move on to a clean section, and repeat this process with the next pair of teeth.
- Do this until your whole smile has been flossed.
When Should I Remove My Clear Aligners?
You must wear your Invisalign clear aligners for at least twenty hours every day, and, ideally, you will only remove your Invisalign clear aligners when eating, practicing oral hygiene, or drinking anything but water. Since you must brush and floss before putting your aligners back in and it is ideal to wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing, it can sometimes be difficult to meet your wear time requirement. It’s best to set a functional yet flexible schedule that gives you enough time to enjoy meals and perform oral hygiene when not wearing your aligners.
Flossing is an essential part of Invisalign treatment that keeps teeth healthy and clean. Taking the time to clear the debris from between your teeth can keep the process going smoothly and your smile beautiful.
About the Practice
Washington Dental Care offers the finest oral health services available in the Chicago area. Led by Drs. Hammes and Kakar, the staff ensures that each patient receives exemplary courtesy and outstanding customer service. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as Invisalign treatments. To book your Invisalign consultation, contact the office online or dial (312) 766-5412.
