Although you had metal braces years ago as a teen, you can still recall how cumbersome flossing was with those brackets and wires. You had to maneuver awkwardly around them to get bits of food out after every meal.
Now, as an adult, you are considering Invisalign, but you worry about having to fit in oral hygiene into your routine and how inconvenient flossing will become during treatment. Well, you can put those worries to rest—flossing with Invisalign is easy! Here’s how flossing works on Invisalign.
Step 1: Remove the Aligners
You have been instructed to wear your aligners for most of the day, but you can’t access your teeth while you have the aligners in! Other than eating meals, it’s okay to remove the aligners to perform oral hygiene, including flossing. When you take them out, be sure to place them in your case. Because they are clear, Invisalign trays can be easily misplaced and lost, which is why the case is important.
Step 2: Brush Your Teeth First
Before you can floss, you need to make sure the main surfaces of your teeth are clean. Trace remnants of food and beverages can linger on your teeth, and if you put your aligners back on without fully cleaning your teeth, these can allow bacteria to form cavities or a gum infection to set in. As a result, you’ll need to brush for about two minutes to clear away plaque and bits of food through brushing.
Step 3: Floss Your Teeth as Usual
Unfortunately, with tiny spaces in between teeth, it’s all too easy for little pieces of food to get stuck or accumulate in these areas, causing trouble for your smile. That’s why flossing is just as important as brushing during Invisalign treatment.
Compared to flossing with traditional braces, flossing with Invisalign is a breeze because the aligners are removeable. Flossing is the same. However, in case you need a refresher on flossing technique, here are the basic steps you need to take to clean in between your teeth:
- First, take a long piece of floss and wrap each end around a pointer finger, leaving about one inch between.
- Carefully slide the floss between your teeth and use your thumb and pointer finger to rub the floss up and down against the side of one tooth up to the gumline and then against the other tooth.
- Rewind the floss to have a new, clean area and then repeat this process for all your teeth!
In nearly every way, including oral hygiene, Invisalign treatment is simple. You don’t have to be concerned about complicated care, so don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist about this alternative to metal braces!
About the Practice
Brooks Dental has been serving the Winthrop community since 1959. Dr. Howard Brooks and Dr. Stephanie Brooks have carried on a legacy of excellence by staying up to date with the latest treatments and technologies. They are proud to offer Invisalign to patients who are interested in straightening their smiles. To schedule a consultation at Brooks Dental, contact our team online or call 617-846-1811.