Maintaining your teeth and gums is critical, especially if you are receiving orthodontic treatment with Invisalign. While wearing these clear aligners can help you achieve the perfect smile, it also necessitates a little extra care in your oral hygiene, particularly flossing.
In this article, guest contributor Dr. Satish Pai will review the ins and outs of flossing with Invisalign so you can not only keep your teeth healthy but also get the most out of your aligners. Let’s get started on your journey to a healthy and beautiful smile!
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a contemporary orthodontic treatment. It includes using multiple sets of clear and removable aligners. It slowly but effectively straightens your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which employ wires and brackets, Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are nearly undetectable to others.
You usually wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks before moving on to the next set, resulting in a more unobtrusive and comfortable treatment experience.
Why Do You Need to Floss With Invisalign?
Before you learn the correct way to floss your teeth with Invisalign, you must understand why flossing with Invisalign is so important. Well, clear aligners can trap food particles and plaque against your teeth. This can potentially lead to cavities and gum disease if left untreated.
Flossing helps to eliminate this debris and plaque from between your teeth, where your toothbrush may not reach. Additionally, straightening your teeth can alter the spacing between them. This emphasizes the importance of flossing on a regular basis to adjust to these changes. So, let's look at how you can floss successfully while wearing aligners.
How Do You Floss With Invisalign Most Effectively?
By following these steps, you can maintain excellent oral health while enjoying the benefits of your Invisalign treatment:-
1. Remove the Aligners
Make it a practice to remove your aligners before brushing or flossing for improved dental hygiene. This step of the process guarantees that you have clear access to all parts of your teeth.
2. Select the Right Flossing Tools
Let's look at a few options for flossing tools so that you can choose the one appropriate for your dental condition and lifestyle:
- Water Flossers
For those who prefer a milder approach, water flossers can be extremely helpful. They clean between the teeth and along the gumline with a pulsing jet of water. Water flossers are ideal if you have sensitive gums or wear several orthodontic appliances.
- Traditional Dental Floss
This traditional option is ideal for daily use. It effectively eliminates plaque and food particles from between your teeth. However, with Invisalign, it can be difficult for traditional dental floss to navigate around the aligners.
- Floss Threaders
If you find regular floss too burdensome, a floss threader is an option to consider. This device allows you to easily thread floss between your teeth, especially if you have dental appliances in your mouth.
For a smoother, eco-friendly flossing experience, try our Canary Dental Floss - Charcoal Mint - Plastic-Free and Vegan. Made from strong, plant-based PLA with a refreshing mint flavor, it glides easily through teeth and works perfectly with floss threaders.
- Eco-Friendly Disposable Floss Picks
These portable and simple flossing tools are suitable for quick cleanups after meals. However, disposable picks may not be as successful in tight spaces as others. And of course we'd only recommend the natural bamboo floss picks, instead of the various disposable plastic options.
- Interdental Brushes
These little bristle brushes are an excellent alternative to standard floss. They can reach into bigger gaps and completely clean between your teeth. Interdental brushes are especially useful if you are undergoing orthodontic treatment.
- Electric Toothbrush
Using an electric toothbrush while wearing your Invisalign aligners can provide a deeper clean, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Just be sure to use a gentle setting to avoid damaging your aligners.
3. Floss Between Every Tooth
After deciding on your chosen flossing method, it's time to work. Gently slide the floss between each tooth, making sure you get just below the gumline. This is the area where plaque and food particles tend to collect. The American Dental Association suggests flossing at least once daily. For the best results, use your water flosser on a daily basis.
4. Go Gentle
Although you may feel tempted to floss vigorously, you must do so gently. Aggressive flossing might cause your gums to recede and bleed. Instead, make a delicate sawing motion and avoid snapping the floss into your gums. If you are experiencing bleeding or discomfort, visit your dentist.
5. Rinse Thoroughly
Once you've finished flossing, rinse your mouth with water or antiseptic mouthwash. This helps to wash away any debris that may have become dislodged during the process. Furthermore, it leaves your mouth feeling refreshed and clean.
To enhance the rinse, you can use Peppermint Mouthwash Concentrate, which mixes with water to create a refreshing, minty solution that helps clean your mouth thoroughly and leaves your breath fresh.
6. Don’t Forget to Clean the Aligners
To keep your Invisalign fresh, always take time to clean your aligners before putting them back in. To remove any accumulation, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle soap or an aligner-specific cleanser. Avoid using toothpaste since it can scrape the aligners and create discoloration.
7. Put Your Aligners Back
After you've flossed and cleaned your aligners, it's time to reinsert them. Make sure they fit snugly over your teeth. Properly reinserting your aligners helps to preserve their effectiveness in moving your teeth into the appropriate position.
Conclusion
Remember, the purpose of Invisalign is not just to straighten your teeth but also to care for your oral health. Regular flossing, in conjunction with brushing and routine dental check-ups, can considerably improve your treatment outcomes.
Now that you've learned the importance of flossing effectively with Invisalign, why not take it a step further? Consider scheduling a visit with your dentist to review your flossing skills. You can also look into additional dental care products that could help you during your Invisalign journey.
Every move you take towards better oral hygiene has an impact. Continue researching, asking questions, and, most importantly, smiling!
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Dr. Satish Pai is a distinguished orthodontist based in New York, offering over 14 years of comprehensive experience in orthodontics, serving patients of all ages with a specialization in Invisalign and Damon braces. He is deeply committed to providing patient-focused care and is renowned for his proficiency and innovative approaches in the field.