If you have Invisalign clear aligners, you probably love how you can remove and reinsert them at your convenience. Popcorn kernels and apples are no match for Invisalign and your cravings!
Alas, with great food comes great responsibility. The general recommendation might be to floss at least once per day, but with Invisalign, you should floss your teeth after every meal! Why? Well, keep reading to find out.
Why Do I Need to Floss?
The simple truth is that rinsing your aligners and brushing your teeth twice a day isn’t enough to keep Invisalign trays – or your teeth – clean. Food particles can get wedged between your pearly whites, even though they might not be as obvious as a popcorn kernel. Not only can these particles stain your aligners, but they can also contribute to bacteria build up, especially when trapped behind tight trays for long periods of time!
To avoid discolored Invisalign aligners and oral conditions like cavities or gum disease, it’s best to remove as much debris as possible from between your teeth.
Pro Tips for Thorough Flossing
It’s one thing to run the floss back and forth and rinse and repeat, and another to take the time to floss mindfully. Here’s what the pros recommend for a thorough clean:
- Wind the floss around your fingers for a good grip.
- With your thumbs and index fingers, gently push the string between your teeth.
- Make a “c” shape with the floss around one tooth. The idea is to wiggle the thread up and down, removing bacteria from the side of your tooth.
- Repeat this step for your other tooth, then carefully pull the floss free.
Alternative Ways to Floss
If you really, really don’t like this method, you’re in luck – and you’re not alone! Patients with dental sensitivity or sensory issues tend not to like threaded flossing. These days, you can instead use a water flosser, which removes oral debris with a gentle stream of water. Many patients prefer this option, and some experts say water flossing is even more effective than traditional methods!
No matter how you slice it, flossing is an important part of caring for your smile, especially during an Invisalign treatment. Stay diligent with post-meal cleanings, and you’ll be able to enjoy healthier pearly whites and clearer aligners!
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care, we have four skilled professionals who approach dentistry with a gentle touch. They love being able to help patients enhance their smiles with Invisalign or refresh their teeth with a checkup and cleaning. Whether you need some extra tips on general flossing or keeping your aligners in pristine condition, don’t hesitate to call our office at 253-854-2714.