Are you seeking a more discreet and comfortable solution than standard braces to straighten your smile? If so, you might benefit from Invisalign. This popular alternative service relies on transparent trays that allow your natural enamel to show through, which can boost your confidence.
But because they cover your teeth and gums all day, it’s important that you take proper precautions to avoid common oral issues, such as gum disease. With that in mind, continue reading to learn more about how to floss with Invisalign!
How Does Invisalign Work?
Unlike traditional orthodontics, which utilizes bulky metal brackets and wires attached to your teeth to shift them, this option uses smooth, plastic trays that are customized to fit snugly over arches. They must be worn 20 to 22 hours daily to exert enough gentle but consistent pressure to move your teeth to their ideal positions and prevent them from reverting to their starting places. Then, after about a week or two, your dentist will provide the next pair in your series for you to switch to, which accounts for the ongoing movement of your smile.
Many patients choose this treatment because the smooth plastic aligners don’t cut the tender tissues inside the mouth like braces often do. Plus, because they’re removable, there are no dietary restrictions, and it can be much easier to keep your mouth clean to prevent dental concerns.
Why Do I Need to Floss with Invisalign?
These ‘invisible’ trays cover your gums for most of the day and night, giving any bacteria trapped between the plastic and your connective tissues plenty of time to thrive. This can increase the risk of causing gum disease if you don’t clean your mouth thoroughly at least twice daily.
To prevent problems, you should remove your aligners both morning and night to thoroughly scrub them with a soft-bristle toothbrush and clear dish soap or gentle toothpaste that won’t abrade the material. You must also scrub all the surfaces of your enamel before flossing to remove plaque and bacteria that contribute to dental disease and decay.
How Should I Floss My Teeth During Treatment?
If you’re worried that it’ll be difficult to floss throughout your Invisalign treatment, you can thankfully set your concerns aside. The removable trays allow you to maintain your usual dental hygiene routine, so no special instructions are required. That means you can help keep your teeth clean by:
- Tearing off about a 12-inch section of your preferred string floss.
- Wind it around your two pointer fingers, leaving about an inch between them.
- Using your thumbs and index fingers, gently pull the string tight and carefully push it between two teeth.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape and gently glide it up and down your enamel.
- Remove the floss from your teeth and repeat until you’ve completed both arches.
Taking proper precautions to maintain your smile throughout your treatment ensures that it’ll be as healthy as it is beautiful once it’s complete!
Meet the Author
Dr. William C. Poe V has decades of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their smiles and looks forward to assisting you with your unique needs. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the USC Dental School in 1988 and has since remained committed to continuing education. Today, he offers a complete menu of services, including Invisalign, using state-of-the-art technology for beautiful, long-lasting results. If you want to straighten your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (562) 594-5067.