Invisalign is well-known for being an effective, discreet, and convenient teeth-straightening solution. After all, the aligners are both completely clear and entirely removable. While the latter will certainly make flossing with Invisalign easier than traditional braces, there are still a few best practices you should implement to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. To learn what they are, read on!

First, Why Is Flossing with Invisalign Important?

Did you know that brushing alone only cleans about 60% of the surface of your teeth? To remove food particles and plaque from along your gumline and between your teeth, it’s crucial that you floss. Neglecting to do so consistently significantly increases your chances of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Since oral health problems like these can cause you to fall off-track with your treatment timeline, it’s of the utmost importance that you commit to flossing after each meal during your Invisalign treatment.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing with Invisalign

To floss properly, you’ll need to:

• Buy the right products – Remember, flossing doesn’t have to be a hassle to be effective. If you don’t like the traditional floss, use a pre-threaded one or a water flosser.
• Remove your clear aligners – Before flossing, remove your aligners and rinse them off thoroughly. Then, place them in their designated storage case until you’re done with your oral hygiene regimen.
• Rinse – Food particles and plaque can easily get stuck along your teeth and around any attachments you have. So, rinse thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water first to dislodge any loose debris.
• Floss – Finally, it’s time to floss. Use your floss of choice to gently clean between each tooth, making sure to remove food debris from along your gumline in the process. If you ever need a refresher on how to properly floss, don’t hesitate to ask your orthodontist at your next visit!

What If I’m Away from Home?

Flossing in the comfort of your own home is obviously preferable. However, it isn’t always possible. If you’re at the office, out for dinner with friends, or traveling, you still need to thoroughly clean your teeth. The best way to do so is by bringing along a to-go dental kit with you. In it, pack a travel-sized toothbrush and mini floss. This will allow you to floss on-the-go, whether you’re at a fancy restaurant or at a hotel.

Since Invisalign’s clear aligners are completely removable, flossing is hassle-free. Simply take your trays out, rinse your mouth, and start flossing!

About the Practice

At Simply Orthodontics, Dr. Anna Simon and Dr. Sam Alkhoury are the skilled orthodontists helping patients in and around the Framingham area achieve straight teeth and beautiful smiles. Plus, they will share all of their tips for implementing a solid oral hygiene routine during your Invisalign treatment, so you can keep your oral health in pristine condition in the process. If you have a question about flossing with Invisalign or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 250-0170.