One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Whether you want to be treatment-free for a special photo op or you just want to indulge in your favorite snack, such things are easy to accomplish with Invisalign. Of course, the removable nature of the aligners also makes oral hygiene a breeze. But are you doing all you can to maintain a clean and fresh smile? This blog post discusses just one aspect of an effective oral hygiene routine — flossing with Invisalign in Branford.
Why Flossing Is Critical
After you eat a meal, it is important that you remove food particles from your teeth before you replace Invisalign on your teeth. Otherwise, you could soon begin to suffer from bad breath. You also put yourself at an increased risk of cavities.
Brushing your teeth removes debris from a large portion of the surfaces in your mouth. However, the bristles simply cannot reach into the tight spaces between teeth. This is especially true if you are using Invisalign because your teeth are crowded or overlapping. Floss is the best means of cleaning those hard-to-reach places.
How to Floss with Invisalign
Flossing with Invisalign is similar in most ways to flossing without orthodontic treatment. You should start with about 18 inches of floss. Wrap it around your middle fingers, and carefully clean between your teeth, continually switching to a clean section of floss each time you move from tooth to tooth.
It is generally best to floss before you brush. Flossing first can remove debris between your teeth so it is easier for your fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen your enamel. Of course, if you are in the habit of brushing first, that is unlikely to cause any significant harm to your smile.
Once you finish flossing and brushing, thoroughly rinse your mouth and aligners before placing Invisalign back in your mouth.
Tips to Make Flossing Easier
Many people do not enjoy flossing. Here are a few tips to make it a little easier:
- Find the right floss. Floss comes in different thicknesses and textures. You might have to try a few different ones before you find the type that is most comfortable for you.
- Be gentle. Some people find flossing to be uncomfortable. In many cases, that is because they “snap” the floss between their teeth, causing their gums to bleed and ache. Move the floss slowly and with purpose.
- Try different products. Water flossers and floss picks are not quite as effective as old-fashioned string floss, but they are better than nothing.
Flossing regularly throughout your Invisalign treatment will help you maintain a fresh and healthy mouth. If you are struggling to get into this habit, ask your dental team for advice — they will be happy to share their wisdom and insight!
Meet the Practice
The highly educated dentists at New Haven Dental Group in Branford are proud to offer Invisalign as one of their many services. They enjoy sharing their knowledge with patients, so if you have questions about what to expect when you are straightening your teeth, our team would be pleased to speak with you. Contact our office at 203-439-6895.