Did you know that according to the American Dental Association, only half of Americans floss every day, and less than 20 percent don’t even floss at all? But if you want to pursue a healthy, straight, beautiful smile, you must get into the habit of flossing multiple times per day during treatment!
When it comes to Invisalign, people need to focus on wearing their aligners for the recommended 20 to 22 hours a day, but flossing can also make or break your success. Read more below to learn why you don’t want to become another sad flossing statistic.
Why Flossing Matters More with Invisalign
Flossing with Invisalign isn’t just a good idea; it’s essential. In fact, maintaining great oral hygiene becomes even more important while undergoing treatment.
Healthier Teeth
Each time you remove your aligners to eat or drink anything other than water, your teeth are exposed to food debris and bacteria. If you don’t brush and floss thoroughly before putting your trays back in, that bacteria and plaque gets trapped between the aligner and your teeth, creating a breeding ground for cavities, bad breath, and gum issues.
Think of your aligners as a clear plastic greenhouse. They create a warm, moist environment – perfect for bacteria to thrive if you’re not careful.
Clearer Aligners
Flossing doesn’t just protect your teeth – it keeps your aligners clear and fresh. Poor oral hygiene can cause your trays to become cloudy or smell bad, even if you’re cleaning them regularly. Clean teeth mean clearer, smoother trays, which means a more discreet appearance and a more comfortable fit.
Easier Cleaning
Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which give you full access to your teeth and gums. This means that even during your treatment, flossing can still be a breeze, so there’s no excuse not to do it!
Tips for Flossing Like a Pro
- Stick to a routine: Floss at the same time every day; before brushing your teeth at night is ideal normally. This ensures you go to bed with a clean mouth and gives your aligners a fresh environment to work in overnight. With Invisalign, every time you take the aligners out, you must brush and floss your teeth to clear out food, plaque, and bacteria.
- Choose your tools: Traditional floss is great, but if you struggle with dexterity, floss picks or water flossers can be game changers.
- Be gentle but thorough: Gently slide the floss between your teeth, hug each tooth in a C-shape, and move it up and down to remove plaque and debris.
- Travel smart: Keep a small dental kit with you, including floss, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. This way, when you’re on the go, you won’t be tempted to skip cleaning your teeth before putting your aligners back in.
Flossing with Invisalign isn’t just a good idea – it’s a must! It is proven to give you healthier teeth and fresher aligners. And since you can easily remove them, why wouldn’t you take advantage of this habit?
About the Practice
Dr. George Salem & Associates, PC of Braintree offer Invisalign treatment to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Our team has a board-certified orthodontist on staff, and we also have lingual braces and clear braces available. Not only that, but we also try to make your goals financially feasible by accepting and maximizing dental insurance. Schedule an appointment with us today by visiting us online or calling our office at (781) 843-0660.