Flossing with Invisalign: A Guide to a Healthy Smile

Invisalign offers a convenient and discreet way to straighten your teeth without the need for metal wires or brackets. One of its biggest perks? No dietary restrictions – you simply remove the aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water. However, this convenience comes with a challenge: food particles can easily become trapped between your teeth during treatment. That’s why maintaining excellent oral hygiene, particularly flossing, is critical to your dental health while using Invisalign. Read on to learn more!

Why Flossing Matters 

Flossing is an essential part of any oral care routine, yet it’s often overlooked. It removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between your teeth – areas your toothbrush can’t reach. This step becomes even more crucial during Invisalign treatment since the aligners cover your teeth for up to 22 hours a day. Without proper cleaning, bacteria can accumulate, leading to gum inflammation, cavities, and chronic bad breath. To avoid these issues, you should aim to floss daily, or ideally after every meal. 

A Step-by-Step to Flossing with Invisalign

Maintaining optimal oral hygiene during your Invisalign journey doesn’t have to be a challenge. Follow these steps to clean your teeth effectively: 

1. Remove Your Aligners 

Start by taking out your aligners. If you’ve just finished eating, they’re likely already out. While your aligners are removed, consider soaking them in a cleaning solution to keep them free of bacteria and debris. 

2. Brush Your Teeth 

After eating, brush your teeth thoroughly to remove food particles and other debris. Even with diligent brushing, your toothbrush can’t reach every crevice between your teeth, which is why flossing is vital. 

3. Rinse Your Mouth 

Before flossing, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to loosen any lingering food particles. You may be surprised at how much debris remains after brushing alone. Repeat this step as needed until your mouth feels clean. 

4. Floss Your Teeth 

Flossing ensures you reach areas that brushing and rinsing can’t. Here’s how to do it correctly: 

• Cut a piece of dental floss about 18 inches long. While this may seem excessive, the extra length allows for a better grip. 
• Wrap the ends around your fingers, leaving a few inches to work with. 
• Gently slide the floss between two teeth and move it towards the gumline. 
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape against one tooth and move it up and down to remove plaque and debris. 
• Repeat these steps for each tooth, using a clean section of floss each time. 

5. Replace Your Aligners 

Once your teeth are thoroughly cleaned, reinsert your aligners. Ensuring your teeth are free of debris helps prevent bacteria from becoming trapped under the aligners, reducing the risk of dental issues. 

About the Author

Dr. Zac Young is dedicated to ensuring every patient has a positive and comfortable experience. A graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago, Dr. Young later earned a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry and a certification in Invisalign. For more tips on flossing with Invisalign, visit his website or call (708) 991-5988.