The last time you visited your dentist for a checkup, did they remind you to floss? Yes, flossing is a key part of any oral hygiene routine! However, there are times when it becomes even more important than usual — including when you are in the midst of Invisalign treatment. Why is flossing so vital, and what are some tips that can help you stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine? This blog post offers important information.
The Importance of Flossing During Invisalign Treatment
Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from the tight spaces that your toothbrush cannot fully reach. If those areas are neglected, bacteria may have an easier time contributing to bad breath, cavities, gum inflammation, and the accumulation of plaque and tartar. During Invisalign treatment, such issues can be amplified because if you do not regularly clean your teeth, your aligners can trap food particles and bacteria against your teeth that might otherwise be washed away by your saliva.
There is also an aesthetic reason to be diligent about flossing. Invisalign is designed to be discreet, but trapped debris or plaque can make your teeth look less fresh when you put your trays back in. Missteps in your oral hygiene routine could even cause your aligners to become stained.
Tips for Your Oral Hygiene Routine
The good news is that flossing with Invisalign is straightforward. Unlike with braces, there is no need to navigate around brackets and wires. Therefore, you can use standard flossing techniques:
- Start out with about 18 inches of floss, wrapping a bit around each middle finger.
- Use your pointer fingers to gently glide the floss between your teeth.
- Move it along both teeth that surround a space, and be sure not to neglect your gumline.
- Roll the floss between your fingers so you are using a fresh section for each interdental space.
It should be your goal to floss after each meal, before you place your Invisalign aligners back in your mouth. At the very least, you should floss at least once a day. While string floss tends to be the most effective, some people choose to use floss alternatives, like floss picks and water flossers. These options can be especially helpful if you are always on the go or find it difficult to floss due to mobility issues or other challenges.
Flossing throughout Invisalign treatment is important! Talk to your dental team to learn more about how to stick to an oral hygiene routine that will keep your smile fresh and healthy during your orthodontic journey.
Meet the Practice
At Orbis Dental Group, our team is proud to be an Invisalign provider in San Antonio. We want the treatment process to be both easy and smooth for our patients, so we welcome questions and are always ready to provide tailored advice. If you would like to learn more about Invisalign and how you can enjoy successful treatment, contact our office at 210-496-1919.