Invisalign offers a discreet, comfortable, and convenient way to straighten your teeth, but like any orthodontic treatment, it comes with its own set of oral hygiene challenges. While you don’t have to navigate around metal wires and brackets like with traditional braces, you still need to pay extra attention to cleaning between your teeth. Flossing is just as important during Invisalign treatment as it is without it — in fact, it may be even more important because food particles and plaque can get trapped between your teeth and under the aligners, increasing the risk of cavities and gum problems.
Here’s how to floss effectively while wearing Invisalign.
Step 1: Remove Your Aligners
Unlike braces, Invisalign aligners are removable, which makes flossing much easier. Always take your aligners out before flossing. Never try to floss with them in place — you won’t be able to clean between your teeth, and you could damage the aligners.
Step 2: Choose the Right Floss
Any floss will work, but certain types can make the process smoother:
- Waxed floss glides easily between tight teeth without shredding.
- Floss picks offer convenience, especially when you’re on the go.
- Water flossers use a stream of water to flush away debris and plaque, which can be helpful if traditional flossing is tricky for you.
Step 3: Floss Thoroughly
Floss at least once a day, ideally before bed so your teeth are clean before wearing your aligners overnight. Follow these steps for traditional floss:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap most of it around the middle finger of one hand and the rest around the middle finger of the other hand.
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth using a back-and-forth motion.
- Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it under the gumline to remove plaque.
- Use a clean section of floss as you move from tooth to tooth.
Step 4: Clean Before Reinserting Aligners
After flossing, brush your teeth to remove any loosened debris. Rinse thoroughly to ensure your mouth is fresh and clean before you put your aligners back in. This helps prevent bacteria and food particles from getting trapped under the trays.
Step 5: Maintain Consistency
One of the most common mistakes Invisalign patients make is skipping flossing because it feels time-consuming. However, since you’ll be removing your aligners several times a day to eat, you’ll have multiple opportunities to quickly floss or use a water flosser, especially after meals.
Why Flossing Matters with Invisalign
Because Invisalign trays fit snugly over your teeth, they can trap bacteria and plaque against the enamel if your mouth isn’t clean. Without flossing, this can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum inflammation, which could derail your treatment and affect your overall oral health.
Flossing with Invisalign is easier than with traditional braces, but it still requires commitment. By removing your aligners, using the right tools, and making flossing a daily habit, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic journey and enjoy a beautiful, straight smile when treatment is complete.
About the Practice
If you’re looking to discreetly straighten out your teeth without the hassle of metal brackets and wires, Wolfe Dental Hillsboro has the solution for you! Our effective and trusted dental team can outfit you with clear Invisalign aligners to fix misalignment, gaps, or other oral issues. We provide completely customized treatment plans, and we accept dental insurance to make the process more financially feasible for you. Ready to get started on your journey to a better smile? Simply head to our website to schedule your appointment or call us at (503) 844-6550.