FLOSSING WITH INVISALIGN: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT & HOW TO DO IT

Invisalign aligners are removable and allow you to enjoy all of your favorite foods while undergoing orthodontic treatment. But, if you don’t properly clean your aligners, you could harm your treatment. Read on to learn how to clean your Invisalign aligners and when to do so.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a form of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a series of clear, plastic aligners to gradually shift teeth into their proper alignment. Invisalign is the modern alternative to braces and brackets; it’s fast, convenient, virtually invisible, and very effective at treating a wide range of common orthodontic concerns.

At your consultation appointment, your dentist will help you decide if Invisalign is right for you. If they are, they will take x-rays and digital impressions of your teeth to create a 3D model of your mouth. This model is used to plan your tooth movements throughout the treatment process. Once your personalized treatment plan is complete, each aligner in the set is worn for anywhere between one and two weeks before being switched out for the next in the series. Most patients complete the treatment in about twelve months or less. Since Invisalign clear aligners are removable, they are also easily taken out when needed. This allows patients to eat all of their favorite foods without the fear of getting food stuck in their appliances. It’s also much easier to brush and floss with Invisalign than it is with traditional braces!

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to correct your teeth and straighten your smile over time. The aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and can be removed to eat and clean your teeth, as well as for special occasions like parties and weddings. (You should wear your aligners for a minimum of 22 hours per day to get the best results.) Each set of aligners is worn for two weeks at a time; then, a new set is used. This continues until treatment is complete.

Flossing with Invisalign

Invisalign aligners are removable, which means you can take them out as needed to brush and floss your teeth. You can also keep your regular brushing schedule throughout treatment, which will help keep your teeth cleaner than if you’d worn traditional metal braces. But even with Invisalign’s easy care and maintenance, it’s still important to keep practicing good oral hygiene during Invisalign treatment. Here are a few things to remember about flossing with Invisalign treatment.

What tools do you need?

• An interdental toothbrush or floss threader
• A waterpik or water flosser
• Toothpaste or a fluoride rinse

How often should you floss?

You should floss at least once per day during your Invisalign treatment. Some patients may need to floss more often—once in the morning and once in the evening may be required if you have particularly deep gum pockets or other oral health complications that require extra attention from your dentist.

How do you floss with Invisalign?

With Invisalign, you should remove the aligner trays before flossing. You can use an interdental toothbrush to clean between teeth, or you can use an attachment on your water flosser. If your teeth are especially sensitive, you may want to add a dab of toothpaste to your Waterpik first.

Remember to rinse your aligners before putting them back into your mouth. It’s best to wash them right away after a meal, so bacteria don’t have time to build up on the appliance. It’s also important to wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours per day during treatment to get the best possible results. If you have any questions about how to best care for your Invisalign aligners, be sure to ask our dentist!