If you aren’t happy with the alignment of your teeth, you don’t necessarily have to settle for metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. While this treatment gives you more flexibility and freedom, it’s also important that you are doing your part to keep up excellent oral hygiene practices to keep your smile healthy. Continue reading to learn about why flossing is so essential when you have Invisalign and the technique you should use.
Why Is Flossing So Important When You Have Invisalign?
Flossing is always a key step in your oral hygiene routine, but this is especially the case when you have Invisalign. When you are wearing aligners for 22 hours each day, you are creating the perfect environment for bacteria to accumulate on the teeth and increase your risk of dental issues, including tooth decay and gum disease. Ultimately, the trays can trap food debris and plaque that has been left behind, therefore allowing cavity-causing bacteria to flourish. When you floss properly, you can dislodge the particles from between the teeth and along the gumline that your toothbrush can’t quite reach. This way, you will be left with a fresh, healthy smile!
How Do You Floss Properly?
To floss thoroughly and correctly, use the following step-by-step process.
- Remove a long piece of dental floss from the container. The recommended amount is approximately 18cm.
- Wrap the ends of the dental floss around your fingers while leaving a few inches of string to work between your teeth.
- Carefully glide the dental floss between your teeth and slowly toward the gumline.
- Work to floss between the teeth and use an up-and-down motion. Avoid snapping the floss down too hard.
- Once you have finished that spot, move the dental floss between your fingers to reveal a clean section.
- Move to the next tooth and repeat the same process as before.
- Continue this process until you have thoroughly flossed between all of your teeth.
Invisalign is a great way to get the beautifully straight teeth that you have been dreaming of, but proper oral hygiene is important to ensure that you don’t run into issues during your treatment. By using the proper flossing technique, you will be a step closer to keeping your smile healthy and happy!
About the Author
Dr. Admasu Gizachew earned his dental doctorate from New York University. Since then, he has undergone state-of-the-art dental implant training at Rutgers University, completed multiple residencies, and trained other dentists in cosmetic and implant dentistry as a clinical director. He completes nearly 300 hours of continuing education per year. To learn more about Invisalign or to schedule an appointment at his Brick Township office, visit his website or call (732) 475-7535.