If you’re one of the millions of people using Invisalign to straighten your teeth, congratulations – you’re on your way to a healthier, more confident smile. One of the biggest benefits of Invisalign over traditional braces is how easy it is to maintain your oral hygiene. Since the aligners are removable, brushing and flossing are far more convenient. But that doesn’t mean you can slack off, especially when it comes to flossing.
Flossing is essential during Invisalign treatment. It helps remove plaque and food particles between your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach, preventing cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. Here’s everything you need to know about flossing properly while wearing Invisalign.
Step 1: Remove Your Aligners
Before you do anything, take out your Invisalign trays. Always floss with your aligners out – never try to floss with them in. Doing so can damage your aligners and be completely ineffective.
Step 2: Choose the Right Floss
There are many types of dental floss available: waxed, unwaxed, tape-style, and even floss picks. Waxed floss tends to glide more easily between tight spaces, which can be helpful if your teeth are shifting closer together during treatment. If you have trouble using regular floss, consider a floss pick or a water flosser, which uses a gentle stream of water to clean between teeth.
Step 3: Floss Correctly
Proper technique matters. Here’s how to do it:
- Break off about 18 inches of floss.
- Wrap most of it around your middle fingers, leaving about two inches to work with.
- Gently slide the floss between two teeth, using a back-and-forth motion.
- Curve the floss into a “C” shape around one tooth and gently move it up and down under the gumline.
- Repeat on the adjacent tooth.
- Use a clean section of floss for each tooth to avoid spreading plaque.
Take your time. Rushing through flossing can lead to bleeding or missed spots.
Step 4: Rinse and Reinsert Your Aligners
After flossing and brushing, rinse your mouth with water or a fluoride mouthwash. Clean your aligners before putting them back in – never reinsert dirty trays after cleaning your teeth. You can use the Invisalign cleaning crystals, or gently brush them with a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water (avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic).
Pro Tips for Success
- Floss at least once a day, preferably before bed so your teeth are clean while you wear your aligners overnight.
- Stay consistent: Daily flossing becomes even more important during Invisalign treatment because aligners trap bacteria against your teeth for 20 to 22 hours a day.
- Keep floss handy: Travel-size floss or picks make it easy to maintain your routine on the go.
Flossing with Invisalign is simple and straightforward, but it’s not optional. Your aligners create a tight seal around your teeth, so any leftover food or plaque can lead to decay or gum issues if not cleaned properly. By flossing daily, you’ll protect your oral health and ensure that your Invisalign results look as great as they feel.
About the Author
Dr. Anil Patel is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and has amassed over 250 hours of continuing education, mostly in cosmetic dentistry and dental implantology. He is also a Fellow of the International Dental Implant Association, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Texas Dental Association. Dr. Patel and our team can see to all your Invisalign needs! Just give us a call at (817) 717-6788 or visit us online to schedule your appointment.