You might think of your crooked grin as merely a cosmetic concern, but the truth is that overcrowded teeth can also put your dental health at risk. If you can’t access all their sides, it’s harder to brush and floss them thoroughly. Unfortunately, this increases your vulnerability to issues like cavities and gum disease.
Thankfully, your dentist can reposition your smile with Invisalign, but it’s still imperative that you practice a consistent daily dental hygiene routine. Continue reading to learn why and how to floss with clear aligners!
Why is Flossing with Invisalign Important?
Many teens and adults choose this alternative orthodontic solution because it’s a more discreet solution to traditional braces. Instead of relying on bulky metal brackets attached to your teeth, this method utilizes transparent plastic trays that fit snuggly over them to shift them to their ideal placements.
However, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours daily to prevent your teeth from reverting to their previous positions. That gives them plenty of time to trap food and bacteria against your gums all day, which can lead to gum disease and other issues. Fortunately, your Invisalign is removable, making it easier to keep your mouth clean.
How Can I Safeguard My Smile with Invisalign?
Your invisible orthodontics increases the likelihood of developing periodontal problems, so it’s crucial that you don’t skip flossing. It may also be the only method of removing plaque from hidden surfaces of teeth that are torqued or overlap. The following tips can help ensure that you clean them thoroughly:
- Remove the aligners. Take your trays out of your mouth so that you can access all sides.
- Brush gently. The plastic material can be damaged by harsh products or aggressive brushing, so use a soft-bristled brush to scrub all surfaces with non-abrasive toothpaste or mild dish soap. Don’t forget to also brush your teeth as usual.
- Be attentive. Bacteria love to hide in the crevices and curves of your Invisalign, so be sure to clear all areas carefully.
- Floss. Take the time to floss your teeth thoroughly before putting your aligners back in. Wind the string around your fingers and glide it between your teeth to remove germs, plaque, and food particles.
- Rinse. You have a limited amount of time each day when you don’t need to be wearing your trays, so as soon as they are clean, rinse them under room temperature or cool water before reinserting them. Remember, hot temperatures can warp the material and should be avoided.
Keeping your Invisalign and your mouth clean ensures your smile will be as healthy as it is happy during treatment!
About the Practice
At Kemper Meadow Family Dentistry, people of all ages benefit from two compassionate dentists eager to help you improve your oral health. Dr. Alexandra Kulwin and Dr. Jasmina Maric work together to provide a comprehensive array of services to meet all your family’s needs, including Invisalign. They’re members of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, so you can trust that your grin is in good hands. They take the time to get to know your unique concerns and goals, then use state-of-the-art equipment to customize treatment plans to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or call (513) 648-9900.