How to Floss With Invisalign Aligners?
Wearing Invisalign trays makes things feel pretty easy most of the time. They are clear, they don’t poke your cheeks like wires, and you can take them off to eat. However, you might wonder, “Can you floss with Invisalign”? The short answer is yes.
Indeed, flossing is super important during Invisalign treatment because those trays cover
your teeth all day. While flossing is key during Invisalign treatment, choosing an eco-friendly option like plastic-free silk floss helps both your smile and the planet. If anything’s stuck between them, the trays lock it in. That’s how plaque builds up fast.
How to Do Flossing With Invisalign:
A Step-By-Step Guide
If you are not sure how to do it right, or if you’ve just been kind of guessing till now, here’s a no-fuss guide on how to floss properly while you are on Invisalign.
1. Take the Trays Out
You can’t floss with the aligners in. So, the first non-negotiable step is to take them out. Just set them in a clean case, or if you don’t have that nearby, something safe. Please don’t wrap them in a tissue, though. You might easily lose them that way.
2. Pick a Floss That Works for You
If your teeth are close together, waxed floss can slide in more easily. If you don’t like sticking your fingers in your mouth, a flosser with a handle might feel easier. Water flossers are also good, especially if you have sensitive gums or dental work. For a greener choice, you can try eco-friendly options like biodegradable or silk floss, which are better for the planet without compromising your dental care.
Honestly, whatever works best for you is fine. Just make sure it’s something you can use
every day.
3. Cut the Right Length
If you are going with traditional floss, about 18 inches is the usual amount. That gives you
enough to get a good grip and have fresh sections for each space. Wrap it around your
fingers until you have about two inches between them. That’s your working area.
4. Don’t Miss Any Tooth
Go gentle while flossing with Invisalign. Slide the floss down between your teeth, one tooth at a time. Once it’s in, curve it a bit around one side of the tooth like a “C” shape and move it up and down. Then, do the same for the other side. Don’t just pull the floss straight out. That doesn’t clean as well.
Also, don’t rush it. If you are new to flossing daily, it might take a little longer at first. But
your gums adjust, and it gets quicker with time.
5. Rinse Afterwards
Once you’ve flossed your whole mouth, give it a good rinse. This helps wash away anything the floss loosened up. Just water is fine, but if you like mouthwash, that works too. You feel fresher either way.
6. Clean the Aligner Trays
While you’ve got your aligners out, it’s a good chance to clean them, too. Taking good care of your aligners helps keep them clear and hygienic. Use a soft toothbrush (not the same one you use for your teeth) and a little bit of liquid soap. Just gently brush them inside and out. Avoid toothpaste because that can scratch them. Rinse well, as you don’t want any soapy taste lingering when you pop them back in.
7. Put the Trays Back In
After your teeth and trays are clean, put the aligners back in. Make sure they fit snugly and feel comfortable. If something feels off or like they are not sitting right, check if everything is clean and dry, then try again. If it still feels weird, it might be time to ask your dentist.
How Often Should You Floss With Invisalign?
A lot of people ask this. The general rule is once a day. The night is a good time since it’s
when you are done eating for the day, and your aligners are going to stay in for hours while you sleep. That said if you get food stuck during the day, like after eating meat or popcorn, a quick floss is a smart move. But you don’t need to overdo it either. Once a day is enough in most cases.
Flossing with Invisalign is easy once you figure out a rhythm. The first couple of days it might feel like one more step. But after that, it just becomes part of your routine. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference. Especially since your aligners cover your teeth most of the day.
Whatever is stuck under them stays there unless you clean it out.
Stick with your daily flossing and make it earth-friendly while you’re at it. Switching to
Dental Lace refillable silk floss keeps your smile bright and your environmental impact small.
Your teeth and the planet will thank you.
Author Bio
Dr. Anu Isaac is a dentist with more than 25 years of experience and extensive expertise in the fields of dentistry and dental health. She opened Coral Dental Care in Salem,
Massachusetts, and has been practicing dentistry there since 2009.
