Most patients are aware of the importance of flossing. From removing embarrassing leftovers to preventing gum disease, flossing is one of the best preventive dental habits patients can actively engage in. For braces & Invisalign wearers, flossing is even more important.
Braces are a Trap
Traditional metal braces use a series of brackets and wires to straighten teeth over the course of treatment. While this might be an effective way of improving the smile, this metal can quickly become a trap for food and sugar as you eat. Not only do you run the risk of walking around with leftover spinach in your smile, you also neglect to fully clean your smile, opening the door for gum disease and cavities. Sugar and plaque can also damage your braces and reduce how effective they are.
Forgetting to Floss Can Damage your Aligners
While aligner-based treatments like Invisalign make flossing easier, it’s still extremely important for these patients to floss after every meal. Leftover bits of food can become trapped between the aligning tray and teeth, meaning that your aligning trays can become dirtier and discolored faster, potentially requiring more frequent replacement. Likewise, forgetting to floss after meals allows plaque and bacteria to remain on your teeth longer, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Flossing for a Healthier Smile & Better Braces Experience
As Invisalign trays are fully removable, most patients wearing these innovative clear braces are able to brush and floss after each meal and before bed. To make sure you don’t forget, our Coral Gables orthodontist recommends keeping a small bag of toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss in whatever bag you use. If you don’t have these oral hygiene tools on you, at least rinse with water and be sure to brush once you have the chance.
While metal braces can be more difficult to keep clean, it’s important to do your diligence by your smile. Keep an extra flosser in your bag for post-meal cleanings or invest in a water pick for more convenient flossing at home.
Ready to Learn More? Call the Centre for Invisible Orthodontics Today!
Whether this is your first time with braces or you’re correcting relapsed teeth with clear braces, Dr. Grussmark is your trusted Invisalign dentist in Miami. With over 20,000 cases to his credit, our Miami orthodontist is excited to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Call us today to learn more about how Invisalign can transform your teeth.