It’s no wonder that clear aligners have become so popular in recent years. After all, they can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted without the hassle of having metal wires and brackets in your mouth. Plus, there are no dietary restrictions during the process of straightening your teeth. All you have to do is remove them before eating or drinking anything other than water. That does mean food particles can get trapped between teeth, so good oral hygiene like flossing is mandatory. Read on to learn more about flossing with SureSmile from your dentist in Sparks so you maximize your treatment benefits!
Why Does Flossing Matter with Clear Aligners?
Although it’s often overlooked, flossing is an essential step in your oral hygiene routine. It helps remove food particles, bacteria, plaque, and other harmful substances from between your teeth. Flossing with SureSmile treatment is especially important since you cover your teeth with an aligner for up to 22 hours a day.
Failing to do so can cause bacteria to accumulate on your teeth, increasing your risk of gum damage and chronic bad breath. So, you should try to floss after every meal or at least once a day.
The Process of Cleaning Your Teeth During SureSmile Treatment
Are you unsure how to correctly clean your teeth while undergoing treatment? Here’s a look at the process which wraps up with flossing:
Remove Your Aligners
Logically, the first step in cleaning your teeth is removing your clear aligners. If you were eating, they were probably already out. It’s a good idea to soak your aligners while they’re not in your mouth to ensure they’re clean and free of bacteria.
Brush Your Teeth
After eating, you must brush your teeth thoroughly. It’s essential to remove food particles and other lingering debris. However, even if you brush for the recommended two minutes, there are small areas in your mouth that your toothbrush can’t reach.
Rinse with Water
To loosen up any remaining food particles, you should swish water or mouthwash around your mouth. You’ll likely be surprised to see how much was left behind after brushing. Make sure you rinse thoroughly and repeat as needed.
Floss Your Teeth
Flossing involves using string to remove food particles, plaque, tartar, and bacteria from between your teeth. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Remove a piece of dental floss that’s about 18 centimeters long. It may seem excessive, but you need extra room to hold the floss.
- Wrap the ends of the string around your fingers and leave a few inches to work with between your teeth.
- Glide the floss between your teeth and slowly up towards the gumline.
- Work the floss around your teeth by creating a “C” with the string and use an up-and-down motion.
- Once you’re done with one tooth, continue the steps above until you have cleaned between all your teeth.
After flossing with SureSmile effectively, you can slip your aligners back into your mouth. Using the correct technique according to your dentist in Sparks is the best way to keep your smile happy and healthy throughout your treatment plan!
About the Author
Dr. Marc Thomas earned his dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific before serving in the U.S. Army Dental Corps. He is a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. As your dentist in Sparks, his top priorities are patient comfort and satisfaction. If you are interested in SureSmile treatment, Dr. Thomas believes this advanced system is the premier way to straighten your grin via a treatment plan he customizes for you. Step one is to schedule a consultation on his website or call (775) 626-3535.