One of the biggest advantages of SureSmile clear aligners is that they make it easier to maintain good oral hygiene than traditional braces. Since the aligners are removable, you can brush and floss your teeth without having to work around brackets and wires. However, keeping your smile healthy during treatment still requires a consistent routine. Here’s how to floss properly while wearing SureSmile aligners.
Remove Your Aligners First
Before flossing, always remove your SureSmile aligners. Unlike braces, aligners should never be worn while brushing or flossing. Taking them out gives you full access to every tooth and allows you to clean thoroughly between them.
While your aligners are out, rinse them with lukewarm water and place them in their protective case. Avoid leaving them wrapped in a napkin, as they’re easy to accidentally throw away.
Floss Every Tooth Carefully
Use dental floss to clean between each tooth, gently sliding it beneath the gumline before moving it up and down against the side of each tooth. This removes plaque and food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach.
If traditional floss is difficult to use, floss picks, water flossers, or floss threaders can also help make the process easier. Ask your dentist which option is best for your needs.
Flossing at least once a day is essential for reducing your risk of cavities and gum disease during orthodontic treatment.
Brush Before Reinserting Your Aligners
After flossing, brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This removes any remaining plaque and helps ensure you aren’t trapping food debris or bacteria beneath your aligners.
Whenever possible, brush and floss after every meal before putting your aligners back in. Since SureSmile aligners fit closely against your teeth, placing them over unclean teeth can increase the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.
Don’t Forget to Clean Your Aligners
Maintaining your aligners is just as important as caring for your teeth. Gently clean them each day using a soft toothbrush and lukewarm water or the cleaning method recommended by your dentist. Avoid using hot water, which can warp the plastic and affect the fit of your aligners.
Keeping both your teeth and your aligners clean helps prevent unpleasant odors and keeps your treatment progressing as planned.
SureSmile clear aligners make flossing simple because there are no brackets or wires to work around. By removing your aligners before cleaning, flossing thoroughly every day, brushing before reinserting them, and keeping your aligners clean, you can protect your oral health while your teeth move into their new positions.
About the Practice
Looking to get straighter teeth without the cumbersome metal brackets and wires of traditional braces? At Chardon Smile Center, we have the clear, discreet solution with SureSmile! These conveniently removeable clear aligners not only allow you to keep enjoying your favorite foods but also make it easy to practice good oral hygiene at home, like daily brushing and flossing. If you’re ready to begin your journey to a straighter, healthier smile, book online or call (440) 286-2474.