Nu Smile aligners are a fantastic way to straighten your teeth, but keeping them clean is just as important as wearing them consistently. Proper flossing prevents plaque buildup, keeps your gums healthy, and ensures your aligners stay fresh. But how are you supposed to floss effectively while wearing clear aligners? Continue reading to find a simple guide to keep the Nu Smile system working for you.
Step 1: Remove Your Nu Smile Aligners
If you’ve never worn clear aligners before, one big difference between them and traditional braces is the fact that you can take them off. Ideally, you’ll brush and floss after eating so you’ll already have them removed. However, life happens. So, before you begin flossing, take out your aligners and set them aside in their case.
Step 2: Choose the Right Floss
Because you’ll be flossing more frequently, it’s important to make it as easy as possible. This often means finding the right floss that you can carry with you and use throughout your treatment.
Especially in the beginning, you may struggle with traditional floss because your teeth have yet to begin straightening. In this case, floss picks are great if you’re on the go and a water flosser is an excellent investment for your home oral care.
Step 3: Floss Correctly
How you floss is just as important as the kind of floss you use. Here’s how to floss with each type mentioned above:
- Basic or Waxed Floss: Wrap about 18 inches of floss around your fingers (about the length of your forearm and elbow) leaving a few inches to work with. Then, gently slide the floss between your teeth, curving it around each tooth in a “C” shape. Move the strand up and down along the sides of each tooth, making sure to go beneath the gumline.
- Floss Picks: Follow the steps above, curving the string around each tooth. Be careful not to pull up or snap the string.
- Water Flosser: Set the pressure to an acceptable level, then gently press the nozzle between each tooth moving up and down to let the water jet do its work.
Step 4: Rinse and Repeat
After flossing, rinse your mouth with water or an alcohol-free mouthwash to remove any remaining debris. Before putting your Nu Smile aligners back in, clean them thoroughly with a soft toothbrush and clear, unscented soap (not toothpaste) to prevent bacteria buildup.
This is the basic four-step cycle you’ll repeat each time you remove your Nu Smile aligners to eat. While it can seem like a lot, you’ll get the hang of it quickly. The more consistent you are with your oral care, the faster you’ll see results!
About the Author
If you’re ready for a straightened smile, Dr. Admasu Gizachew can help you achieve extraordinary results. He’s a gifted dentist with a doctorate from New York University and advanced training in multiple dental disciplines. As the inventor of Nu Smile aligners, he has all the experience you need to get the glowing grin you’ve always wanted. Call (732) 889-7244 to schedule a Nu Smile consultation at Nu Dental or visit our website to learn more.