If you’re wearing Invisalign, keeping your teeth and gums clean is just as important as straightening your smile. One of the most common questions patients ask is: “Should I floss before or after removing Invisalign trays?” The answer is key to avoiding plaque buildup, bad breath, or even staining inside your aligners. In this guide, we’ll break down the best flossing routine, why it matters, and how tools like a portable water flosser can make your Invisalign care routine easier.
Should I Floss Before or After Removing Invisalign Trays?
You should always remove your Invisalign trays before flossing. Flossing is most effective when you can reach between the teeth and gums directly, something that can’t be done while trays are in place.
👉 Here’s the ideal order:
-
Remove your Invisalign trays.
-
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled electric toothbrush.
-
Floss (or water floss) to remove debris and plaque.
-
Rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
-
Clean your trays before putting them back in.
Water Flosser vs. Regular Floss with Invisalign
Both traditional floss and water flossers can work with Invisalign — but there are key differences.
-
Regular Floss: Great for removing plaque between tight contacts, but can be time-consuming.
-
Portable Water Flosser: Provides a gentle yet powerful stream of water that removes food particles and bacteria from between teeth and around the gumline — perfect for patients wearing aligners who need to clean often throughout the day.
👉 Many Invisalign users prefer a portable water flosser since it’s quick, easy, and tray-friendly — especially when you’re away from home.
Daily Oral Hygiene Routine with Invisalign
For the best results, aim to:
-
Brush and floss after every meal or snack before reinserting trays.
-
Use a portable water flosser when you’re on the go to keep teeth fresh and plaque-free.
-
Clean your Invisalign trays daily with mild soap or specialized cleaning crystals.
FAQs
Q: Can I floss with Invisalign trays in?
No — trays must be removed before flossing. Otherwise, you won’t reach between the teeth effectively.
Q: Is it better to floss before or after removing Invisalign trays?
Always floss after trays are removed, right after brushing, before reinserting them.
Q: Can I use a water flosser with Invisalign?
Yes! A portable water flosser is highly recommended as it makes cleaning faster and more convenient.
Q: Do I need to floss every time I brush with Invisalign?
Ideally yes — since trays can trap bacteria against your teeth, it’s best to floss (or water floss) after every meal.
Conclusion
So, should you floss before or after removing Invisalign trays? The answer is after — always remove your trays, brush, and then floss before putting them back in. For an easier routine, a portable water flosser is a powerful tool to help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your Invisalign journey.