How do you floss your teeth when you have braces?

To floss with braces, use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss to thread the floss behind each wire. Wrap the ends of the floss around your pointer fingers of both hands, but leave a few inches of taut floss between them. Gently slide the floss between each set of teeth using a back-and-forth motion.

What is the easiest way to floss with braces?

Cut an 18- to 24-inch piece of floss. Thread the floss between the main wire and your teeth. It helps to be in front of a mirror so you can watch the thread to make sure it’s going where you’d like it to. Wrap the ends of the floss around your index fingers to make handling the floss easier.

Should I floss if I have braces?

Flossing is essential to the health of your teeth and gums when you’re wearing braces. Remember that by not flossing, you will become more prone to cavities and gum disease during your treatment. When flossing, remember to gently massage your gums in between the teeth.

Can you floss with fixed braces?

If the wire is glued to just the teeth on the end, then you will be able to pull the floss through once and then continue to floss, all of the teeth behind the wire. Make sure to floss beneath your retainer every day. With practice, this will become quick and easy.

What kind of floss is best for braces?

Especially designed for use with braces, Oral-B Super Floss is a step up from using a floss threader. Super Floss is made from a piece of regular floss. At one end, there is a stiff piece of plastic, no bigger than the floss, but rigid enough to insert between your teeth.

Why is flossing so hard with braces?

The reason flossing with braces is so difficult is due to the wire running through each brace, connecting them, known as the archwire. This wire prevents you from flossing your teeth the traditional way as it does not all the floss to come all the way up between your teeth.

Is water floss better than string floss?

Many studies have compared water flossing and traditional string floss. Overall, the American Dental Hygienists’ Association recommends water flossing over string dental flossing. Water flossers are effective at removing plaque and reducing gingival bleeding more than string floss.

Make Flossing With Braces Easier. An easy and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces and improve gum health is to use a Waterpik® Water Flosser with the Orthodontic Tip. It is clinically proven more effective than dental floss for people with braces. Learn more about how to floss with braces using a waterpik® water flosser.

How do you straighten teeth without braces?

Invisalign is one of the easiest ways to straighten teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear plastic aligners to slowly reposition your teeth. Your dentist will start by taking molds of your teeth. Then, she or he will have aligners specially crafted to fit your mouth and your care plan.

What are the best flossing tools for braces?

How to Floss with Braces Traditional flossing. This tried-and-true flossing technique is a great way to clean food and plaque from between teeth, but for people with braces, it can be a bit tricky. Waterpik or oral irrigator. Floss threader. Dental tape. General tips and tricks for flossing with braces. Takeaway.

How to straighten teeth with braces?

Braces straighten your teeth by continuously applying pressure on the teeth. The pressure put by the arch wire on your teeth, together with the other parts holding them in place will eventually move the teeth into the correct position. In worse cases, the orthodontist will recommend rubber bands to increase the amount of pressure on your teeth.