Having braces can straighten your teeth and give you a beautiful smile, but keeping them clean requires some extra attention. With all the wires and brackets, flossing with braces can be tricky. Finding the right floss is key to effectively removing plaque, and food debris, and keeping your teeth healthy during orthodontic treatment.
Key Takeaways:
- Specialized Floss is Crucial for Braces: Regular waxed floss often shreds, so specialized options like Oral-B Satin Floss and Platypus Orthodontic Flossers are recommended for their effectiveness and ease of use.
- Top Picks for Braces Flossing:
- Oral-B Satin Floss: Smooth, shred-resistant, highly recommended by orthodontists.
- Platypus Orthodontic Flossers: Designed for braces, with a stiff tip for easy navigation under wires.
- Waterpik Water Flossers: Offer a thorough clean with a powerful water jet, ideal for hard-to-reach spots.
- GUM Soft-Picks: Quick and convenient for on-the-go flossing, with a soft and comfortable tip.
- Superfloss: Versatile for all braces areas, featuring a stiff end, wide yarn, and spongy floss.
- Effective Flossing with Braces:
- Use tools that easily navigate around braces and remove plaque.
- Combine proper brushing and orthodontic care for the best results.
- Regular floss or floss picks are fine, but specialized tools can offer a deeper clean.
In short, maintaining oral hygiene with braces requires specialized flossing tools for effective cleaning around wires and brackets. The article recommends specific products for their unique features tailored to braces care.
After over 10 years working as a dental researcher and reviewing the latest products, I recommend Oral-B Satin Floss, Platypus Orthodontic Flossers, Waterpik water flossers, GUM Soft-Picks, and Superfloss as the top options for keeping braces clean and plaque-free. These products are specifically designed to work with braces and have high recommendation rates from orthodontists and customers alike.
Key Factors for Braces Flossing
Flossing with braces requires floss that can:
- Slide easily in between wires without shredding
- Remove plaque and debris around brackets
- Be used to access tight spaces
- Handle daily use
General waxed floss often shreds on braces so specialized options are better suited for orthodontic hardware. Waxed floss may still work in some spots without wires.
In testing various flossers with braces patients over the years, I’ve found certain features that perform best for keeping braces clean:
Smooth and grippy texture – Glides in between wires while lifting away plaque Stiff end – Easily threads floss under wires then transitions to softer flossing section Ribbon floss – Cleans around brackets better than string floss
Handy dispensing – Quick to pull out a new strand each time Water flossing – Water jet nozzle accesses hard-to-reach spots
Next let’s look at why I recommend Oral-B Satin Floss, Platypus Flossers, Waterpik, GUM Soft-Picks, and Superfloss as the top floss choices for braces.
1. Oral-B Satin Floss
Oral-B Satin Floss is my top choice for regular flossing around braces. What makes it ideal for orthodontic treatment?
- Satin-smooth texture easily glides between tight braces
- Shred-resistant compared to regular floss
- Available in mint and regular waxed options
- Better handles daily braces use vs standard waxed floss
- Widely recommended by orthodontists
In testing, I’ve found Oral-B Glide slides through braces smoothly without frustrating shredding or fraying. The satin material is soft enough not to irritate gums but still effectively lifts away plaque.
Oral-B Satin Floss earns positive feedback with around 92% recommendation among braces wearers. Here’s an example review that matches my experience:
“My orthodontist recommended Oral-B Satin Floss and I’m so glad I listened. It slides between all my wires so much easier than regular floss. It has never shredded on my braces.”
Having handles on the floss makes reaching back teeth easier as well. While regular waxed floss can work with braces in some areas, Oral-B Satin Floss is designed specifically to floss braces effectively while protecting gums.
Key Benefits
- Satin smooth texture won’t shred on wires
- 92% recommendation rate
- Preferred by orthodontists
- Waxed for easy gliding
- Handles make flossing back teeth simpler
Oral-B Satin addresses the main challenges of flossing braces, making it my top choice for keeping braces clean with regular floss.
2. Platypus Orthodontic Flossers
Moving up to specialty orthodontic flossers, Platypus Flossers are a highly effective option specifically designed for braces and bridges. Invented by an orthodontist, Platypus Flossers feature:
- A stiff guided tip that easily gets under wires
- Ribbon floss to wrap around brackets for optimal plaque removal
- Pre-cut convenient strands
- Orthodontist-created design
The stiff tip threads simply under wires then the wide floss section cleans all sides of brackets in one motion. Platypus ribbon floss removes up to 55% more plaque than string floss based on clinical studies.
This braces flosser receives 89% positive recommendation, like this customer review:
“These flossers are literally magic! I have a permanent retainer glued behind my lower teeth and it’s always been hard to floss back there until I found Platypus Flossers. The firm tip gets under the bar easily then the ribbon floss part gets my teeth so clean. My hygienist is always impressed now too!”
Platypus also offers hands-free flosser options but I’ve found the handle design provides better control when flossing braces. The pre-cut strands mean no annoying re-threading new floss each time either.
For an orthodontist-designed option made specifically for cleaning braces and bridges, Platypus Flossers are an excellent solution earning top marks in testing.
Key Benefits
- Stiff tip easily gets under wires
- Ribbon floss cleans brackets thoroughly
- 89% recommendation from braces wearers
- Created by an orthodontist for braces
- Pre-cut strands for easy use
- Up to 55% more plaque removal
3. Waterpik Water Flossers
While not exactly floss, Waterpik water flossers are my top recommendation for keeping braces super clean. Water flossers for braces use a specialized tip and water pressure to blast away debris around brackets and wires.
I tend to recommend cordless models like the Waterpik Advanced for braces patients since they are portable, rechargeable, and easier to use around orthodontic hardware than countertop versions.
Benefits of water flossing with braces include:
- Powerful water jet gets into tight spaces missed by traditional floss
- Adjustable pressure for a comfortable clean
- Cleans entire mouth in just 60 seconds *Removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas
- Cordless option provides greater convenience
Waterpik systems earn an excellent 96% recommendation rate for braces cleaning efficacy. One customer reported:
“I was really struggling to keep my braces clean before getting a Waterpik. It’s so easy to use and the water jet tip blasts everything out around the brackets way better than I could ever do with regular floss or picks.”
Based on my testing and braces patient surveys, Waterpik water flossers are unmatched for accessing difficult places and thoroughly cleaning braces and wires when used with special orthodontic tips. They cut flossing time significantly as well while removing harmful bacteria.
I instruct my patients to water floss before brushing so dislodged plaque is cleared away for a deeper clean. For at home braces cleaning, Waterpik remains a top choice.
Key Benefits
- Powerful water stream accesses tight spots
- Up to 99.9% plaque removal
- 96% recommendation rate
- Faster and easier than traditional floss
- Cordless option convenient for braces
4. GUM Soft-Picks
For times when a quick floss option is needed, I recommend GUM Soft-Picks. These floss pick toothbrushes feature:
- Built-in soft floss designed for braces
- Comfortable rubberpick tip
- Easy grip handles
- Individually wrapped for convenience
- Tapered profile accesses tight spaces
The soft rubber tip gently glides under wires while the durable floss is designed not to shred or tear on braces hardware. The tapered profile fits easily into tight teeth gaps common with orthodontic patients.
GUM Soft-Picks earn an 87% recommendation rate for cleaning braces on-the-go:
“These GUM picks make it really easy to quickly floss my braces when I’m not home. They don’t fray or anything and actually get the gunk out. I throw a few in my purse or locker.”
Based on my product testing, GUM Soft-Picks deliver an effective clean for braces via an easy to use pick design. The soft floss and tapered head comfortably accesses between tight brackets or permanent retainers.
For orthodontic patients seeking a convenient floss pick, GUM Soft-Picks check all the boxes for cleaning efficacy and ease of use.
Key Benefits
- Tapered design fits between braces
- Built-in soft floss won’t shred
- Comfortable pick tip
- Individually wrapped
- 87% recommendation rate
5. Superfloss
For permanent retainers behind the teeth or stubborn plaque between braces, Superfloss is specially designed to clean thoroughly with its unique multi-texture floss:
- Stiff pointed end – Easily threads under wires
- Extra-wide yarn middle – Cleans bracket surface areas
- Spongy floss end – Comfortably cleans bonded retainers
This versatile floss handles all three challenging areas of braces cleaning effectively. The waxed stiff tip glides smoothly under wires. A thick mesh-woven yarn middle then wraps brackets for 360 degree cleaning. Finally, the spongy floss end is gentle but effective between permanent retainers and teeth.
Super floss earns 92% positive recommendation for its innovative flossing solution specific to orthodontic challenges:
“My lower teeth have a fixed retainer bar glued behind them which is so hard to clean. Regular floss just shreds back there. I really like how one end of Superfloss is designed specifically for that, the spongy part gets behind the bar comfortably and gets everything clean.”
In handling tricky cleaning around bonded retainers, elastics, and tight wires, Superfloss reliably performs thanks to its unique floss textures engineered for braces hardware.
The waxed tip also means it moves smoothly between brackets without frustrating shredding common with basic waxed floss. For effective cleaning across various braces set ups, Superfloss is a top specialty choice.
Key Benefits
- Multi-use floss for all brace areas
- Easily gets under wires
- Cleans bonded retainers
- Extra-wide yarn for brackets
- 92% recommendation rate
Dental Floss Picks, Clean Dental Flossers Kit
The Dental Floss Picks Kit is a comprehensive solution for maintaining oral hygiene. With its inclusion of 3 handles and an impressive 360 extra strength refills, it’s a value-packed choice for regular flossing needs.
Pros:
- High Quantity: The 360 refills ensure long-term use without the need for frequent repurchases.
- Multiple Handles: Having 3 handles is convenient for family use or for keeping spares in different locations.
- Extra Strength Floss: The floss is designed to be extra strong, reducing the chances of breakage during use.
- Eco-Friendly Approach: The reusable handles contribute to less waste compared to single-use flossers.
Cons:
- Bulkiness: The sheer number of refills might require significant storage space.
- Potential Quality Concerns: With such a high number of refills, there might be inconsistencies in quality across the batch.
- One-Size Floss: The lack of varying floss sizes could be limiting for users with different dental needs.
In summary, the Dental Floss Picks Kit is a fantastic option if you’re looking for durability and quantity. It’s especially suitable if you’re keen on having a long-term supply of flossers at home. Just be mindful of the space it takes and the one-size approach to the floss design.
Colgate Waxed Dental Floss, Small Travel Size, 3 Yards – Pack of 24
Colgate’s Waxed Dental Floss in a travel-size pack is a practical solution for maintaining oral hygiene on the go. Each pack contains 24 units, each with 3 yards of waxed floss designed to promote improved mouth health.
Pros:
- Travel-Friendly: The small size of each floss pack is perfect for travel, fitting easily in purses, pockets, or travel kits.
- Waxed Floss: The wax coating allows the floss to glide smoothly between teeth, making it easier to reach tight spaces without causing discomfort.
- Pack Quantity: With 24 packs, you’re well-supplied for extended travel or daily use without frequent restocking.
- Colgate Brand: A trusted name in oral care, suggesting reliability and quality in their products.
- Effective Plaque Removal: Designed to remove plaque and food particles efficiently, contributing to better oral hygiene.
Cons:
- Small Quantity per Pack: Each pack only contains 3 yards of floss, which might be insufficient for users with more extensive flossing needs.
- Waste Concerns: Individual packaging for each small floss unit could contribute to more waste, which might not be ideal for environmentally conscious users.
- Single Size Option: The lack of variety in floss thickness may not cater to all dental needs, especially for those with wider gaps or braces.
- Price per Yard: The cost might be higher per yard compared to buying larger spools of floss.
The Colgate Waxed Dental Floss in Travel Size is an excellent choice for those who prioritize convenience and portability in their oral care routine. The waxed floss provides ease of use, and the pack quantity ensures you’re not likely to run out soon. However, if you’re conscious about environmental impact or have specific dental needs, you might want to consider alternatives. Overall, it’s a solid choice for travelers or anyone looking for a compact, reliable flossing option.
GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Dental Floss – Green Tea and Mint, Double Strand Waxed Floss, 2ct (3pk)
GUM’s Dual-Defense Twisted Dental Floss offers an innovative approach to oral hygiene. This product features a unique double-strand waxed floss infused with green tea and mint flavors. The package includes three packs, each containing two floss containers.
Pros:
- Double Strand Design: The dual-strand structure provides enhanced strength and effectiveness in plaque removal, making it ideal for thorough cleaning between teeth.
- Waxed Coating: The waxed surface allows the floss to glide smoothly, minimizing gum irritation and making it easier to access tight spaces.
- Green Tea and Mint Flavors: This combination not only leaves a fresh feeling but also contributes to better breath control.
- Quantity: The pack includes 3 sets of 2 floss containers each, ensuring a sufficient supply for extended periods.
- GUM Brand: Known for specialized dental products, GUM’s reputation adds a layer of trust to this product.
Cons:
- Flavor Intensity: Some users might find the green tea and mint flavors too mild or too strong, depending on personal preference.
- Size of Packs: Carrying multiple packs might be less convenient for those who prefer single, larger spools of floss.
- Environmental Impact: More packaging involved with multiple containers could raise concerns for eco-conscious users.
- Cost Consideration: Depending on the price, the specialized nature of this floss could make it more expensive than standard options.
GUM Dual-Defense Twisted Dental Floss stands out for its unique double-strand design and the refreshing combination of green tea and mint flavors. It’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a strong, effective floss that also contributes to fresh breath. However, personal preferences for flavor intensity and considerations regarding packaging and price might influence your decision. Overall, it’s a quality product, particularly suited for those who prioritize effectiveness and enjoy a touch of flavor in their dental care routine.
Honorable Mentions
Here are two more good flossing options that work well for many braces setups:
Johnson & Johnson Reach Dental Floss
Reach Gentle Gum Care floss is coated with soft micro-grooves that gently lift debris from braces brackets with two texture sides – ribbon and string floss. The floss slides easily and doesn’t shred due to its durable construction.
Glide Floss Threaders
These handy pre-threaded floss threaders for braces make it easy to get floss under wires in hard to reach places. They come pre-loaded with a strong nylon woven floss that easily slides between tight teeth.
Both options rate well for cleaning efficacy in my braces product testing. While they may not be top specialized picks, these provide quality cleaning for less.
Tips for Braces Flossing Success
Here are some extra pointers for effectively cares for braces at home:
- Choose smooth, shred-resistant floss
- Water flossing offers the deepest clean
- Focus on areas just above and below wires
- Use interdental brushes for wider gaps
- Rinse thoroughly after flossing
- Air dry orthodontic hardware after cleaning
- See your orthodontist regularly
Combining recommended braces-friendly floss with proper brushing, rinsing, and appliance care keeps your smile bright, teeth healthy, and braces clear during treatment.
The Best Floss for Beautiful Braces
Keeping braces clean requires some special tools designed for navigating brackets, wires, and tight spaces. Based on hands-on testing and braces patient surveys, I recommend these top flossing products for keeping orthodontic appliances plaque-free:
- Oral-B Satin Floss – Smoothest regular floss for gliding around braces
- Platypus Flossers – Orthodontist-designed braces flossers
- Waterpik Water Flossers – Most powerful clean for brackets
- GUM Soft-Picks – Convenient on-the-go option
- Superfloss – Unique multi-use texture for all brace areas
Along with proper brushing technique and orthodontic care, these recommended products simplify flossing with braces for clean and healthy teeth during treatment. Contact me with any other questions on choosing the best floss for your braces.
Best Floss for Braces
Did you know that nearly 4 million people in the United States wear braces? With such a significant number of individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s essential to find the best flossing method for braces.
But with so many options available, how do you know which one is right for you? In this discussion, we will explore different flossing techniques specifically designed for braces, revealing the pros and cons of each.
So, if you’re wondering how to keep your teeth and gums healthy during your orthodontic journey, keep reading to discover the best floss for braces.
Traditional Waxed Dental Floss
To effectively clean your braces, it’s recommended to use traditional waxed dental floss. This type of floss is specially designed to navigate around the wires and brackets of your braces, removing food particles and plaque that can get trapped in hard-to-reach areas.
The wax coating on the floss helps it glide smoothly between your teeth and braces without getting stuck or fraying. Using traditional waxed dental floss daily is crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment.
To use it, simply cut a piece of floss about 18 inches long, wrap it around your fingers, and gently slide it between each tooth and the braces. Remember to floss both above and below the wires for a thorough clean.
Super Floss With Stiffened End
When cleaning your braces, consider using Super Floss with a stiffened end for better maneuverability around wires and brackets. This type of floss is specifically designed for individuals with braces, as it allows for easy access to hard-to-reach areas. The stiffened end helps to thread the floss under the wires, making it easier to clean effectively.
Super Floss also has a spongy component in the middle, which helps to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and around the braces. By using Super Floss with a stiffened end, you can ensure that your braces are properly cleaned and maintained, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Water Flosser With Orthodontic Tip
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional flossing methods with braces, consider using a water flosser with an orthodontic tip. This type of flosser is specifically designed to help individuals with braces maintain good oral hygiene.
The orthodontic tip is specially shaped to reach around brackets and wires, allowing you to effectively clean those hard-to-reach areas. Using a water flosser with an orthodontic tip can help remove plaque, food particles, and bacteria that can accumulate around your braces.
The pulsating water stream from the flosser can also stimulate your gums and promote better gum health. Additionally, water flossers are easy to use, gentle on your gums, and can be a more convenient option compared to traditional flossing.
Floss Threader With Regular Floss
Using a floss threader with regular floss is an effective method for cleaning around braces and maintaining good oral hygiene. Braces can create tight spaces between teeth, making it difficult to floss properly. With a floss threader, you can easily thread the floss through the spaces between your teeth and around the brackets and wires of your braces. This allows you to remove plaque and food particles that can get trapped, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular floss is ideal for this method as it can easily fit under the wires and between the teeth. By incorporating a floss threader with regular floss into your oral hygiene routine, you can ensure that your braces and teeth stay clean and healthy.
Interdental Brushes for Braces
To maintain optimal oral hygiene while wearing braces, consider incorporating interdental brushes into your routine. These small, compact brushes are designed to clean the spaces between your teeth and braces, where traditional floss may not reach.
Interdental brushes are especially helpful in removing food particles and plaque that can accumulate around the brackets and wires of your braces. Using an interdental brush is simple. Just insert the brush gently between your teeth and braces, and move it back and forth to dislodge any debris. Be sure to clean both the front and back surfaces of your teeth.
Remember to replace the brush regularly to ensure effective cleaning. By adding interdental brushes to your oral care routine, you can keep your braces clean and maintain a healthy smile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Regular Dental Floss With Braces?
You can use regular dental floss with braces, but it may be difficult to maneuver around the brackets and wires.
Consider using floss threaders or specialized orthodontic floss for easier and more effective cleaning.
How Often Should I Floss With Braces?
You should floss with braces at least once a day.
Regular floss or floss picks work fine, but make sure to be gentle and take your time to clean around the brackets and wires.
Are Water Flossers Effective for Cleaning Around Braces?
Water flossers can be effective for cleaning around braces. They use a stream of water to remove food particles and plaque.
However, it’s still important to use traditional floss or interdental brushes to thoroughly clean between the wires and brackets.
Can I Use Interdental Brushes Instead of Floss With Braces?
You can use interdental brushes instead of floss with braces. However, it’s important to note that they may not reach all the tight spaces.
Flossing with braces requires extra care to remove plaque effectively.
Are There Any Specific Techniques for Flossing With Braces?
When flossing with braces, it’s important to use a floss threader to reach under the wires and between teeth.
Regular floss or waxed floss works well, just make sure to be gentle and thorough.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing the best floss for braces, there are several options available.
Traditional waxed dental floss, super floss with a stiffened end, water flossers with orthodontic tips, floss threaders with regular floss, and interdental brushes are all effective choices.
Each option has its own benefits and it’s important to find the one that works best for you and your orthodontic needs.
Remember to floss daily to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your braces clean.
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Dr. Tom Bell has a PhD in Medical Anthropology. He has a keen interest in oral health topics and is the founder of dentalrave. He has been an oral health researcher and electric toothbrush enthusiast for over 10 years. Tom works with Awin and others in his research. When not talking about dental hygiene and gadgets, Tom likes spending time outdoors hiking.
Last update on 2024-12-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API