How Do You Floss With Braces?

Are you new to braces? Whether you’re just getting them put on or you will be getting them soon, you may have some questions. Many questions about braces have to do with how you take care of your teeth. One of the most common questions is how do you floss with braces?

Flossing with braces may seem a little tricky at first, but it’s not that hard once you learn how to do it. Keeping up with regular flossing while wearing braces is important because it helps to maintain your dental health. 

Here are a few different ways you can floss your teeth with braces. 

The simplest way to floss with braces is to tear off a piece of floss the same length as you would before you had braces (somewhere between 12 and 18 inches, whatever is comfortable for you). Then, thread the end of the floss under your archwire, wrap the ends around your fingers, and slide the floss down between your teeth, making sure to slightly curve the floss around each tooth on both sides. Then pull the floss out and thread it under the archwire between the next two brackets, repeating this process until you have successfully flossed between each tooth. 

Your orthodontist may provide you with a flossing needle. This needle is made of plastic and is not sharp, but it has an eye on the end to thread your floss through. The flossing needle makes it easier to get the end of the floss under the archwire each time. You can leave the floss threaded through the eye of the needle while you wrap the floss around your fingers. This method can save you time and effort when it comes to flossing with braces.

Another option is to use superfloss. Superfloss has a reinforced end so that you can more easily thread it under your archwire. You won’t need a flossing needle and you’ll still have an easier time threading it than you would with regular floss. Another advantage of superfloss is that it includes a spongy type of floss that helps you more thoroughly clean between your teeth, especially those teeth with bigger gaps between. 

Orthodontists usually give their new braces patients a tutorial on how to care for your teeth while you have your braces on. This will typically include a lesson on flossing with braces, but if it doesn’t, be sure to ask your orthodontist for instructions. They will be glad to provide you with everything you need to successfully care for your teeth and braces. 

If you have any questions about how to take care of your teeth with braces, Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics can help. We make sure you know everything you need to know about braces care before leaving our office. But if questions arise after you’ve gone home, feel free to give us a call. We believe in the importance of proper dental care during orthodontic treatment, so don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure about anything. 

Are you looking for a caring orthodontist who can provide orthodontic treatment to patients of all ages? Lake Minnetonka Orthodontics is always accepting new patients. We offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments and services to give you a beautiful and functional smile. 

Call any of our 3 convenient offices to schedule an appointment:

• Minnetonka Office: 952-938-1443

• Excelsior Office: 952-474-0288

• Wayzata Office: 952-473-1993

Or request a complimentary consultation. We look forward to helping you transform your smile.