East Cobb Orthodontics in Marietta, GA understands that achieving a beautiful, straight smile with braces also requires diligent home care. One essential aspect of maintaining healthy teeth during orthodontic treatment is proper flossing around your appliances. Flossing with braces can be a bit challenging, but with the right techniques and tools, you’ll be well on your way to a radiant smile.
1. Choose the Right Floss and Flossing Tools:
When it comes to flossing with braces, not all floss is created equal. You can use “super floss” with stiff ends, which allows you to weave it under your wires more easily. If you prefer regular floss to easily slip it between your teeth, floss threaders are your best friend. These thin, flexible aids help you thread floss beneath wires and between brackets, ensuring you can clean those hard-to-reach areas effectively.
Or you can toss the floss and use a water flosser instead!
2. Flossing Technique:
Begin by threading the floss under your archwire using the floss threader. Gently wrap the floss around the side of one tooth and slip it up and down, making sure to clean just beneath the gumline. Repeat on the adjacent tooth, then pull the floss out and move to the next two teeth.
If you’re using a water flosser, simply trace along the edges of your gums and brackets, allowing the heavy stream of water to flush the bacteria away.
3. Stay Consistent:
Consistency is key. Set a daily flossing routine and stick to it. Flossing before bedtime is especially important so that you’re not going to sleep with acid or food particles on your teeth.
Schedule Your Visit Today
For personalized guidance on flossing with braces, the team at East Cobb Orthodontics is here to help. Contact us today to reserve your next appointment.