How to Floss with Braces (SuperFloss, Platypus, SoftPicks, etc)

Braces Explained: Flossing with Braces

In this video, I will answer the question of "how to floss properly with braces?”

While brushing your teeth is super important, you really can’t clean in between your teeth without using floss or something similar to go between the teeth and disrupt the slimey layer of bacteria that builds up throughout the day. When you floss without braces on, it is important to form a C that hugs around both teeth in a contact and sweep up to remove any bacteria biofilm that has formed.

I agree with you that it isn’t easy to floss with braces because the wire stops the floss from being able to go between the teeth but in this video I reviewed a few different techniques / tools that can be used!

2:46 - - - Floss Threader - - -
https://amzn.to/2RfmAao
The threader is used in conjunction with regular floss. Its job is to help the floss go between your teeth by going under the wire.

3:35 - - - Super Floss - - -
https://amzn.to/2QMCyti
Super floss has a threader built into it so that you can thread and floss without having to re-thread the floss into the threader. Each piece of super floss is built with the threader, regular floss, and a softer but thicker piece of floss for larger gaps. These are super effective and a bit more convenient than the floss threaders, but aren’t as re-usable as the threaders, which can be used with new pieces of floss!

4:39 - - - Soft-Picks - - -
https://amzn.to/2ScZuP2
Soft picks and the Proxabrushes (next link below) use bristles to go between your teeth and disrupt the biofilm. I slightly prefer soft-picks when compared to proxabrushes because they are a bit thinner and less traumatic to the gums

5:03 - - - Proxabrush - - -
https://amzn.to/2LusRKg
These are similar to the soft-picks but a bit larger to go into bigger spaces. I prefer to use these to brush your braces and clean the area of where the bracket joins to the tooth, as I showed in the video!

5:31 - - - Platypus Flossers - - -
https://amzn.to/2ShHPGa
My personal favorite! These flossers can be used to go between the teeth and still have the benefits of using string to get into all the areas between teeth. The thin side of the flosser should be aimed towards your cheek and goes underneath the wire. The backside of the flosser has a tiny brush that can be used like a Proxabrush and clean where your bracket/braces joins the tooth.

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See you next time!

Greg Asatrian, D.D.S., M.S.
http://myortholife.com/
http://asatrianortho.com/
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This video may contain orthodontic appliances, devices and/or procedural content. The content seen in this video is provided only for education purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized advice, please be sure to visit a professional orthodontist near you!