Metal Mouth Message Board

I'm about to take the leap into the land of Metal Mouths, but have no idea what's the best floss to use.

SturdyFloss looks pretty convenient. Like the idea of thin, bendable plastic. But I've also seen Threader Floss and other stuff.

So wanted to hear about other people's experiences. BTW, how much time does it take on average to floss if you have braces? Like forever?

Thanks! :)

I love love love Crest Glide Floss - threader and non-threader!! I use both. Threader floss for my top braces and regular crest glide for my bottom teeth.

It doesn't take me too long anymore, but I will say in the beginning - it took me a bit. I'm lucky I guess, I don't have my bottom braces on yet - so maybe my opinion doesn't count. Super fast on the bottom, and takes me a few more min. to do the top.

Before I had braces I would floss with the plastic stick/handles with a piece of floss on, a bit like these:


But once I got braced I could no longer use these so had to start using 'regular' floss. Oh boy did I struggle! It felt impossible at first because not only could I not thread it under the archwire, I just found it difficult to floss because I was so used to the sticks. But after about 2-3 weeks it got easier and easier and now I am a pro . I didn't use any type of special floss, no stiffened end floss or a floss threader, I just stuck with regular floss and I am able to thread it with no problems.

I think one of my issues at first was trying to thread the end of the floss up under the upper archwire, I then found out it's much easier to thread the floss down under the upper archwire... just doing this made it a breeze.

You could try buying Crest Glide threader floss (has a stiffened end and individual strands) or buy a floss threader to use with regular floss. Or just try and get on without any of these funky floss gadgets and use regular floss like I am. Just remember, flossing with braces does get easier. I should know, I was close to tears at first lol.

At first it took me agggges, but I would say it takes me about 10-15 mins to floss now with braces, maybe even quicker.

I only have 4 weeks experience trying to floss with braces. I much prefer the Oral-B Superfloss over the floss threaders. Its easy (with a bit of practice) to slide the stuff end under the archwire. However, I can't figure out how to floss around my last molars. No matter what I try, I can't figure out the right angle to feed the floss thru. Any suggestions?

Agree with the Glide floss. It is sturdy enough that you can direct the end of the floss under a wire without a threader. Another benefit is that it does not shred, even between tight contacts.

I use the Crest Glide Threaded Floss. Come in a box of 30 individual wrapped threaded strings. I can floss in under a minute. It is double the price of some other threaded floss but it is superior. Savings of time and energy is so worth the cost...some things you just should not "scrimp" on. Before I knew about the threaded floss, I used those little threaders that you put the floss through...what a pain in the neck; it used to take me over 10 minutes to floss.

CREST GLIDE FLOSS for sure. I have only used the grey container one and I LOVE IT. I HATED flossing before braces and then discovered that and fell in love. It works no matter how tight the space is.

I have not tried the THREADER CREST GLIDE FLOSS, cause I can not find in Canada but I find if I tie the glide floss to a plastic threader it works great, If you get a few ready for the week you only have to prepare them once and then they are ready when you need them. You can REUSE the plastic threader until it breaks, just cut the floss off when you are done with it.

I also LOVE my waterpik. I tried oral b floss and found it HORRIBLE.

Good luck!

Ellebraced wrote:CREST GLIDE FLOSS for sure. I have only used the grey container one and I LOVE IT. I HATED flossing before braces and then discovered that and fell in love. It works no matter how tight the space is.

I have not tried the THREADER CREST GLIDE FLOSS, cause I can not find in Canada but I find if I tie the glide floss to a plastic threader it works great, If you get a few ready for the week you only have to prepare them once and then they are ready when you need them. You can REUSE the plastic threader until it breaks, just cut the floss off when you are done with it.

I also LOVE my waterpik. I tried oral b floss and found it HORRIBLE.

Good luck!

Just an FYI, you can buy the Threader Crest Glide floss I believe from this site! But, if the threader works for you, I wouldn't worry about it. I just get lazy and buy 'em.

I put in an order for Threader Glide Floss based on the feedback here. Thanks!

Someone also mentioned the Waterpik as an option.

But can oral irrigators do as good a job as Floss?
I've always been confused about this.

No, the floss gets below the gum line much better than a WaterPik or RediBreeze would. Flossing in addition to using the RediBreeze has get my teeth very healthy and clean. You have to continue to floss no matter what other items you use.

I prefer the Oral B threader floss. The stiff end makes it really easy. I also get the DenTek easy brushes.