Help! Flossing is a disaster!!

[cocomacd]

Only finishing up my third day in braces (top row only to start). My teeth were crowded together to begin with and flossing has always been a little difficult. I have to use the waxed floss so it doesn't get stuck. Now with these braces...what a disaster!! Does this ever get easier? A piece even tore off and got stuck between my molars...was finally able to floss it out with a new piece, but now I'm afraid this will happen all the time!! How the heck do you floss with all the braces on?! I'm afraid I'm never going to get this one right. Then, once I do finally get it through when I try to pull it back off I'm afraid I'll just yank the wire off since it's such a tight squeeze and almost catapults out. Lol!!! Sigh. Any suggestions ?!!

[littlething]

It gets easier! Your teeth are constantly moving and things get easier as they move. I constantly got floss stuck everywhere and it kept snagging on the wire/brackets and that hurt...I even popped off a ligature doing that my first week. It's much easier now though (and much FASTER). A good threader helps too - I personally like the plastic Bridge Aid ones.

[verso]

It definitely gets easier, perhaps never enjoyable, but easier.

[djspeece]

I don't know if this would work in your case, nor am I necessarily recommending it, but I got away with using interdental ("Christmas Tree") brushes dipped in Listerine during my three year sentence. See the thread "Confess Your Orthodontic Sins" for more details.

[Braces47]

Flossing does get easier. I also had tight teeth when I began and three months later, it is much easier to get the floss between my teeth. I use the floss with the threater already attached. It makes it much easier. I have yet to figure out how to floss with the band's on my molars, therefore, I use picks instead to keep them clean. Definitely take advantage of brushing and flossing without the wires I'd your ortho gives you that option when you get adjustments.

[JanineJanine]

When I got braces fitted I was advised by the orthodontist not to attempt flossing as it risks damaging the braces.

Instead I have a cordless Waterpik which was definitely a worthwhile investment, and I also use interdental brushes. I have my first adjustment next week so fingers crossed he's happy with my oral hygeine routine so far.

[ditsy]

Waterpik!!! You can get cheaper brands but honestly just buy the waterpik and keep your receipts in case it does go wrong.
I do still floss often too but not daily as the waterpik does a good job of blasting off the nasty stuff. I usually catch the floss on a bracket and it makes my brace fluffy! xxx

[cocomacd]

I think its time for me to invest in that Waterpik! Thank you!

[alabamaashley]

I'm 3 months in and I still can't floss properly to save my life. I ask the orthodontist techs to floss my teeth every time I go in and I've also opted to go to the dentist every 3 months instead of every 6 while I have braces. I know this doesn't help you learn to floss better, but hopefully it gives you some options if you continue to struggle.

[JCloNY]

I recommend the braces specific floor that has straight ends. It seemed to help allot when it came to flossing, especially when I am places without my Waterpik. Over that however I more so recommend investing in a WaterPik. It has changed my life.

[JCloNY]

I recommend the braces specific floor that has straight ends. It seemed to help allot when it came to flossing, especially when I am places without my Waterpik. Over that however I more so recommend investing in a WaterPik. It has changed my life.

[Leem03]

Waterpik is a life saver!!

[SPceramics]

Thank you so much for these ideas!

I am generally OK with flossing, but my dominant arm has been in a cast for the past month and flossing has become impossible.Waterpik has helped a great deal! But I love the idea of interdental brushes dipped in Listerin. Also, have you tried the gumpicks? They can help- though my ortho said not to push too hard where teeth are too crowded. That might actually cause gum disease (instead of preventing it).

[puckloo]

the best thing I have found is Oral B SuperFloss. I can't live without it! The end of the floss string has a stiff end, and I can get it through even the tightest gaps... the middle of the floss is kind of fluffy, so when you develop more space (and you will), it still is very effective. I have found it in most Walgreens and in grocery stores. It beats using regular floss with a threader, hands down. I also use a water pic with an ortho tip.

It does get easier, truly. I think the first week or so, it took me about an hour to thoroughly floss. Don't worry! It's a breeze now!

[Skwiredmouth]

I still find it easy to floss with my old floss that is oral b essential waxed dental floss. I floss all my lower teeth with it and upper incisors and laterals. For upper molars I use waterpik.

Does it mean I am doing something wrong ?