For all the complaints that you’ll hear from those who have braces, the most common is likely to involve how difficult it is to floss with them. Considering that a mere 30% of those without braces make sure to floss regularly, you can imagine how few of those wearing braces do. Unfortunately, failing to floss regularly, with or without braces, can lead to further oral health complications down the line. The situation when braces are involved is even direr, as the build-up of plaque and tartar can compromise the braces and increase the risk of damage to the teeth over time.
Flossing With Braces Doesn’t Have To Be A Strain
Flossing when you have braces isn’t that much more difficult than flossing without them; it simply takes an additional tool known as a floss threader. These tools resemble a needle and thread and provide a way to slip the floss between your teeth and the braces. Once it has been passed through this gap, you can proceed to floss as normal. The process is still going to take a little longer than normal due to the need to rethread your floss after each tooth, but the extra effort will pay dividends down the road.
Discover The Benefits and Drawbacks Of Using a Floss Threader
Floss threaders are a wonderful innovation that makes flossing with braces far easier than it was before they came along. Due to the understated nature of their design, they are inexpensive and reusable, meaning that a single investment of a few dollars will provide you with enough to last you for months or even years. The process isn’t that difficult to master, and over time it won’t take you much longer to floss this way than it did without braces. The cons are few, mostly involving the increased time it takes for new users to finish flossing, and the difficult young children can have with mastering the process.
Superfloss, The Alternative to Floss Threaders
Superfloss is another innovation that was created to make flossing with braces easier. These precut pieces of floss have a stiff section at one end that makes it easy to thread through your archwire. Once you’ve done that, it’s flossing as usual. This version is easier for young children to use, and is a bit more expensive due to Superfloss not being a reusable product. Still, the fact that anyone can use it with ease makes it a great alternative to the Floss Threader.
Got more questions about caring for your braces? Reach out to Tulsa Precision Dental by phone or stop by our offices in Tulsa, OK, to ask questions of our knowledgeable staff. While you’re at it, you can arrange to have an appointment with Dr. Chris Vinson or Dr. Kristie Vinson. They’re always accepting new patients and can provide you with some of the best dental care in the Tulsa area. Don’t let having braces impact your oral health routine; call us today for help with your orthodontic care and maintenance.
