Braces are notoriously known for being hard to maintain as
traditional metal or ceramic braces cannot be removed like Invisalign braces are
capable of. This means that simple procedures such as brushing and flossing
your teeth become slightly more difficult.
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| Regular string flossing is still recommended! |
Truth is: many people do not understand how to properly
floss with orthodontic appliances in their mouth. Special flossers exist
to make the process easier, but sometime we just want something that is
convenient and doesn’t require any special technique.
Waterpik® Flossing
With Braces
Arguably one of the best ways to floss with braces, the
Waterpik® is a tool that can be used at-home for a deeper clean than what standard
dental floss offers. Both work very well, but the Waterpik’s pressurized stream
of water penetrates deeper as it has the ability to remove biofilm – a
substance that cannot be effectively removed through regular flossing and brushing. It can also penetrate deeper into our periodontal pockets, fending off periodontal disease while keeping our gums strong.
The reason the Waterpik® is simple for those with braces is
because all you have to do is fill the machine with water, turn it on, and
point it in the direction that you want to apply pressurized water too. The
pressure is strong enough to remove any food particles stuck in between or
around the wires and brackets without hassling with string.
Most water flossing devices may take some time to adjust to
as there are varying levels of pressure certain machines can operate at. Always
begin at the lowest setting and tweak it as needed. The pressure should be
gentle on your teeth and gums, but strong enough to cause action. There are
also a variety of tips that can be used, which offer different streams of
water. It may take some experimentation to figure out which tip you prefer.
Don’t be alarmed if your gums bleed the first couple of
times as you are new to the device and have not been exposed to pressurized
water. As your gums heal and strengthen, you will see a drastic decrease in bleeding
gums.
We Still Recommend
Brushing and Flossing
The Waterpik® or any similar pressurized water flossing
device is not meant to be a replacement for brushing. For the most part, it can
effectively replace flossing, but using string flossing is still better at
removing sticky plaque in between the teeth. You should always focus on
brushing your teeth at least twice a day. You can read more about brushing with braces
on our website.
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