Quick Answer
For braces, the best floss is one that can navigate around brackets and wires easily. Expanding floss, floss threaders, and interdental picks are all effective options. Choose expanding floss for a thorough clean, threaders for tight spaces, and interdental picks for convenience on the go.
Flossing with braces can feel like a chore, but it's essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment. The right floss can make the process easier and more effective, preventing plaque buildup and gum disease. In this guide, we'll break down the options and help you find the best floss for braces, whether you're a teen or an adult.
We'll cover expanding floss, floss threaders, and interdental picks, and explain how each works with braces. You'll also get practical tips for flossing with braces, so you can maintain a clean smile throughout your treatment.
Why Flossing with Braces Is Different
Braces create many nooks and crannies where food and plaque can hide. Traditional floss can be difficult to use because it can't easily slide between teeth and over wires. That's why you need specialized tools designed to work around brackets and bands.
The goal is to clean the sides of your teeth and along the gumline, where plaque accumulates. Using the right floss can help you reach those areas effectively, reducing your risk of cavities and gum inflammation during orthodontic treatment.
- Floss at least once a day, preferably before brushing to dislodge food particles.
- Use a mirror to see what you're doing, especially in the back of your mouth.
Expanding Floss: A Thorough Clean
Expanding floss is a great choice for braces because it thickens and expands when it comes into contact with saliva, filling the space between teeth and along the gumline. This helps remove more plaque than regular floss. BURST's Watermelon Mint Expanding Floss is clinically proven to remove 2x more plaque than regular unwaxed dental floss*.
Watermelon Mint Expanding Floss
The soft, black thread is gentle on gums, and the smart coating helps it slide easily between teeth, even with braces. The delicious watermelon mint aroma makes flossing more enjoyable, which can encourage teens to stick with the habit.
- Cut a piece about 18 inches long and thread it carefully under the archwire.
- Slide the floss up and down against the side of each tooth, going below the gumline.
Floss Threaders: Precision for Tight Spaces
Floss threaders are thin, flexible loops that help you pull floss under the archwire and between teeth. They are especially useful for tight contacts and for people with bridges or implants. While they require a bit of dexterity, they offer precise control.
If you have very tight spaces between teeth, a floss threader might be your best bet. However, they can be time-consuming, and some people find them difficult to use, especially in the back of the mouth. Practice makes perfect, and they become easier with time.
- Thread the floss through the loop, then guide the threader under the wire.
- Use a gentle sawing motion to work the floss between teeth.
Interdental Picks: Convenience on the Go
Interdental floss picks are small, plastic tools with a piece of floss stretched between two prongs. They are easy to hold and use, making them a convenient option for quick cleanings at school, work, or when traveling. BURST's Interdental Floss Picks 2 Pack is designed for easy cleaning between teeth and around braces or dental work.
While they may not reach as deeply as traditional floss, they are excellent for removing food particles and plaque from the surfaces of teeth. They are also great for kids or teens who are learning to floss independently.
- Use a fresh pick for each section of your mouth to avoid spreading bacteria.
- Gently slide the floss between teeth, avoiding snapping it against the gums.
Kids Flossables: Fun for Younger Braces Wearers
For younger teens or kids with braces, BURST Kids Flossables offer a fun and easy way to floss. These floss picks come in a delicious strawberry flavor and feature a cute, grippy smiley face design. They are developed with BURST's community of 40,000+ dental professionals, ensuring they are effective and safe.
The resilient, no-shred floss is gentle on braces and gums, and the fun colors make flossing less of a chore. They are perfect for kids who are just learning to floss and need a little motivation.
- Kids Flossables are available in a 2-pack, so you can keep one at home and one in a backpack.
- Supervise young kids to ensure they floss properly and don't chew on the picks.
Decision Rules for Choosing Floss for Braces
- If you want maximum plaque removal: Choose an expanding floss like BURST Watermelon Mint Expanding Floss. Its clinically proven formula removes 2x more plaque than regular floss, making it ideal for thorough cleaning around braces. Best for those who prioritize deep cleaning and are willing to spend a bit more time flossing.
- If you need convenience and portability: Opt for interdental floss picks, such as BURST Interdental Floss Picks 2 Pack. They're easy to carry and use on the go, perfect for busy teens and adults. Great for quick cleanings after meals, but not a substitute for a thorough flossing routine.
- If you're a kid or teen who needs motivation: Try BURST Kids Flossables. The fun design and strawberry flavor make flossing more appealing, helping to establish a lifelong habit. Perfect for younger braces wearers who need a little extra encouragement.
Product Facts
- Watermelon Mint Expanding Floss: The Expanding Floss is clinically proven to remove 2x more plaque than regular unwaxed dental floss*. With expanding technology, soft black thread, a smart coating, and a delicious aroma. This makes it a top choice for braces because the expanding action cleans along the gumline and around brackets more effectively than standard floss.
- Interdental Floss Picks 2 Pack: Designed for easy cleaning between teeth and around braces or dental work. Simple, portable design for use at home or on the go. These picks are a convenient option for quick cleanings during the day, especially when you're away from home and don't have time for a full flossing session.
- Kids Flossables: Developed with BURST's community of 40,000+ dental professionals, Flossables are easy to use and come in a delicious strawberry flavor. With a cute grippy smiley face design and fun colors. This makes flossing more enjoyable for kids and teens, helping to build a consistent habit during orthodontic treatment.
Which Floss Fits You?
Best For
- Teens and adults who want a thorough clean and are comfortable with traditional flossing techniques.
- People with tight spaces between teeth who need a precise tool like floss threaders.
Not For
- Those who struggle with dexterity and need a simpler option – consider a water flosser instead.
- Younger kids who might find traditional flossing too challenging – try Kids Flossables or interdental picks.
Choosing the right floss for braces doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you prefer the thorough clean of expanding floss, the convenience of interdental picks, or the fun of Kids Flossables, the key is to find a tool you'll use consistently. Remember to floss daily and follow your orthodontist's advice for the best results. Your smile will thank you!
