Fixed orthodontic appliances, commonly known as braces, introduce new challenges for maintaining a clean mouth. Brackets and archwires create numerous small spaces where food particles and plaque can become trapped. Flossing is the single best method to access the tight areas between teeth and beneath the main wire. A floss threader is a specialized, flexible plastic tool that acts like a needle, allowing you to guide dental floss under the archwire where it would otherwise be impossible to reach.
The Essential Role of Flossing During Orthodontic Treatment
Braces significantly increase the risk of plaque accumulation, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on the teeth. If plaque is not thoroughly removed from around the brackets and wires, it rapidly leads to oral health issues. The acids produced by these bacteria erode tooth enamel, resulting in decay and cavities.
A visible consequence is the development of white spot lesions, which are areas of decalcification that appear as permanent white marks after the braces are removed. Plaque buildup along the gumline also causes gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease characterized by inflammation, redness, and potential bleeding. Consistent flossing is a necessary preventive measure to ensure your teeth and gums remain healthy throughout the treatment period.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Floss Threader
The process begins with preparation, requiring a piece of dental floss approximately 18 inches long. It is recommended to use waxed floss, as its smooth coating resists snagging or shredding on the brackets and wires more effectively than unwaxed varieties. Thread one end of the floss through the loop of the floss threader, leaving a few inches trailing.
Guide the stiff, pointed end of the threader underneath the archwire, pushing it through the space between two adjacent teeth. Pull the threader completely through until the dental floss is positioned correctly, bridging the gap beneath the wire. Once the floss is in place, detach the threader and wrap the two ends of the floss around your index fingers for better control.
Use a clean section of the floss to gently slide it down between the two teeth until you reach the gumline. Curve the floss into a “C” shape, wrapping it around the side of one tooth. Move the floss gently up and down against the tooth surface and just below the gumline to physically lift and remove trapped plaque and debris.
Repeat the C-shape motion on the adjacent tooth surface, using a fresh section of floss for each tooth to avoid transferring bacteria. After cleaning both sides, carefully pull the floss out from between the teeth and remove it from beneath the archwire. You must then re-thread the floss onto the threader and repeat the sequence for the next space between teeth.
Addressing Common Difficulties and Mistakes
A frequent issue encountered by new users is the floss shredding or catching on the orthodontic hardware. Switching to a waxed floss or a specialized orthodontic floss with a stiffer end can significantly mitigate this problem. Minor gum bleeding is often a sign of existing gingivitis, which gentle, consistent flossing will typically resolve over time.
Being overly aggressive is a common mistake that can lead to problems like bending a delicate archwire or inadvertently pulling a bracket off the tooth surface. Always use slow, controlled movements when inserting the threader and moving the floss against the tooth. Reaching the back molars can be difficult, which is best managed by using a slightly longer piece of floss and approaching the area from a comfortable angle.
Complementary Cleaning Tools for Braces
While the floss threader is effective for traditional string flossing, several other specialized tools can supplement your daily cleaning routine. Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, use a pressurized stream of water to blast away plaque and food debris from around the brackets and wires. The water jet easily reaches spots that a toothbrush might miss, making it an effective addition to your oral hygiene.
Interdental brushes, sometimes called proxabrushes, are small, cone-shaped brushes designed with thin bristles on a wire core. These miniature brushes are perfect for cleaning the surfaces directly beneath the archwire and the tight spaces surrounding the brackets. They are useful for quickly dislodging food particles after a meal when a full flossing session is not practical.
Specialized orthodontic toothbrushes often feature a “V-trim” bristle pattern, with shorter bristles in the center to accommodate the brackets and longer bristles on the outside. These brushes are designed to clean the tooth surface both above and below the brackets simultaneously. Using these tools in conjunction with the floss threader ensures a comprehensive approach to maintaining oral health during orthodontic treatment.