How to Floss with Braces (SuperFloss, Platypus, SoftPicks, etc)

Braces Explained: Flossing with Braces

In this video, I will answer the question of "how to floss properly with braces?”

While brushing your teeth is super important, you really can’t clean in between your teeth without using floss or something similar to go between the teeth and disrupt the slimey layer of bacteria that builds up throughout the day. When you floss without braces on, it is important to form a C that hugs around both teeth in a contact and sweep up to remove any bacteria biofilm that has formed.

I agree with you that it isn’t easy to floss with braces because the wire stops the floss from being able to go between the teeth but in this video I reviewed a few different techniques / tools that can be used!

2:46 - - - Floss Threader - - -
The threader is used in conjunction with regular floss. Its job is to help the floss go between your teeth by going under the wire.

3:35 - - - Super Floss - - -
Super floss has a threader built into it so that you can thread and floss without having to re-thread the floss into the threader. Each piece of super floss is built with the threader, regular floss, and a softer but thicker piece of floss for larger gaps. These are super effective and a bit more convenient than the floss threaders, but aren’t as re-usable as the threaders, which can be used with new pieces of floss!

4:39 - - - Soft-Picks - - -
Soft picks and the Proxabrushes (next link below) use bristles to go between your teeth and disrupt the biofilm. I slightly prefer soft-picks when compared to proxabrushes because they are a bit thinner and less traumatic to the gums

5:03 - - - Proxabrush - - -
These are similar to the soft-picks but a bit larger to go into bigger spaces. I prefer to use these to brush your braces and clean the area of where the bracket joins to the tooth, as I showed in the video!

5:31 - - - Platypus Flossers - - -
My personal favorite! These flossers can be used to go between the teeth and still have the benefits of using string to get into all the areas between teeth. The thin side of the flosser should be aimed towards your cheek and goes underneath the wire. The backside of the flosser has a tiny brush that can be used like a Proxabrush and clean where your bracket/braces joins the tooth.

See you next time!

Greg Asatrian, D.D.S., M.S.

This video may contain orthodontic appliances, devices and/or procedural content. The content seen in this video is provided only for education purposes and is not intended to be a substitute for professional dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For personalized advice, please be sure to visit a professional orthodontist near you!

[paytonjacobellis]

Me: Oh, I’m just gonna floss real quick

*8 1/2 hours later*

Me: Ok I think that’s good

Ortho: maybe floss a little bit more

[oddvids]

I got the best news the last time I went to the ortho. She told me that my bands have worked so well my bite has been corrected. So... instead of having braces for 2 yrs, I'm getting them off after only 9 months!

[awkwardhuman]

I just got braces and was having a hard time flossing with them. I had no idea the platypus flossers existed, you're a life saver!

[es-qcjc]

I've had braces for a while now and flossing still takes a long time. Now I just listen to an audio book while flossing and it's more fun.

[sarahcruz]

I honestly love flossing now since I got braces but it does take some time

[marissaJP]

This was right on time! I’ve been struggling with flossing with my braces.

[ashleyzielke]

I'm finishing my last semester of hygiene school, and I love recommending the Platypus flosser and Water Pik! When I had braces as a child, I really didn't floss, nor was I taught the proper techniques. It really is important to educate, and you are doing a great job!

[adammarshall]

Hope you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year:). I have braces and all your videos have teached me how to take care of my braces better:)

[sisterslayed]

I’ve had my braces for about 4 months now, I’ve seen so many changes!braces are the best, man.

[shanperez]

I really recommend your channel to those people who have braces/wilk have braces beacause your contents are so helpful

[robynsmith]

I enjoy your videos because you simplify all of the information so well. I am an assistant and enjoy what I do. We use the same flossing brands and I’m a huge fan of platypus! Some patients do ask about water picks and I was never sure if that was enough. Thanks for clarifying!

[eladrinfaery]

Thanks so much! My daughter (8 yo) has been struggling with flossing in between her four brackets and under the wire. I didn't know so many products existed! We'll be watching this together in the morning. I also told her there was no YouTube when I had braces (jaw drop). Right? Ha! This would have been helpful 20 years ago.

[Anoronix]

I’m getting my braces on in less then 4 hours 😳

Update I got them and they aren’t so bad, my bottom teeth just feel a little irritated

[GlitchVibe]

I’m a little less than two months into traditional braces and amazed at the progress I have already seen. Your channel is super helpful with videos like these and my ortho has been praising how clean I keep my braces. Thanks for what you do 🙏 a true lifesaver.

[chloeanderson]

I just got braces yesterday. Last night when I was trying to use the floss threaders they gave me, I was having SUCH a hard time. It was not pretty. Drooling all over myself, not being able to reach the back, not being able to fit in between teeth that are really close together... The platypus flosser in this video has given me a glimmer of hope. I'm going to buy some today! THANK YOU! :)

[SasiiChikaz]

My ortho didn’t show me how to floss/ brush when I got my braces ...so S/O to you 🙌🏼

[shyanz]

I love watching these videos since I have braces for the second time now as an adult. Also doesn’t help that he is incredibly handsome!

[Gagasng]

If only I could detach my jaws and place it on my table

[astrobat]

I've had my braces for a week, however, there are two brackets on my lower teeth, which are so close together, I can't floss there without potentially damaging one or both brackets. My teeth are also very tight together and even the thinnest floss won't fit through.
I was a daily flosser before this and never had a problem.
Do you have any ideas?
Your videos are cery informative, by the way.
Stephanie.

[gigialghanimi]

I’ve no space between my teeth they’re jammed and I don’t know how to floss with that