I’ve run into the same issue—water flossers felt like a shortcut, but my hygienist found plaque buildup under my bridge that I’d missed. Those interdental brushes are a pain, but they really do reach spots nothing else does, at least for me. I guess it’s one of those things where convenience doesn’t always line up with what actually keeps stuff clean... The hassle now definitely beats having to get more work done later.
Man, I hear you on the hassle factor with those brushes. I used to dread them too, but after my bridge started smelling a bit funky (embarrassing, but true), my dentist showed me how to angle the brush just right. It’s tedious, but honestly, it’s saved me from having to redo the bridge so far. Water flossers feel easier, but for me, they just don’t get under there like the brushes do. The extra couple minutes at night is worth it for peace of mind... and not having to shell out for more dental work down the line.
Can totally relate to the frustration with those little brushes—it’s one of those things where you know it’s important, but it just feels like a chore. I had a similar experience after my bridge started trapping food and honestly, nothing else worked quite as well. My dentist actually broke it down for me step-by-step: first, thread the brush under the bridge (awkward at first), then gently move it back and forth without forcing it. She told me to focus on the gumline since that’s where stuff likes to hide.
I do use a water flosser too, mostly for the rest of my teeth, but I’ve noticed it kind of just sprays around the bridge area rather than really cleaning underneath. If I skip the brush for even a couple nights, I can tell—my gums get sore and there’s that weird taste. It’s annoying, but for me, taking those extra few minutes saves a lot of grief later. Guess it’s just one of those “maintenance” things you have to accept if you want your bridge to last.