The regular ones just don’t fit under the wires for me, so I ended up going back to the old-school string floss with a threader.
Honestly, you’re not alone with that. Standard floss picks really aren’t designed for braces—there’s just not enough clearance to get under those wires, and they can sometimes even catch if you force it. The classic threader method is still the gold standard for a lot of people in ortho treatment, even if it takes more time.
That said, I have seen some patients do pretty well with those special orthodontic flossers—the ones that are shaped almost like a tiny harp and have a thinner arm to slide under the wire. They’re a bit bulkier than regular picks but way less fiddly than threading every single gap. Water flossers are another thing some folks swear by. They won’t replace string floss completely (especially for sticky plaque), but they can at least help rinse out debris after meals when you don’t have time for the full routine.
I get why you’d stick with what works, though. There’s something about using a threader that just feels like you’re actually getting into every nook and cranny. That peace of mind can be worth a few extra minutes at night. Still, I’ve noticed some people give up on flossing altogether because the process gets so tedious with braces, which is obviously not ideal.
Out of curiosity—have you ever tried the superfloss? It’s got that stiffened end built in so you don’t need a separate threader, and then it switches to a spongy section that’s pretty good at picking up plaque around brackets. Some people find it makes things go quicker, but others find it awkward... kind of depends on your dexterity and patience level at the end of the day.
Not everyone loves gadgets or new routines, but sometimes mixing things up can make flossing feel less like a chore. For anyone struggling with picks and braces, might be worth grabbing a few types from the store just to see what clicks.
I hear you on the threader—tedious but it really does the trick. Superfloss was a bit awkward for me at first, but after a few tries it got easier. Water flossers helped me too, especially when I just wanted something quick after lunch.
Threaders are a pain, no lie. I used to dread that whole process—felt like I was trying to sew my teeth together half the time. Superfloss took me a bit to get the hang of too, but it’s not bad once you get into a rhythm. Water flossers are cool for speed, but honestly, I always feel like I’m making a mess with those. Floss picks, though? Game changer for lazy nights. Just grab one and go, no drama.
Game changer for lazy nights. Just grab one and go, no drama.
Not gonna lie, I get the appeal of floss picks for those late nights, but I always feel like they don’t quite get between my teeth as well as regular floss. Maybe it’s just me being picky, but I notice more gunk left behind. Anyone else?
I totally get what you mean about floss picks not always getting the job done. I see this come up a lot, actually. The convenience is great, especially when you’re half-asleep and just want to get it over with, but sometimes they don’t hug the tooth as well as regular string floss does. That “C-shape” thing with regular floss really does make a difference for getting under the gumline and pulling out all that hidden stuff.
One thing I’ve noticed—if your teeth are really close together or have tight contacts, some of those picks just kind of glide over the surface instead of actually squeezing between. For me, it depends on the brand too. Some have thinner floss that works better, but others feel almost too thick and I end up skipping spots because I’m worried I’ll snap something.
It’s kind of funny because I used to be all about convenience until I started noticing a bit more buildup between my back molars. Switched back to regular floss for those spots and, yeah, way less gunk left behind. But honestly, if it’s a choice between using a pick versus not flossing at all on those lazy nights...I’ll take the pick every time.
Curious if anyone here has tried those reusable floss holders? They sort of combine the best of both worlds—easier grip like a pick but with regular floss you can swap out. Wondering if that makes any real difference for people who aren’t fans of picks but hate wrapping string around their fingers.
