I’ve got braces right now, and honestly, string floss is a pain to use with all the wires. I tried just using the Waterpik for a while because it’s way faster, but I noticed my gums started bleeding more at my next cleaning. Hygienist said the Waterpik helps but doesn’t replace regular floss, especially around brackets and under the wires. Anyone else have a trick for getting string floss back there without losing your mind? Those little threaders help, but it’s still kind of a hassle…
“I tried just using the Waterpik for a while because it’s way faster, but I noticed my gums started bleeding more at my next cleaning.”
That’s the thing with Waterpiks—they feel like they’re doing a lot, but they can’t really scrape off that sticky plaque between teeth and under wires the same way string floss does. I’ve seen it with a bunch of patients: they switch to just water flossing and think they’re covered, but their gums start acting up after a few months.
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from about threaders being a pain. One trick I’ve seen work is those pre-threaded ortho flossers (Platypus or GUM make them). They’re not perfect, but they beat trying to thread regular floss through every bracket. Some folks swear by Superfloss too—has a stiff end so you can poke it under the wire without the plastic threader.
To be fair, there’s no magic solution. But if you’re only using the Waterpik, you might miss those stubborn bits stuck right by the brackets. I’ve had braces myself and, yeah, it’s tedious... but my gums definitely thanked me for sticking with string floss (even if it took forever some nights).
I tried relying just on my Waterpik too, but honestly, it didn’t cut it.
That’s exactly what happened—my hygienist spotted more buildup than usual. String floss is tedious, but it works better for me.“if you’re only using the Waterpik, you might miss those stubborn bits stuck right by the brackets.”
“if you’re only using the Waterpik, you might miss those stubborn bits stuck right by the brackets.”
I had the same thing happen after my first braces checkup. Thought I was being diligent with the Waterpik, but the hygienist found plaque hiding behind the wires. String floss is a pain (and takes forever), but honestly, it’s caught stuff the Waterpik missed. Not fun, but seems worth it.
“String floss is a pain (and takes forever), but honestly, it’s caught stuff the Waterpik missed.”
That’s the thing—Waterpiks are awesome for blasting away the easy stuff, but they just can’t hug the teeth the way floss does. I get it, string flossing with braces feels like threading a needle in the dark. But it really does get into those tight spots, especially around brackets and wires. I’ve seen a lot of folks surprised at their checkups when plaque is still hanging out, even after using the Waterpik religiously.
If you can manage both (I know, who has the time?), it’s kind of the dream team. Waterpik for the big sweep, floss for the sneak attacks. Not glamorous, but your teeth and gums will thank you... eventually.
