How picky are you about cleaning around your braces or aligners?

I get what you mean about feeling self-conscious—using those little brushes in public always made me feel awkward, but honestly, my dentist said it’s way better than skipping it. I’ve tried both waxed and unwaxed flossers, but sometimes I wonder if they actually clean as well as regular string floss. Has anyone else noticed a difference in gum health depending on which one you use? I’m still figuring out what works best, especially with aligners. The cleaning routine can feel endless some days...

Totally hear you on the cleaning routine feeling never-ending—aligners just add a whole new level. I’ve bounced between waxed flossers and regular string, and for me, the string feels like it gets in there a bit better, especially for those stubborn spots. But honestly, using anything is better than skipping, like your dentist said. I used to feel awkward with the little brushes too, but after a while it’s just part of the process... weirdly kind of satisfying when you see what comes out. Hang in there—it does get easier over time.

Not sure I totally agree on the “string gets in there better” thing. I get what you’re saying—classic floss does feel like it’s scraping more gunk out sometimes, but for me, half the time it just shreds or gets stuck on my brackets. Total pain. Those waxed picks are way easier to handle, especially when you’re out and about. Quick swipe, done.

“using anything is better than skipping, like your dentist said.”

Yeah, this part is 100%. If I’m being real, there are nights where I just can’t be bothered to do the whole routine. But honestly, those little brushes (interdental ones) have saved me. At first I hated them—felt like I was poking around forever—but now it’s almost like a weird habit. Still, not sure I’d call it satisfying... more like “ugh, glad that’s over.”

I also notice water flossers don’t get much love here. Maybe not everyone wants to deal with the mess, but for stubborn spots, nothing beats blasting stuff out with one of those. Got one as a gift and thought it was a gimmick at first, but now I use it every night. Makes the whole process less annoying.

Anyway, just wanted to throw in that sometimes the “old school” string isn’t always best for everyone. If it works for you, cool, but don’t feel bad if you switch it up or skip a step here and there. The main thing is not letting stuff build up—learned that the hard way after a few cavities during my first year with braces...

- String floss was a nightmare with my braces—always fraying or getting jammed.
- Switched to those little picks and never looked back, way less hassle.
- Water flosser is my MVP now, especially after popcorn or seeds... nothing else gets it all out.
- I’m picky, but honestly, if I’m wiped out, sometimes I just do a quick pass and call it good.
- Agree, consistency matters more than the tool—learned that after a surprise cavity too.

- Those string floss days... I swear I spent more time untangling than actually cleaning.
-

Water flosser is my MVP now, especially after popcorn or seeds...