"Waxed floss definitely makes a difference—learned that the hard way after shredding regular floss between brackets too many times."
Totally agree with this. I was so nervous about flossing when I first got my braces because it felt like regular floss would get stuck every single time. Waxed floss was a lifesaver for me too, especially at the beginning when everything felt tender and sensitive.
I also keep those interdental brushes handy, but yeah, they do add up fast cost-wise. Bulk packs online are definitely the way to go—saved me from constantly running to the store. One thing I've found helpful is rinsing them thoroughly after each use; it seems to extend their lifespan a bit, so I don't burn through them quite as quickly.
Floss threaders were intimidating at first (felt like threading a needle in my mouth, lol), but after some practice it became second nature. Now it's actually kinda relaxing... weirdly enough? Maybe that's just me being overly cautious though.
Also, quick tip if you're anxious about food getting stuck at work or school: carrying a small travel-size mouthwash bottle has been super reassuring for me. A quick rinse can help feel fresh until you have time for proper brushing or flossing later.
Anyway, glad I'm not alone in figuring out all these little tricks! Braces maintenance is definitely an adventure...
"Floss threaders were intimidating at first (felt like threading a needle in my mouth, lol), but after some practice it became second nature."
Haha, I relate to this so much... I remember the first time I tried floss threaders—I swear it took me like 20 minutes just to floss half my teeth. Definitely felt like a weird sewing project in my mouth. But I have to admit, once you get the hang of it, it's surprisingly satisfying.
Personally, I've been experimenting with a water flosser lately. It's a bit pricier upfront, but honestly, it's been worth it for me. It blasts out food bits pretty effectively, especially after meals when I'm away from home and don't have time for the whole floss-threading ritual. The only downside is it's kinda bulky to carry around, even the travel-sized ones.
Still, I keep waxed floss handy as a backup because nothing beats the feeling of manually flossing between each tooth. Maybe I'm just overly cautious, but braces have made me hyper-aware of dental hygiene. Glad I'm not the only one obsessing over these details though... braces club solidarity, haha.
Haha, reading this thread brings back memories. I remember my first few attempts with floss threaders—I felt like I needed three hands just to manage the floss, the threader, and my braces all at once. Definitely a steep learning curve, but you're right, it does become second nature eventually.
Interesting that you mentioned water flossers. I've been curious about them for a while now but haven't taken the plunge yet. Do you find they're effective enough to replace regular flossing completely, or is it more of a complementary thing? I've heard mixed opinions from dentists—some swear by them, others say they're good but shouldn't totally replace traditional flossing.
Personally, I've stuck with waxed floss and interdental brushes. Those tiny brushes are lifesavers for getting around brackets and wires quickly, especially when I'm short on time or patience (which is often...). Glad to see I'm not alone in obsessing over dental hygiene details—braces really do make you rethink your whole routine.
"I felt like I needed three hands just to manage the floss, the threader, and my braces all at once."
Haha, this made me laugh because it's exactly how I felt at first! Honestly, water flossers have been a game changer for me. They're super helpful, especially after meals when I'm in a hurry, but I wouldn't say they completely replace traditional flossing—at least not for me. I still reach for those little interdental brushes you mentioned; they're fantastic for stubborn bits stuck around brackets. Guess it's all about finding that balance...braces definitely make you appreciate the little wins!
I get the appeal of water flossers, but honestly, I never found them as effective as everyone says. Maybe it's just me, but I always felt like they missed spots around the brackets, especially in tight spaces. Have you tried those orthodontic floss picks? They're a bit pricier than regular floss, but man, they saved me from that three-hand struggle you're talking about...definitely worth checking out if you're still wrestling with threaders.
