480-725-9272Flossing is key to your oral health. But if you have a permanent retainer, the idea of flossing regularly might sound frustrating. Don’t worry–with the right tools and steps, flossing can be a breeze no matter where you are on your orthodontic journey. Here’s your guide on how to floss with a permanent retainer.
Benefits of a Permanent Retainer
Permanent retainers, also known as bonded or fixed retainers, are a type of orthodontic appliance that attaches to the back of your teeth, typically on the lower front teeth. They are designed to keep your teeth from shifting after braces are removed, ensuring that your smile stays aligned. While they offer numerous benefits, they can also pose some challenges when it comes to flossing.
Permanent retainers are favored for their ability to maintain teeth alignment without the hassle of removable retainers. Once bonded to the teeth, they work continuously, unlike removable retainers that you need to wear for specific hours and can be easier to misplace or forget. However, their fixed nature means you need to be diligent about cleaning around them to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
Can You Floss With a Permanent Retainer the Normal Way?
One of the most common questions we hear is, “Can you floss normally with a permanent retainer?” The short answer is no. Similar to flossing with braces, traditional flossing methods aren’t effective because the floss can’t easily navigate around the retainer wire. However, this doesn’t mean you should skip flossing altogether. It’s important to find alternative methods to ensure you’re effectively removing plaque and preventing gum disease.
With a permanent retainer, the space between the teeth and the wire requires special attention. Regular floss can get stuck or be difficult to maneuver in these tight spaces. Therefore, using specialized tools and techniques will help you maintain proper dental hygiene.
Tools that can help you floss effectively with a permanent retainer include floss threaders, interdental brushes, and water flossers. Each of these tools has its advantages, and you can use them in combinations to ensure effective cleaning.
Floss threaders are small, flexible tools that help guide floss under the retainer wire. Interdental brushes are tiny brushes that you can insert between your teeth and around the retainer wire to remove plaque and food particles. Water flossers use a stream of water to clean between your teeth and around your retainer, providing an easy and effective way to floss.
How To Thread Floss Through a Permanent Retainer Without a Threader
Floss threaders are often recommended for flossing with a permanent retainer, but what if you don’t have one handy? Here’s how you can thread floss through your permanent retainer without a threader:
- Choose the Right Floss: Opt for waxed floss, as it’s easier to maneuver around the retainer wire.
- Use a Long Piece of Floss: Cut a generous length of floss to give yourself plenty of material to work with.
- Gently Insert the Floss: Carefully guide one end of the floss under the retainer wire. You can do this by wiggling the floss back and forth or using your fingers to help position it.
- Floss Each Tooth: Once the floss is under the wire, move it up and down between your teeth as you would normally, making sure to reach the gum line.
- Repeat for Each Tooth: Continue this process for each space between your teeth, being gentle to avoid damaging your retainer.
While this method requires patience, it can be a handy technique when you don’t have access to a floss threader. Practice makes perfect, and over time, you’ll become more adept at maneuvering the floss under the retainer wire.
How Do You Clean Behind a Permanent Retainer?
Cleaning behind your permanent retainer is key to avoiding plaque buildup and other serious conditions. Here’s how to clean behind your permanent retainer effectively:
- Use an Interdental Brush: These small, bristled brushes are perfect for cleaning the spaces between your teeth and behind your retainer. Choose one that fits comfortably between your teeth.
- Guide the Brush Behind the Retainer: Carefully insert the brush behind the retainer wire, gently moving it back and forth to remove any plaque or food particles.
- Rinse Your Mouth: After using the interdental brush, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash to wash away any debris.
- Regular Toothbrushing: Don’t forget to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to the area around the retainer to ensure you thoroughly clean it.
- Consider a Water Flosser: Water flossers are excellent tools for cleaning behind your retainer. They use a stream of water to remove plaque and food particles, making them a convenient and effective option.
Regular cleaning behind the retainer helps prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. It also helps maintain the retainer’s condition so it can continue to keep your teeth aligned.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with a Permanent Retainer
Maintaining good oral hygiene with a permanent retainer requires a bit of extra effort, but it’s well worth it for a healthy smile. Remember to have regular dental checkups, maintain a healthy diet, avoid sticky foods, use fluoride mouthwash, inspect your retainer, brush and floss regularly, and keep your retainer clean.
These steps will help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and keep your smile healthy and bright. Consistency is key, and taking a few extra minutes each day to care for your teeth and retainer will pay off in the long run.
Learning How To Floss With a Permanent Retainer
Flossing with a permanent retainer might seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can become a simple part of your daily routine. The key to success is consistency and using the right tools for the job.
To learn more about how to floss with a permanent retainer or any other aspect of orthodontic care, don’t hesitate to contact us at Peterson Family Orthodontics in San Tan Valley. We offer free consultations for new patients and are committed to providing top-notch service.