Permanent retainers are a great way to ensure your alignment never goes awry. Especially after the hard work your teeth put in adjusting to dental aligners hence permanent retainers are useful.
However, this commitment can have you relearning your routine oral hygiene. With questions such as “How to floss with permanent retainer?” popping in your head so let us clear the confusion.
What Are Permanent Retainers?
These retainers are placed usually behind your teeth, the reason why is to ensure alignment after a lengthy orthodontic treatment. Permanent retainers are handy as you can’t forget or misplace them.
However, they do complicate your routine oral cleaning process as they can trap food particles. They can be a great place for plaque to hide on your teeth and lead to cavities or gum disease.
How To Floss With A Permanent Retainer?
How to floss with permanent retainers is dependent on the type of floss you decide to use. There are three most common types of floss and here is how to use them with your permanent retainer.
Steps To Use Floss Threaders
Floss threaders are a great option for retainers as they help maneuver the floss in hard to get places.
Here’s how to use floss threaders:
- Prepare your tools: Start by cutting an 18 inch long piece of regular dental floss and thread it through the floss threader.
- Place the threader: Position the stiffer end of the threader between one of your teeth, you should position it beneath the retainer wire.
- Flossing Technique: Gently use the floss to slide up and down each tooth. Repeat for each tooth the retainer is attached to. Don’t be forceful or pull too hard as it can damage the wire.
Steps to Use Superfloss
This is one of the most user-friendly options when it comes to flossing with a permanent retainer. It combines still ends to thread easily, a spongy section for wider spaces and regular floss.
Here’s how to use Superfloss:
Thread the stiff end: Use the stiff end like they are little handles and position it under your retainer wire. Gently pull till you reach the middle as this should be where you normally floss.
- Wrap the floss: Wrap the floss around your middle finger and use thumb and index fingers as a guide.
- Floss between the teeth: Start flossing using the superfloss between the teeth and slide it up and down the teeth.
Steps To Use Water Flossers
Water flossers are easy and a great alternative for those with limited dexterity. It’s a simple stream of pulsating water that dislodges foreign particles and plaque in the mouth.
Here’s how to use Water Flossers:
Fill Reservoir: use lukewarm water in the reservoir and connect it to the rest of the machine.
- Select Right Tip: water flossers come with many options that can be fitted as the tip hence choose a design that’s right for orthodontic use.
- Set Pressure: use a pressure that’s comfortable and not too forceful.
- Begin Flossing: Position yourself over a sink and use the flosser by aiming it at your gum line. Allow water to flow into the sink along with trying to focus on the gumline. Take small pauses midway briefly for cleanliness.
Summarizing
Flossing should not be ignored as part of your daily oral hygiene regimen due to the many functions it serves. Learning how to floss with permanent retainers is essential for your oral health. For further information on permanent retainers, Dr. Mo at Wink Orthodontics in Prosper, Texas can help you with all your dental queries and needs. Schedule an appointment now with a call through (469) 850-5555.