braces on teeth

A Brighter, Healthier Smile: The Game-Changing Tool That Makes Flossing with Braces Easy

The Flossing Dilemma: A Daily Issue

Everyone is aware of the importance of flossing, especially when one is going through orthodontic treatment. However, using the regular string floss can be challenging and time consuming when you have braces. It’s hard to reach every spot because of the wires, brackets, and even Invisalign attachments. Flossing with braces is challenging. This frustration often makes people skip their routine, which increases the risk of gum problems and cavities.

Table of Contents

The Water Flosser: A New Era of Clean

The water flosser uses a powerful stream of water to penetrate between the teeth and below the gum line. It’s a very effective way to clean the teeth and remove food that’s trapped in between, and it’s amazingly efficient at getting around braces and wires. Because of its cleaning capability and simplicity, many patients are using the water flosser. 

Some conditions will always need a face-to-face visit. A swollen jaw, fractured tooth, or any dental emergency deserves urgent hands-on attention. Still, routine assessments and many consultations are perfectly managed online.

Why Water Flossers Are Better Than String Floss, Especially for Braces

Flossing with braces can be a frustrating and challenging task, often leading people to skip this vital part of their oral hygiene routine. While string floss has long been the standard, a water flosser offers a more efficient and effective solution, particularly for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. This table outlines the key differences.

FeatureWater FlosseTraditional String Floss
Ease of Use Simple and quick, requiring minimal dexterity.Can be challenging and time-consuming, especially with braces or other dental work.
Cleaning MechanismUses a pressurized stream of water to dislodge food and plaque.Uses a string to manually scrape plaque from the surfaces of teeth.
Effectiveness with BracesHighly effective at cleaning around wires and brackets, reaching areas string floss can't easily access.Extremely difficult to use with braces, often requiring special tools (like floss threaders) and significant effort.
Gum HealthCan improve gum health by up to 50% and is shown to be more effective at reducing gingivitis and bleeding.Effective when used correctly, but can cause irritation or bleeding if technique is poor.
Plaque RemovalCan be up to three times more effective at removing plaque from around braces. Studies also show they are effective in reducing plaque from inaccessible areas.The "gold standard" for removing tartar-causing plaque from the tooth surface through its scraping motion.
Expert RecommendationIncreasingly recommended by dentists, especially for patients with braces, and some brands have the ADA Seal of Acceptance.The standard recommendation for daily interdental cleaning, but often supplemented with a water flosser for specific needs.

The Water Flosser Advantage

For individuals with fixed braces or even those using clear braces Sydney, the benefits of a water flosser are particularly compelling. The following table summarises why this tool is a smart addition to your dental care kit.

Getting started is quick. Book an appointment at Clear Braces Orthodontics through our website. Upload relevant photos or past reports if you have them. At your chosen time, open your device and have a conversation with a real professional who listens.

According to additional research, water flossers can be up to three times more effective than string floss at cleaning around braces and can improve gum health by up to 50%. (Source: Journal of Clinical Dentistry, Lyle DM, et al., 2016)

“The majority of the studies favored water flossers over dental floss in plaque reduction. Water flosser was also found to be effective in removing plaque from inaccessible interproximal areas of the tooth surfaces as compared to dental floss” – National Library of Medicine

Professional Views: What the Experts Have to Say

Water flossers are becoming more and more recommended by top dentists, particularly for their orthodontic patients. A number of water flosser brands have even received the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance in recognition of their effectiveness in eliminating plaque and lowering gingivitis.The scientific support for using this tool in your daily routine is strengthened by this endorsement. The American Dental Association (ADA) is the source.

Your Route to the Best Possible Oral Health

Water flossing can definitely improve one’s overall health and oral hygiene. This simple tool offers a huge difference in your oral cleaning efforts, helping you effectively clean your teeth even with braces resulting in a healthier mouth and better results from your orthodontic treatment. Upgrade your flossing regimen with water flossing. 


Are you prepared to adopt the quickest path to flawless teeth? Beyond braces, our team, headed by Sydney’s best orthodontist, can help. We’ll demonstrate how to incorporate a water flosser into your daily routine with ease and offer you all the assistance you require to keep your smile confident and healthy long after your treatment is over.

Principle Dentist

Dr. Manish Shah

BDS, MBBS, MMED (Sleep Medicine)

  • Masters in Sleep Medicine
  • General Medical Practitioner
  • General, Implant and Cosmetic Dentist
  • Certified in TMJ & Craniofacial Pain Management
Need more help?
We are by your side.
Please send us a message.
Our friendly staff are ready to assist you.

What others are looking at

cost-of-braces

Ceramic Braces

Are ceramic braces invisible? Are they right for me?

cost-of-braces-over-coffee

Braces Cost

What's the cost? How you treatment affects the cost.

braces behind the teeth

Lingual Braces

So what if you could hide your braces behind the teeth?

Keep Calm, Smile On.

invisalign treatment at clear braces orthodontics
Clear-braces3
orthodontist treatment
iNv-10
Clear-braces4
PRACTICE-1
O---AC3
C-clear-braces

Free City Parking Available | Interest Free Payment Plans