How to Floss with Permanent Retainer: Step-by-Step Guide

 Having a beautiful, straight smile is something many of us wish for. After all the time and effort you put into wearing braces, a permanent retainer is often the final step to keep your teeth from shifting back. A permanent retainer is a thin wire glued to the back of your front teeth. It’s a great way to lock in your perfect smile.

But, you might have a new question: “How do I floss my teeth now that this wire is in the way?”

It’s a very common question, and a very important one. Flossing is a key part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Without it, plaque and food can build up between your teeth and along your gums, leading to cavities and gum disease. While the permanent retainer makes flossing a bit trickier, it’s definitely not impossible. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to floss with a permanent retainer, step by step.

What is a Permanent Retainer and Why is it Used?

Think of a permanent retainer as a long-term insurance policy for your smile. After your braces come off, your teeth want to move back to their old positions. A permanent retainer, also known as a bonded retainer or a fixed retainer, is a thin, braided wire that is custom-fit to the back of your teeth, usually from canine to canine (the pointy teeth). It’s glued in place with a special dental cement, so it stays put 24/7.

The main job of a permanent retainer is to keep your teeth stable and prevent them from shifting. It’s a great option for people who might forget to wear a removable retainer, or for those whose teeth have a high risk of moving back. It works well and is pretty much invisible to others, but it does add an extra step to your daily dental routine.

The Challenges of Flossing with a Permanent Retainer

With a permanent retainer, you can’t simply slide the floss down between your teeth from the top as you normally would. The wire blocks the way. This can make it feel like flossing is impossible, but don’t give up! The space under the retainer is a prime spot for food and plaque to get trapped. If you don’t clean it properly, you risk:

  • Cavities: Plaque is full of bacteria that create acid, which eats away at your tooth enamel, causing cavities.

  • Gum Disease (Gingivitis): When plaque builds up along the gum line, it can cause your gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily. This is the first stage of gum disease.

  • Bad Breath: Trapped food and bacteria are the main cause of bad breath.

  • Tartar Buildup: If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist.

The good news is that with the right tools and a little practice, flossing with a permanent retainer can become a simple and quick part of your daily routine.

How to Properly Floss with a Permanent Retainer

The secret to flossing with a permanent retainer is getting the floss under the wire. This requires a special tool. Don’t try to force the floss through, as you could damage the retainer or hurt your gums.

The most common and effective tools for this job are:

  1. Floss Threaders: This is a small, flexible plastic loop with a stiff end. It looks a bit like a large sewing needle. You simply thread your regular floss through the loop.

  2. Superfloss: This is a special type of dental floss made by brands like Oral-B. It has three parts: a stiff end, a spongy middle, and a regular floss section. The stiff end works like a built-in floss threader.

  3. Water Flosser: A water flosser (or oral irrigator) is a device that shoots a thin stream of water between your teeth. This is an excellent tool for cleaning around a permanent retainer, but it’s often best to use it in addition to traditional flossing, not as a complete replacement. It’s great for removing loose food particles.

Let’s focus on the most popular method first: using a floss threader.

Step-by-Step Guide to Flossing with a Permanent Retainer

This might seem tricky at first, but with a few tries, you’ll be a pro.

What You Will Need

  • Regular dental floss (the one you already use is fine)

  • A floss threader

Step 1: Get Ready

Wash your hands and get about 18 inches (45 cm) of dental floss ready. Thread one end of the floss through the small loop of the floss threader.

Step 2: Guide the Floss 

Hold the stiff end of the floss threader and gently push it under the permanent retainer wire, between two of your teeth. Push it through until the floss comes out on the other side.

Step 3: Pull and Release

Pull the floss threader completely through the gap, but hold onto both ends of the floss. Now the floss is sitting between your teeth, with the retainer wire over the middle of it. You can let go of the threader.

Step 4: Floss as Normal

Once the floss is in place, you can floss that one space just like you normally would. Gently move the floss up and down, making a C-shape around one tooth and then the other. Be sure to go all the way down to the gum line and gently clean under it.

Step 5: Move to the Next Space 

Carefully pull the floss out. Now, grab your floss threader again and repeat the process for the next space between your teeth. You’ll need to do this for every single gap that is covered by the permanent retainer.

It may feel slow the first few times, but you’ll get faster with practice. The key is to be gentle and patient.

Tips for Maintaining Oral Hygiene with a Permanent Retainer

Flossing is just one piece of the puzzle. Here are some other tips to keep your teeth and retainer healthy:

  • Brush Properly: Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Pay special attention to the area where the retainer meets your teeth. A soft-bristle toothbrush is best.

  • Use Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride helps strengthen your tooth enamel and fight off cavities.

  • Brush Your Retainer: Gently brush the retainer wire to remove any plaque or food stuck to it.

  • Use a Water Flosser (if you have one): A water flosser is a fantastic addition to your routine. Use it to rinse away loose food and plaque before you floss.

  • See The Dentist Regularly: Regular check-ups and cleanings are more important than ever with a permanent retainer. Your dental team can reach areas you might miss and check for any issues with the retainer itself. If you’re in Sydney, you might find a great dentist Redfern to help you keep your smile in top shape.

  • Avoid Sticky or Hard Foods: Try to avoid very hard or sticky foods that could break the glue holding your retainer in place. If it comes loose, it won’t be doing its job.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Flossing with a Retainer

  • Don’t Give Up: The biggest mistake you can make is to stop flossing completely because it feels too difficult. This will lead to dental problems down the line.

  • Don’t Use Too Much Force: Never yank or pull hard on the floss. You could hurt your gums or even break the retainer.

  • Skipping Spaces: Make sure you floss every single space between the teeth with the retainer. Missing just one spot allows plaque to build up.

  • Not Rinsing: Rinsing with water or an antiseptic mouthwash after you floss can help wash away any remaining debris.

  • Ignoring a Loose Retainer: If your retainer feels loose or a part of it has come unglued, contact the dentist right away. A broken retainer won’t protect your teeth.

Conclusion

Flossing with a permanent retainer is an essential part of maintaining your beautiful, straight smile for a lifetime. While it may seem like a challenge at first, with the right tools like a floss threader or Superfloss, it becomes a simple and effective part of your daily routine. 

By following our step-by-step guide and avoiding common mistakes, you can keep your teeth and gums healthy and protect your investment in orthodontics.

Remember, Your Smile is A Reflection of Your Overall Health 

If you have any questions or are struggling to floss with your retainer, don’t hesitate to reach out to our dentists at Redfern Dentist. We can show you the best techniques and ensure your retainer is doing its job. To keep your teeth sparkling, regular check-ups and cleanings are key.

Ready to show off your best smile? Start flossing with your permanent retainer today and feel the Redfern Dentist difference!

Source: How to Floss with Permanent Retainer: Step-by-Step Guide

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