How to Floss with Braces

By Water Pik, Inc.
March 23, 2016

The standard way to floss with braces is to use dental floss and a floss threader. A floss threader is similar to a plastic needle that you use to thread dental floss under and around the braces and teeth.

This method is difficult to do properly, and it is time consuming. Dental floss can also easily shred or get stuck in hardware.

An Easier Way to Clean and Floss Braces

Waterpik® Water Flossers (also known as oral irrigators) are faster, easier and more effective than regular dental floss or a floss threader.

Using a combination of water pressure and pulsation, the Waterpik® Water Flosser removes plaque and food particles from brackets and wires. It also helps massage and stimulate the gums.

How to Water Floss with Braces

For best results, use a Waterpik® Water Flosser with the Orthodontic Tip. The Orthodontic Tip has a tapered brush that helps remove plaque from braces and orthodontics. The Classic Jet Tip is also effective.

To Water Floss braces and teeth:

  1. Fill the Water Flosser reservoir with lukewarm water and place it firmly on the base.
  2. Insert the flosser tip into the handle.
  3. Adjust the pressure control (start at low pressure).
  4. Lean over the sink and place tip in mouth.
  5. Turn unit on. Close lips to prevent splashing, while allowing water to flow from the mouth into the sink.
  6. Starting with the back teeth, gently glide the tip along the gumline.
  7. Pause and lightly brush the area between the teeth and all around the orthodontic bracket or appliance (see animation below).
  8. Proceed to the next tooth.

It's that easy to properly Water Floss your braces, and it takes only about 1 minute a day!

After watching the animation, read on to learn about some Water Flosser choices.

Water Flossers for Dental Braces

Waterpik® offers a variety of models that are great for anyone with dental braces. All recommended models include the Orthodontic Tip.

How To Floss With Braces - Waterpik WP-900

Combination Water Flosser and Sonic Toothbrush

The Waterpik® Complete Care (WP-900) combines the superior water flossing of our Ultra Water Flosser with the sonic technology of the Sensonic® Professional Plus Sonic Toothbrush in one convenient product.



How To Floss With Braces - Waterpik WP-120


Countertop Water Flossers

The Ultra Water Flosser (WP-120) provides great water flossing performance. It features ten pressure settings, ranging from gentle to more pressure.



How To Floss With Braces - Waterpik WP-660



The Ultra Professional Water Flosser (WP-660) is our most advanced Water Flosser. It offers a more compact and contemporary design, 7 tips and enhanced features.



How To Floss With Braces - Waterpik WP-450



Cordless Plus Water Flosser

The Cordless Plus Water Flosser (WP-450) is ideal for people on the go. It includes a rechargeable battery and cordless design, so it is easy to use in any bathroom.



With Waterpik® Water Flossers, you have many choices for making flossing with braces much faster and easier!