Flossing is the step most people with braces skip, because regular floss will not pass under the wire. To floss with braces, guide the floss under the archwire with a floss threader, slide it up and down the side of each tooth and along the gumline, then move to the next gap, once a day. A threaded floss that has the stiff threader built into each strand, like X-Floss, removes the fiddliest part: you skip threading a separate tool every single gap.
Here is exactly what to use, the six steps to do it well, and the mistakes that leave plaque behind. If you also wear clear aligners or a retainer, see our guide to cleaning Invisalign and retainers.
In this article
- What do you need to floss with braces?
- How to floss with braces step by step
- What is the easiest way to floss with braces?
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Flossing methods at a glance
- Frequently asked questions
What do you need to floss with braces?
You need a way to get floss under the archwire, which means either waxed floss plus a separate floss threader, or a pre-threaded floss that has a stiff threader built into each strand. Waxed floss matters because it slides past brackets without snagging or shredding the way plain floss does.
A short kit that covers most people:
- A threaded floss or floss threader. The threader is the firm tip that carries the floss under the wire. X-Floss attaches one to every pre-cut strand, so there is nothing to load.
- An interdental brush (optional helper). A tiny cone-shaped brush that cleans around the brackets and under the wire between flossing.
- A water flosser (optional helper). Useful for rinsing out loose debris, though it does not replace the scrubbing contact of floss against the tooth.
How to floss with braces step by step
Floss with braces in six steps: thread under the wire, pull the floss through, clean each side of the gap, work along the gumline, move to the next gap, and finish the whole arch once a day. Take your time the first few days and it becomes quick.
- Start with a fresh strand. Use a pre-threaded strand, or thread 18 to 24 inches of waxed floss through a threader.
- Guide the threader under the wire. Slide the firm tip between the archwire and your tooth, above the bracket, and pull it through until the floss follows.
- Pull the floss through to the soft section. Draw it through until the spongy or working part of the floss sits in the gap against the tooth.
- Clean both sides of the gap. Use a gentle back and forth shoe-shine motion, then curve the floss against one tooth and slide up and down, and repeat on the neighboring tooth.
- Work the floss along the gumline. Ease it just under the gum edge where plaque collects, without snapping it down hard.
- Move to the next gap. Slide the floss out, move along, and repeat. Work from the back teeth toward the front so you do not lose your place.
Each pre-cut strand has a firm nylon threader built in to slide under braces wires, bridges, and implants. The spongy floss expands to sweep away plaque and trapped food, and is gentle on gums.
What is the easiest way to floss with braces?
The easiest way to floss with braces is a pre-threaded floss, because the stiff threader is already attached to each strand, so you are not loading a separate threader at every gap. With a regular threader you re-thread the tool for each space between teeth, which is the step most people give up on. A built-in threader turns flossing into grab a strand, slide, clean, repeat.
A water flosser is a good companion for clearing loose food and reaching around brackets, but it sprays rather than scrubs, so it does not fully replace the contact of floss against the side of each tooth. Most orthodontists suggest one main method, floss, plus one helper such as a water flosser or interdental brush.
Common mistakes to avoid
Three habits quietly leave plaque behind:
- Snapping the floss down hard. It can hurt already-tender gums and pop the floss off the wire. Ease it in gently instead.
- Skipping the gumline. Plaque gathers right at the gum edge, so clean just under it, not only between the teeth.
- Using plain unwaxed floss. It shreds on brackets and catches on the wire. Waxed or a sponge-style floss glides instead.
One more: do not rush the first week. Flossing around new braces feels slow, then your hands learn the path and it speeds up.
Flossing methods at a glance
The four common ways to get between braced teeth, and where each fits.
| Method | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-threaded floss (built-in threader) | Daily flossing under wires with the least hassle | Easiest to keep up with |
| Waxed floss + separate threader | Using floss you already own | You re-thread the tool at every gap |
| Water flosser | Rinsing loose debris around brackets | Sprays rather than scrubs, use as a helper |
| Interdental brush | Cleaning around brackets and under the wire | A helper, not a full floss replacement |
If your teeth sit tightly together and a standard strand feels too bulky, a thinner threaded floss slips into snug contacts more easily.
A thinner version of X-Floss with the same built-in threader. The slimmer profile fits tighter contacts and smaller gaps, while the spongy floss still expands to clean.
Frequently asked questions
How often should you floss with braces?
Floss once a day, the same as without braces. Many people do it at night to clear out the day's trapped food before bed. Brushing after meals helps too, but it does not reach between the teeth the way floss does.
Can I use a water flosser instead of flossing with braces?
A water flosser is a strong helper but not a full replacement. It rinses loose debris and reaches around brackets, yet it sprays rather than scrubs, so pairing it with floss cleans more thoroughly.
Does flossing with braces hurt?
It can feel tender in the first week, especially soon after an adjustment. Be gentle, do not snap the floss, and the soreness usually eases as your gums get healthier from regular cleaning.
How long does flossing with braces take?
Expect a few extra minutes at first. With a pre-threaded floss and a back-to-front routine, most people get it down to a few minutes once their hands learn the path.
Is waxed or unwaxed floss better for braces?
Waxed or a sponge-style floss is better, because it glides past brackets and wires without shredding. Plain unwaxed floss tends to catch and fray on the hardware.
Make flossing with braces easy
X-Floss puts a stiff threader on every strand, so cleaning under wires, bridges, and implants takes one easy slide.
Shop X-Floss for braces →Free shipping over $80 · money-back guarantee
Sources: Healthline, How to Floss With Braces; Waterpik, How to Use a Floss Threader With Braces. For advice on your own teeth, follow your orthodontist's guidance.