Do bonded retainers create a problem for flossing?

If you have finished with your orthodontic treatment and are wearing retainers (or will be soon), this is a special place to connect with others in your (enviable) situation. Ask a question or make a comment about life post-braces.

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diande
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 5:40 pm

Do bonded retainers create a problem for flossing?

#1 Post by diande »

I have been wondering about this. Please educate me :D
Upper and lower bonded retainers; Upper Hawley for night time

DEBANDED ON FRIDAY 15TH AUGUST 2008 - FINALLY!!!

Braced on 13 September 2006 - Ceramic upper and lower brackets - Estimated time was 12 Months

Granola
Posts: 540
Joined: Sat Nov 19, 2005 3:58 pm
Location: Earth

#2 Post by Granola »

My understanding is that with a bonded retainer you would have to thread floss behind the wire(s). One of my dental assistants (at my endodontist's) said she got so adept at threading floss under her bonded retainers that she could just pop regular floss right through without any kind of special threader. It should be fairly easy to floss a bonded retainer even with the threading that is required because of its location right in the front of the mouth.

Of course, I don't have one (yet)! I'm only sharing what I've read and been told.
Uppers placed 2/8/06--Inspire ICE ceramics
Lower (stainless) placed 2/23/06
Treatment time: 17 months (estimated was 12-18 months)
Debonded: July 11th, 2007
Next appointment: June 2008 for retainer & nightguard check

jcdamon3
Posts: 1237
Joined: Thu Sep 22, 2005 12:30 pm
Location: Northern California, USA
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#3 Post by jcdamon3 »

I have one. I can floss with floss tape by putting the floss through a small gap in one of the front teeth. If you don't have any tiny gaps you can use oral-b superfloss.

Anyway, it is not a problem unless you make it into one.
Braced on 8/05 - Braces off 12/06
Mid Forties!

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diande
Posts: 167
Joined: Tue Aug 29, 2006 5:40 pm

#4 Post by diande »

So basically, it will be like continuing to floss as if having braces, correct?
Upper and lower bonded retainers; Upper Hawley for night time

DEBANDED ON FRIDAY 15TH AUGUST 2008 - FINALLY!!!

Braced on 13 September 2006 - Ceramic upper and lower brackets - Estimated time was 12 Months

Caroline
Posts: 234
Joined: Tue Mar 22, 2005 9:46 am
Location: Montreal, Canada

#5 Post by Caroline »

Exactly the same!
Ceramics
Top braced January 7, 2005
Bottom braced February 4, 2005
Tops off July 10, 2006!!!
Bottoms off August 15, 2006!!!

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