As any good dentist will know, electric toothbrushes are the best option for clean, healthy and strong teeth, allowing you to reach crevices and debris that may otherwise remain lodged in your teeth, unable to be reached by a manual brush. When you are wearing braces, keeping your teeth clean and healthy is even more important – but can you use electric toothbrushes with braces?
We took a closer look at the suitability of using an electric toothbrush with braces, as well as some of the key advantages of electric toothbrushes. Read on to learn all you need to know about using an electric toothbrush with braces, and how to keep your teeth in tip-top condition.
Table Of Contents
Is An Electric Toothbrush Good For Braces?
The simple answer is yes – you can use electric toothbrushes with braces with no worry about adverse effects or damage to the brace. In fact, electric toothbrushes are recommended by dentists as they provide a deeper, more thorough clean, which is especially important when you are wearing braces, as these can harbor dirt and debris which needs to be removed to reduce build-up.
Electric Toothbrush Vs Manual
So, should you choose a manual or electric toothbrush? Well, when it comes to the electric versus manual toothbrushes, the winner is clear according to the experts: electric toothbrushes reign supreme.
There are a number of advantages to electric toothbrushes, and these include:
- Built-In Timers: Electric brushes also come with timers, making it easier to know how long you are brushing your teeth for, and allowing you to stick to the guidelines recommended by dentists and experts.
- Better Results For Those With Braces: Research also shows that using an electric brush makes it easier to brush your teeth if you are wearing braces, and this improves the overall health and hygiene of your mouth.
- Safer For Gums: Electric brushes are also gentler on your gums and can reduce the risk of gum damage or injury.
- Removes Plaque More Effectively: Research shows that using electric brushes removes more plaque than a manual toothbrush, and this can be by up to 21%. Electric brushes also reduce gingivitis by 11%, and oscillating brush head models are the very best option here. If you’re wondering what plaque is, click here to find out more.
It is important to note that despite the numerous advantages of an electric over a manual toothbrush, there are some downsides that could be an issue for some users, and these include:
- Price: An electric toothbrush tends to be pricier than a basic manual brush, and this can mean that they are out of the budget for some users. In addition, once you have purchased the initial brush, the brush head will need to be replaced regularly, and this can also incur an additional, unwanted cost.
- Charging: Electric toothbrushes will need charging, either using rechargeable batteries or a plug-in charger. This can be an inconvenience if you travel regularly, or simply forget to charge your toothbrush on a regular basis!
Manual toothbrushes, on the other hand, are accessible and affordable, but you do run the risk of bushing too hard.
Always take care not to press too hard when brushing your teeth, whether you are wearing braces or not; this can cause serious damage.
How To Floss With Braces
In addition to regular brushing and knowing how to use an electric toothbrush properly, it is also important to know how to floss. According to the American Dental Association, this should be once a day to remove any excess debris and residue from in between your teeth, which is just one of many benefits of flossing.
Knowing how to floss with braces is an important aspect of keeping your teeth healthy and strong, and there are a few steps to follow here:
- Remove a section of floss from the threader.
- Place the point of the needle beneath the brace wire and pull the floss through, holding the threader in your other hand.
- Wrap the floss around one finger, and press it between two of your teeth.
- Slide the floss up and down, across both sides of your teeth, and around the back. For the top teeth, go up one side to the gum line, and then travel down the other side of the tooth.
- Once you have completed the “U”, pull the floss from the teeth and remove the floss from the wire.
- Repeat the process across the mouth until you have flossed between all teeth.
You can also use a water flosser rather than floss tape. These can be a little pricier, but the best water flosser will last for years to come!
How To Brush Your Teeth With Braces
Brushing your teeth with braces can be a little tricky, especially in the early days of wearing orthodontic appliances. Here is a simple routine that can help:
- Get Into A Habit. The first thing to do is to ensure that teeth brushing is a habit and the best way to achieve this is to make it a routine. Get into the habit of brushing after meals – you should wait around 20-30 minutes after your meal to avoid damaging the enamel – and floss once a day after this.
- Rinse And Remove. Start by filling a cup with water, and use it to rinse your mouth. This loosens particles and debris, making them easier to remove. Remove any bands or removable pieces, and leave them somewhere safe.
- Add Paste. Add a nonabrasive fluoride toothpaste to your brush, and place the brush at a 45-degree angle. Start at the gum line, and then angle the brush to clean the top of the bracket.
- Clean. Once the brackets are cleaned, brush under the wire and beneath the brackets, and then move to the teeth themselves, focusing on the inner and chewing surfaces. Floss with tape or a water flosser, and then rise again to remove any debris or residue that remains, as well as reduce germs.
Learning how to clean an electric toothbrush is also an important part of caring for your teeth – make sure that you regularly take time to clean your brush and tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Electric Toothbrush For Braces?
The best electric toothbrush for braces is an oscillating brush – that is, one that rotates around the tooth, rather than simply vibrates in place. These brushes will catch more debris, leaving your teeth healthy and free from plaque and debris, and will clean each side and area of your teeth rather than focusing on a specific area. You can also read our reviews of the best models.
Can You Use An Oral-B Electric Toothbrush With Braces?
Yes, you can use an Oral-B electric toothbrush with braces. It is safe to use an electric toothbrush with braces, but it is important to ensure that you don’t brush too hard and that you spend the recommended time brushing each day. Always wait 20-30 minutes before brushing after meals, and clean your brush regularly.
Can You Use An Electric Toothbrush With Invisalign?
Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush with Invisalign. Invisalign can generally be removed from your teeth, allowing you to brush your teeth in the usual way – you should also make sure that you brush your braces at the same time to keep them fresh and free from debris, and to maintain hygiene.
Can You Use An Electric Toothbrush In The Shower?
Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush in the shower. This is a great way to save time – and if you choose the right electric toothbrush, you can rest assured that it is waterproof and will be safe to use both in and out of the shower – just make sure that the charger is kept away from the shower.
Conclusion
So, can you use electric toothbrushes with braces? The answer is a resounding yes – you can use an electric toothbrush even when you wear braces, and this is a safe, hygienic solution that will leave teeth looking and feeling their best. Ultimately, if you are given the choice between a manual or an electric toothbrush, the latter is the top option.
