Do Electric Toothbrushes Work Better With Braces?

Have you ever wondered if electric toothbrushes work better to clean your teeth while wearing braces? You are in the correct place! While some people are happy brushing with a manual toothbrush, having an electric toothbrush can make the work much more manageable.

This blog delves into the field of orthodontic oral care to see if electric toothbrushes may make a difference in maintaining oral hygiene with braces. Let's delve deeper into the subject of 'Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces' and look at some techniques for keeping your braces clean!

What are the Challenges of Maintaining Oral Hygiene When Wearing Braces?

When you are getting orthodontic treatment, you must make an extra effort to keep your teeth clean and your gums healthy. However, dealing with teeth braces brackets and wires can make brushing and flossing difficult. It can significantly disrupt your oral hygiene regimen.

Furthermore, food and debris can quickly become caught between the brackets and wires, increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. It takes perseverance to eliminate all plaque from all visible areas of your teeth. This is where an electric toothbrush comes in handy—they make the work a lot simpler!

Can You Brush With an Electric Toothbrush With Braces?

Absolutely! Using an electric toothbrush is perfectly OK, even with braces. In fact, it's a good idea to use one because of the additional benefits it provides. Electric toothbrushes clean thoroughly because of their vibrating and revolving bristles. Furthermore, they don’t harm your braces if used appropriately. So go ahead and try it!

What are the Benefits of Electric Toothbrush?

Still wondering, are electric toothbrushes better to use with braces rather than the regular ones? Let’s dive into the benefits of using an electric toothbrush tailored explicitly for orthodontic patients like you. Let's explore how this modern dental tool can make your orthodontic journey a breeze!

To avoid breaking brackets, wires, or other equipment, you must brush with the appropriate pressure. Electric toothbrushes with pressure sensors may detect when you are brushing too hard. This feature allows you to maintain a delicate yet effective brushing approach, which is very helpful during orthodontic treatment.

You may frequently suffer from dry mouth because saliva cannot reach all parts of your teeth as easily. Electric toothbrushes, particularly sonic ones, can stimulate saliva production with their quick vibrations.

This increased saliva flow can help to wash away food debris, neutralize acids, and remineralize tooth enamel. This eventually leads to better oral health throughout orthodontic treatment.

Traditional brushing might be difficult when you wear braces or other orthodontic equipment. It is not always simple to access the narrow spaces where food particles and plaque hide. This is where an electric toothbrush excels with braces!

Its compact brush head and vibrating bristles can easily move around brackets, cables, and other nooks and crannies, resulting in a complete cleaning with no effort.

Many electric toothbrushes have multiple settings to meet individual needs. Some offer settings for sensitive teeth, gum care, and even orthodontic treatment. These unique settings can give tailored treatment that fits your particular needs as an orthodontic patient. You can have a more comfortable and successful brushing experience.

One of the most significant benefits of an electric toothbrush is the built-in timer. When wearing braces or aligners, wash your teeth for the prescribed amount of time to guarantee a complete cleaning.

With an electric toothbrush, you won't have to keep track of the minutes manually. Simply turn it on and let the timer remind you when it's time to move on to the next quadrant of your mouth.

What are the Correct Ways of Using an Electric Toothbrush With Braces?

When it comes to brushing your teeth with braces, it's crucial to use the proper technique, whether you opt for a manual or electric toothbrush. Here are some vital recommendations for brushing with braces.

• Use fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush at least three times every day, particularly after eating.
• Brush your gums gently with a toothbrush held at a 45-degree angle.
• Brush around and on top of your braces with little circular movements.
• Make sure all tooth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, including the front, rear, and biting surfaces. Don't forget the gum line!
• Brush your gum line with care, gently releasing any dirt or plaque.
• After brushing, spit out any extra toothpaste without rinsing.

Remember the following additional points:

• Replace your toothbrush or its head every three to four months (or after being ill).
• If the bristles seem worn before this time frame is up, reconsider how much pressure you apply while brushing. Worn-out bristles suggest excessive pressure applied in less than three months since the last replacement.
• Check that your braces are bright and shining after each brush. Dull metal may indicate inadequate cleaning practices.
• Floss regularly, either before or after brushing. -Using a Waterpik can make flossing simpler and more effective with braces.

In conclusion, electric toothbrushes indeed work better for maintaining oral hygiene while wearing braces. They offer numerous benefits tailored for orthodontic patients such as yourself!

When using an electric toothbrush with braces, it's essential to follow specific techniques, including using fluoride toothpaste, gentle brushing of the gums and braces, and ensuring all tooth surfaces are thoroughly cleaned.

To make the most of this dental tool, remember to follow the correct techniques recommended for brushing with braces. Ensure that your oral care routine remains thorough and effective. All the best!!

Written by Dr. Satish Pai

Author Bio

Dr. Satish Pai is an orthodontist and Ivy League trained dentist who has served as a faculty at Columbia University. He believes a perfect smile not only makes a person look great but feels great. As the founder of Putnam Orthodontics and a Partner at Brite Orthodontics, he is dedicated to providing the best orthodontic treatments to his patients. He also writes to educate people about everything orthodontics and the importance of correctly aligned teeth along with good oral health. In his free time, you can find him golfing, doing yoga or surfing, and spending time with this family.