Electric Toothbrushes and Braces: Myths and Facts
Some patients have asked about what can happen when their braces come into contact with an electric toothbrush? We want to break down the myths and facts that are associated with this topic.
First, the best decision to make when purchasing an electric toothbrush is to ask your orthodontist about which one would best suit you, and the situation that is currently occurring. Such as, wearing metal braces, Invisalign, or ceramic braces.
A LIST OF SELECTED AND TESTED ELECTRONIC AND REGULAR TOOTHBRUSHES THAT ARE BEST FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE CURRENTLY WEARING BRACES:
- Oral-B Smart 1500 Electric Toothbrush
- Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Toothbrush
- Y-Kelin V-Shaped Orthodontic Toothbrush with Soft Bristles
- TePe Universal Care Soft Slim Toothbrush
- Philips Sonicare 5100 Protective Clean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
- Triple Bristle Original Sonic Toothbrush
Picking the right toothbrush to effectively clean the spaces in-between the hard-to-reach areas that come with wearing braces is of the utmost importance. Not only will the right toothbrush allow for a thorough hygienic routine but this will help with any food that may become stuck.
WHAT ARE THE REASONS THAT AN ORTHODONTIST MAY SWITCH A PATIENT’S REGULAR TOOTHBRUSH FOR AN ELECTRONIC ONE?
Your orthodontist may recommend that a patient switch from a manual brush to a motorized electric brush for any one of the following reasons:
- More effective plaque removal
- Easier accessibility
- Convenient built-in timers
- Extra brush movements
- Convenient speed and sensitivity settings
- Built-in app capability to evaluate brushing quality
- Gum & enamel safety
WAIT… IS THERE A RIGHT AND WRONG WAY TO BRUSH WHILE USING AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH?
Fortunately, electric toothbrushes are extremely safe with orthodontic appliances. When used properly, they’re arguably safer and more effective for braces than regular toothbrushes! There are methods by which a patient should keep in mind when brushing their teeth. The same goes for manual toothbrushing, however, it’s best to keep in mind that electronic brushes should never be handled with ill care:
- Rinse brush head and apply toothpaste
- Devote 30 seconds each to all four quadrants of your teeth
- Hold the brush at a 45-degree angle, slowly moving it back and forth
- Concentrate on the tooth surface, and the upper and lower part of the appliance
- For a deeper clean, brush around the tongue as well
- Spit, rinse, and enjoy a clean smile!
The 45-degree angle is crucial. It maximizes your contact with the essential areas to clean and minimizes direct pressure exerted on the appliance. Also, remember to floss, gargle mouthwash for 30 seconds, and use a Waterpik irrigator or interdental brush for good measure.
Also, when brushing with a manual toothbrush, you can achieve around 300 strokes a minute. However, when an electric toothbrush is used, this increases to anything between 2,500 and 7,500 strokes per minute.
IN CONCLUSION, ASK YOUR ORTHODONTIST ABOUT SWITCHING TO AN ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH!
Patients that struggle to keep up with the 2 minutes of manual brushing a day, would do far better by buying an orthodontic-approved electronic toothbrush. When braces are involved, having that extra hygienic care helps immensely to stay on track with top dental hygiene.
ASK AN ORTHODONTIST!
If you are unsure about what steps to take when it comes to orthodontic care, by all means, comment, send us a message, or call us to ask any questions! Check out our latest article that talks about what questions have been asked before.
ORTHODONTIC CARE IS AVAILABLE IN THESE LOCATIONS
If anyone is needing to visit our orthodontic care center, visit Amazing Smiles Orthodontist with convenient locations in Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, NY. Amazing Smiles honors payment plans such as payment installments, insurance, flexible spending programs, and third-party financing.