Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes for Braces
When you wear braces, plaque has more places to accumulate and build up in your mouth. Therefore, it’s important to find an adequate dental hygiene routine. But when it comes to choosing a toothbrush, you might wonder if manual or electric toothbrushes are more effective. There’s no wrong choice when it comes to choosing between the two – it’s simply a matter of personal preference. If you’re not sure whether you should make the switch to an electric toothbrush, here’s what you should you know.
Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes have been around for a long time because they are simple and easy to use. They’re also a more affordable option than electric toothbrushes. It costs more to find replacement parts or even completely replace electric toothbrushes but changing a manual brush every three months doesn’t hurt your pockets. Additional benefits of manual brushes include:
- Accessibility
- Better control
- Limitless variation
Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are perfect for those with limited mobility. In addition, they’re designed to allow more movement that reaches between the teeth. According to studies conducted by the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, an electric toothbrush actually promotes better oral hygiene for those with dental braces. In fact, the top models on the market may remove up to two times more plaque. Additional benefits include:
- Deeper and more effective cleaning
- Customized cleaning modes
- Technology and features
How to Brush and with Braces
Braces are fragile, and hard, saw-like motions can cause damage not only to your braces but to your teeth and gums as well. Here are a few ways to properly care for your braces:
- Clean your teeth with a toothbrush. Place your toothbrush above your brackets facing downward, and then move the toothbrush from left to right. Then, move it to the bottom of your brackets facing upward and again move it back and forth until you reach all of your teeth.
- Clean between your brackets with a proxy brush (you can get one from your orthodontist or local drug store). This brush is inserted under the archwire between your brackets and bands. This helps target those hard-to-reach places that a traditional toothbrush can’t reach.
You can watch our video on brushing with braces to see what we mean.
Things to Consider
The fact is that either option will get the job done. However, many people don’t use their toothbrush properly, so it seems that electric toothbrushes are necessary. It’s fairly common for people who use manual toothbrushes not to brush their teeth long enough to reap its benefits. The American Dental Association recommends brushing for a minimum of two minutes at least twice per day for the best results.
Which is Right for You?
As you can see, both electric and manual toothbrushes are effective at removing oral plaque that causes decay and disease. Both brushes have their own advantages and will get the job done. If you’re unsure which option is best for you, or if you have questions about orthodontic services, Moles & Ferri Orthodontic Specialists can help. We will work with you to suggest a toothbrush that fits your needs so that you can achieve the bright, healthy smile you deserve.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at any one of our offices located in Milwaukee, Brookfield, or Racine.