One of the most common questions we get from patients (and parents) is:
“Should I use an electric or manual toothbrush while wearing braces?”
Both types can be effective, but understanding the differences can help you make the best choice for your oral health during orthodontic treatment.
Manual Toothbrushes
Manual toothbrushes are inexpensive, easy to use, don’t require charging and come in many different sizes/bristle types however they also require a good brushing technique, awareness of time (2 minutes) and can be difficult to access certain areas in the mouth.
Electric toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have an oscillating or vibrating head to help remove plaque more efficiently and they have built in timers to ensure 2 minutes of brushing.
They are more expensive, need charging and we find the heads get worn out quite quickly during orthodontic treatment because of the brackets.
Our Recommendation
While an electric toothbrush is more efficient at removing plaque, if you are currently using a manual toothbrush with the correct technique and your oral hygiene is good, then we won’t suggest changing. However, if your oral hygiene is not adequate then we may suggest upgrading to an electric toothbrush.
In summary, plaque removal comes down to technique and time spent brushing, whether with an electric or a manual toothbrush. If you’re still unsure which brush is right for you or your child, ask us at your next visit!