Congratulations on beginning your path to a new smile! Our goal at The Smile Station is to make sure that your treatment goes as smoothly and successfully as possible. “Should I use a manual or an electric toothbrush?” is one of the most commonly asked questions we hear from braces patients.

The short response? Both are capable of doing this job. The lengthy answer? When you have brackets and wires, an electric toothbrush can make cleaning much simpler and more efficient.

To help you in making a decision, check this breakdown.

The Challenge of Brushing with Braces

Brushing was easy before braces. Now that you have a mouth full of new hardware, food particles and plaque can hide in dozens of small nooks and crannies. The buildup can cause cavities, sore gums, and permanent white stains on your teeth once the braces are removed if they are not properly cleaned.

So, being thorough is important. 

The Case for the Electric Toothbrush

We strongly advise most orthodontic patients to get a high-quality electric toothbrush. This is the reason:

• Supercharged Cleaning Power: Depending on how quickly you brush, a manual toothbrush can put out roughly 300 strokes per minute. Thousands of strokes (or vibrations) can be produced with an electric toothbrush every minute. You don’t need to brush vigorously to remove plaque from around brackets, thanks to this quick action.
• Built-in Timers: To be honest, do you actually brush for two minutes every time? Most folks don’t. To help to be sure that you brush for the specified amount of time, electric toothbrushes come with built-in timers which buzz every 30 seconds to alert you to change to a different area of your mouth.
• Pressure Sensors: Gum injury can be caused from vigorous brushing. If you want to protect your gums while you clean around your appliances, many electric models have a sensor that warns you with an indication of light or a sudden change in vibration if you are brushing too hard.
• Easier Access: A majority of the work is done for you. The spinning or vibrating head does them for you. All you have to do is direct it under the wires, over the brackets, and along the gum line. A better cleaning needs less manual labor.

The Case for the Manual Toothbrush

Even while electric toothbrushes tend to be chosen more often, manual toothbrushes aren’t “bad.” Simply put, it takes more patience and effort.

• Pros: They are inexpensive, require no charging, and are easy to toss in a bag for school or travel.
• The Catch: To be effective with braces, you must be extremely diligent. You need to use the correct technique (angling the brush at 45 degrees to get under the wires), brush for the full two minutes, and be careful not to brush too hard. It requires more patience and manual dexterity.

The Verdict from Your Roseburg Orthodontist

Think of it this way: You can mow a large lawn with a push mower, but a riding mower makes the job faster, easier, and often yields better results.

An electric toothbrush is like the riding mower for your mouth. It’s a tool designed to make a difficult job easier. Given the investment you are making in your smile, investing in a tool that helps protect it is a smart choice.

Bottom Line: The best toothbrush is the one you use twice a day for two full minutes with the proper technique. If you’re unsure if your brushing is up to par, ask us at your next appointment! We’re happy to demonstrate the best way to keep your smile sparkling clean throughout your treatment.

Ready to start your smile journey? Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Surya Joseph at The Smile Station today!