Choosing the Best Manual Toothbrush | Vermette Orthodontics (2024)

FAQs

Choosing the Best Manual Toothbrush | Vermette Orthodontics? ›

Brushes with angled bristles will help you clean better around brackets and wires. The toothbrush head- Which size is best? A smaller toothbrush head is easier to maneuver around the mouth and clean better around orthodontic appliances.

The ADA recommends using a toothbrush with soft or ultra-soft bristles, not medium hardness bristles, to minimize the risk of gingival abrasion. Many manual toothbrushes now feature molded handles and/or a textured grip for comfortable, non-slip use. However, some patients may need a little extra support.

Braces mean there are lots of nooks and crannies to clean around, and an oscillating electric toothbrush can clean around the brackets and wires quicker than a manual toothbrush.

Any toothbrush you choose should have soft bristles. Soft-bristled toothbrushes are more gentle on your teeth and gums, especially if you have soft gums or enamel erosion. Brushing with a hard-bristled brush can remove more plaque, but also wear away at your enamel if excessive force is applied.

Our tester recommends the Oral-B Pro Health All In One Soft Toothbrush for gentle cleaning action that still gets the job done. The rounded, angled bristles clean deep between teeth and along the gum line, while the gum stimulators help improve blood flow—leaving you with healthy, happy gums.

This toothbrush incorporates the bracket groove, a special groove for braces: the 5'460 Curen® filaments clean brackets, teeth and gums gently and carefully. 5'460 Curen® filaments, 0.1 mm in diameter. Free from harmful substances such as bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates or azo dyes.

Orthodontic toothbrush: Those with braces may find that a toothbrush designed to navigate their braces makes it easier to clean their teeth. Specially shaped bristles, a narrow neck, and a strong grip are qualities you should look for when selecting a brush to clean around your wires and brackets.

When using a manual toothbrush, always use small circular movements (the bristles of the brush should point towards the gums). Make sure that you brush above your brace, on the brace and below the brace. Don't forget to brush all of the other surfaces of your teeth and brush your gums gently!

You can use any toothbrush safely with braces if you handle it correctly. However, we strongly suggest using a toothbrush with a small, snug, and soft-bristled head for the best safety and comfort. This is crucial for proper care during your braces treatment.

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.

What is the best brushing technique for Orthodontics? ›

Start by holding the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brushing along the gum line. Next, shift the angle of the toothbrush so that you can carefully brush the tops of your brackets. Then, reposition the toothbrush to angle up so that you can brush under the brackets and wire. Be sure to clean each tooth.

Colgate 360 Enamel Health Toothbrush

The gentle bristles reduce wear while polishing cups minimise enamel erosion, making this a particularly good manual option for those with sensitive or damaged teeth.

Here are some key factors to consider: Size and shape: Choose a toothbrush head size that comfortably fits in your mouth and allows easy access to all areas of your teeth and gums. A smaller head size can help maneuver around hard-to-reach areas, such as the back molars.

A review of studies showed that, in general, electric toothbrushes do decrease more plaque and gingivitis than manual toothbrushes. After three months of use, plaque was reduced by 21 percent and gingivitis by 11 percent. Oscillating (rotating) toothbrushes seem to work better than just vibrating toothbrushes.

Dentists recommend a soft to medium texture toothbrush to ensure effective cleaning without damaging tooth enamel and gum tissue. Choose a brush with a head size to suit your brushing style. Look out for compact heads to allow access to all mouth areas with a rounded shape for safer brushing.

Both electric and manual toothbrushes come in a variety of head sizes and bristle configurations, including bristles that are clustered, angled, or rippled in various ways. “Some studies have shown that tapered or angled bristles are slightly more effective at reducing plaque than flat brushes,” Tang says.

Dental professionals recommend soft-bristle toothbrushes because too much pressure or overzealous brushing can negatively impact the enamel and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends soft-bristle toothbrushes with angled or multi-layer bristles to ensure an excellent clean without harming your teeth.