What Type of Toothbrush is Best for Braces?
Most teens with crooked or overcrowded teeth end up with braces. Even some adults get braces later in life to straighten out their teeth. The braces usually stay on for a couple of years, but it’s a worthwhile investment as, in the end, it provides more confidence in a smile. Plus, the results often last a lifetime!
Looking after your teeth while you wear braces can look different, and it may take some getting used to, especially regarding brushing habits. You might have had a usual technique nailed before, but now you need to adjust to ensure your teeth and braces stay sparkling clean. To do that, you’ll need to find the correct toothbrush. With the right toothbrush (and technique), you ensure the removal of all plaque and food particles, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. The question is, what type of toothbrush is best for braces? Read on to learn which one you should use.
Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes
You’ll first need to decide whether to use an electric or manual toothbrush. Dentists generally recommend electric toothbrushes, especially for those with braces. That’s because electric toothbrushes provide better cleaning. Their rotary mechanism gets in between the teeth, removing all the food particles, plaque, and anything else that’s stuck in there. Plus, electric toothbrushes often come with techy extras, such as built-in timers and pressure sensors.
On the other hand, some people prefer manual brushes. The choice is up to you. Whether you pick an electrical or manual, ensure the head has soft, round bristles so you don’t erode the enamel.
A V-shaped Toothbrush
An interesting and effective manual toothbrush that you might consider is a v-shaped toothbrush. Y-Kelin does one like this. The toothbrush’s bristles form the v-shape design (hence the name), which makes the bristles longer around the edge and shorter in the middle. What this does is help the toothbrush access all areas of the tooth, whether you’re brushing at the front or the back. It might also be a more comfortable toothbrush for teeth with braces.
Three-head Design Toothbrush
A three-headed toothbrush design has – of course- three toothbrush heads. These heads ensure that all parts of the tooth get thoroughly cleaned, including the front, underneath, and back, making it a potentially great investment for people with braces. You have a couple of options here. The first is the Dentrust Braces Toothbrush, a manual version of this. There is also the Triple Bristle Sonic Toothbrush, which has three heads but is an electric version. If you want a three-headed toothbrush, the electric version is probably the best way to go, as you’ll benefit from extra plaque removal as well as all three heads.
An Interdental Brush
An interdental brush is not for regular brushing. Instead, it acts as a secondary brush you can use after your normal brush. This small brush gets in all the space you can’t usually get into, making it ideal for those with braces. In fact, it often comes as part of an ‘orthodontic kit.’ While this can’t replace your brush, it can make an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine for the duration of your braces.
A Sensitive Toothbrush
Sensitive toothbrushes have soft, gentle bristles to help prevent irritation. On top of that, the softness allows the brush to cover all areas of the tooth and braces, ensuring that all parts of the mouth get properly cleaned. This makes sensitive toothbrushes a good option if you have braces – just ensure you get one with a comfortable grip, as that can help you reach the back of your mouth!
The Consensus
When it comes to finding your ideal toothbrush for braces, you have several options. It’s a bit of a personal choice. However, there are some things to keep in mind – you should always choose a soft, round toothbrush head so that the bristles move seamlessly around the bracket and wire of each tooth. Dentists also recommend using an electric toothbrush rather than a manual one, as they provide better cleaning.
Extra Tips for Looking After Your Teeth When Wearing Braces
While the toothbrush you use while wearing braces makes a big difference, choosing the right one is not all you can do to keep your mouth clean! Here are our extra tips for ensuring your teeth stay healthy while wearing braces:
- Use a Water Flosser
If you struggle with regular floss while wearing braces, consider using a water flosser instead. It’s less fiddly, as you’ll be able to access all those hard-to-reach areas, reducing your chances of plaque and bacteria build-up.
- Brush Three Times a Day
Brushing two to three times a day is essential, even when you don’t wear braces. When wearing braces, try to make it three times every day, as doing so will ensure you remove all the food particles that get caught throughout the day.
- Check Your Smile
When you have braces, the mirror is your best friend! Unfortunately, it’s common for food to get caught in the brace. If left, it might lead to decay, so prevent that by checking your smile regularly throughout the day.
- Watch What Foods You Eat
Wearing braces means you might have to adjust your diet. You’ll no longer be able to enjoy foods like chewing gum, nuts, popcorn, chewy candy, sticky candy, and corn on the cob without risking damaging the braces! Speak to your orthodontist if you have questions about what you can and cannot eat.
- Listen to Your Orthodontist
Your orthodontist knows best. If you have any questions about your braces, speak to them about it, as they should be able to advise you. Also, make sure you don’t miss any appointments with them!
Yet to find the right orthodontist for your braces? The team here at Bafdentistry is experienced in fitting and monitoring braces. We can ensure that your smile is perfectly straight once the braces come off at the end! Get in touch with the team if you have any questions about our treatments.