Maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes complex once braces are placed. Braces create new surfaces and tight spaces where food debris and plaque accumulate, increasing the risk of decalcification and gum inflammation. Using an electric toothbrush is safe and generally recommended by orthodontists for enhanced cleaning effectiveness compared to manual brushing. Powered toothbrushes provide a more thorough and efficient clean around the brackets and wires that are difficult to reach with a traditional brush.
Addressing Concerns About Braces Damage
A common concern involves the potential for an electric toothbrush’s vibrations or pressure to compromise the structural integrity of the braces. Modern electric toothbrushes are designed with gentle movements and are safe for all types of orthodontic appliances, including metal, ceramic, and self-ligating brackets. The bonding adhesive securing brackets to the teeth is strong enough to withstand the forces generated by a powered toothbrush. Many advanced models feature built-in pressure sensors that alert the user if they are pressing too hard, protecting the gums and enamel. The risk to braces comes from poor technique or hard manual scrubbing, not the electric tool’s gentle action.
Selecting the Right Electric Toothbrush Head
Choosing the correct brush head is important for maximizing cleaning efficiency around orthodontic structures. Electric toothbrushes typically use two main types of movement: sonic (high-frequency vibrations) or oscillating-rotating (a small, rapidly rotating head). Both types are effective, but oscillating-rotating heads are often cited for their ability to maneuver around individual brackets more easily.
Specialized orthodontic brush heads are available, often featuring a V-shaped bristle pattern designed to contour around the wires and brackets. The recessed center of these heads allows the bristles to simultaneously clean the bracket surfaces and the surrounding tooth enamel. If a specialized head is not used, selecting a standard head with soft bristles and a small, compact size is advisable for better access into tight areas.
Step-by-Step Brushing Technique for Orthodontic Patients
Brushing technique must be modified substantially when using an electric toothbrush with braces to ensure all surfaces are reached. Divide the mouth into four sections and plan to spend 30 seconds on each to meet the recommended two-minute total brushing duration. Do not scrub; instead, gently guide the head slowly from tooth to tooth, allowing the brush’s motion to perform the cleaning action. Focus first on the area above the main archwire and brackets, holding the bristles at a 45-degree angle pointing toward the gumline. This angle helps the bristles reach the space where the gum meets the tooth, which is prone to plaque buildup.
Next, reposition the brush head to clean the area below the wire and brackets, angling the bristles at 45 degrees toward the chewing surface of the tooth. This motion cleans the underside of the wire and the lower half of the bracket. For each tooth, hold the brush head in place for a few seconds to allow the bristles to work effectively before moving to the next tooth. Once the outer surfaces are clean, repeat the process on the inside surfaces of the teeth, using the same gentle, guiding motion.
Finally, ensure the chewing surfaces of the back teeth are thoroughly cleaned by holding the brush flat against them. The two-minute timer, often built into the electric toothbrush, helps ensure adequate time is devoted to cleaning every quadrant. After brushing, use a small interdental brush or floss threaders to clean the tight spaces between the brackets and wires that the electric brush may miss.