Oral hygiene is an essential component of our overall health and cleanliness. If you have braces, it becomes even more important, as food and plaque can become trapped between the wires and your teeth. An electric toothbrush is a great option in this case, as they can more effectively clean underneath the wires. If you are looking for the best electric toothbrush for braces, there are several factors to consider.
Electric Toothbrushes
If you’re considering an electric toothbrush, it is important to first do some research to become familiar with the differences between models. Learning as much as you can before investing will ensure that you pick the right brush for your needs.
- Real time feedback with the Oral B app focuses brushing on your most important areas, tracks habits over time, motivates with...
- Made of different high tech materials like silicon. Cross Action round brush head with perfectly angled bristles for a...
- Clinically proven superior 3D cleaning oscillates, rotates and pulsates to break up and remove up to 100 percentage more...
- Clinically proven superior 3D Cleaning Action oscillates, rotates and pulsates to break up and remove 300% more plaque than a...
- The pressure sensor stops the pulsation movement if you brush too hard and the in-handle timer helps you brush for a...
- 1 Mode, Daily Clean, rotates to break up and sweep away plaque
- New version available - ProtectiveClean 4100 White
- Removes up to 6x more plaque than a manual toothbrush. Features click on brush head system
- Sonic technology: With up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute, dynamic fluid action helps clean between teeth and along the...
- Up to 2x better plaque removal versus a manual toothbrush
- Includes soft-grip handle designed for comfort and control, 1 contoured brush head, charger base, and travel case. Includes 1...
- Patented sonic technology- dynamic cleaning action drives fluid between teeth and along the gum line to gently remove plaque
- More Effective Brushing and Flossing in One Convenient Device
- Removes plaque and debris deep between teeth and below the gumline where brushing and traditional flossing can't reach
- High volume reservoir with 90+ seconds of water capacity and sonic toothbrush technology with 25 Percent faster bristle speed...
Advantages of Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes have a significant advantage over manual models. Studies have shown that they clean the teeth more effectively. In one study performed over three months, it was shown that electric toothbrushes removed plaque 11% more effectively than manual toothbrushes.
In addition, there was a decrease in gingivitis (inflammation and sensitivity of the gums which can cause frequent bleeding) as well as significant decrease in bleeding gums. (source)
Unlike manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrushes don’t require the brushing motion, therefore, you can get a better cleaning with less effort. To use, simply turn on the toothbrush and place the brush head on the teeth – it will do the work for you. Because you don’t need to apply any additional pressure, you won’t have to worry about pushing too hard (or not pushing enough) for a proper clean.
Using Your Electric Toothbrush
One of the most important things to remember when using an electric toothbrush is that they are not intended to be used the same way as a manual one. With an electric toothbrush, using a regular brushing motion can be too harsh on the gums, especially for those with sensitive teeth or braces.
Instead, point the brush downward in between the teeth and allow the brush head to clean the spaces in between. Then, turn the brush around and brush the area between the gums and the brackets of the braces.
When using an electric toothbrush, it is important to regularly change the brush head as it will become worn over time. Typically, a brush head will last about 3 months. However, because braces tend to wear down bristles faster, it’s recommended that you change them more often.
Electric Toothbrush Features to Consider
When choosing an electric toothbrush, it is important to consider a number of factors to find the best fit for you. Some features are especially important if you have braces, since they require extra care and cleaning in order to keep the teeth clean and healthy.
Rotating Head vs Sonic (Vibrating) Toothbrush Head
There are two different types of electric toothbrush heads. A rotating toothbrush head is just what it sounds like – the head rotates, effectively sweeping away food particles and plaque. On the other hand, a sonic toothbrush head does not rotate but vibrates to clean the teeth. Studies have shown that rotating toothbrush heads are significantly more effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis than sonic toothbrush heads. (source)
For people with braces, this difference is especially important. Most dentists recommend rotating heads for braces, as they are better able to clean in the tight spaces between wires and teeth. (source)
Timers
Most electric toothbrushes come standard with a 2-minute timer. Some offer an additional feature called a “quad pacer,” which breaks up the 2 minutes into 30 second segments. This allows you to equally distribute your brushing into the 4 quadrants of your mouth for an even cleaning every time.
Bristle Stiffness
Just like manual toothbrushes, electric toothbrush heads come in a variety of bristle stiffness. One benefit of electric toothbrushes is that some models can use more than one type of toothbrush head so that you can choose the stiffness that’s most comfortable for you.
Softer bristles are preferable for braces as they will be less harsh on sensitive gums. Additionally, because soft bristles are the most pliable, they are better able to get into the hard to reach spaces in between wires. (source)
Brushing Modes/Speeds
Some electric toothbrushes offer multiple speeds or brushing modes for different purposes, while others only have one. The ability to change speeds for either a more gentle or a more vigorous brushing is appealing, especially if you who have certain sensitive areas in your mouth. For those with braces, a gentler brushing mode is typically preferable to avoid causing additional gum irritation.
Cost
Electric toothbrushes range in price from less than $50 to over $200. The more features a toothbrush offers, the more it will cost you in the end. Replacement heads also range in price and are usually offered in packs of 2 or 3 for around $20-30.
If you are just looking for a basic electric toothbrush for every day and don’t require any of the extra gadgets that some offer, you can expect to spend less than $100 for both the toothbrush and a pack of extra brush heads.
Reviews
Oral-B
Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries Power This Bluetooth-capable toothbrush connects to your smart phone to track brushing habits. This is the first toothbrush of its kind to offer Bluetooth technology. In addition, its wide range of brushing modes (Daily Clean, Gum Care, Sensitive, Whitening, Deep Clean, and Tongue Cleaner) and brush heads allow for a more customized brushing experience. The separate display provides information on your selected mode, brushing time, and which quadrant of the mouth you are on, even without being connected to a smartphone.Replacement brush heads are also available.
Oral-B
Oral-B Pro 1000 Power Oral-B has long been one of the top names in dental hygiene. One of this toothbrush’s most significant features is a rotating brush head, which is present in all Oral-B electric toothbrushes.Replacement toothbrush heads are available.
Philips
Philips Sonicare 2 Series Philips is another big name in dental hygiene. The Essence 5600 electric toothbrush is one of their classic models, with a standard built-in timer and a charging base. This model also comes with a soft-grip handle for added comfort and control. Replacement heads.
Philips
Philips Sonicare Essence 5600 Sonic Philips is another big name in dental hygiene. The Essence 5600 electric toothbrush is one of their classic models, with a standard built-in timer and a charging base. This model also comes with a soft-grip handle for added comfort and control. Replacement heads.
Waterpik
Waterpik Complete Flosser This product stands out because of the added component of a water flosser. Similar to the water flossers they use at the dentist’s office, this device sprays a direct stream of water wherever you point it, dislodging food particles and plaque. This is especially beneficial for people with braces, as the stream of water can reach places that regular dental floss typically doesn’t. (source)The toothbrush heads and jet tips are both replaceable. 
our #1 rated
Pros
Bluetooth connectivity
Separate display provides information
Cons
Bulky handle
Some customers report issues with battery charge
our #2 rated
Pros
Long battery life - up to 10 days
Rotating toothbrush head for deeper clean
Cons
Some find the vibrations too strong
Charger base requires regular cleaning
our #3 rated
Pros
Travel case included
Long battery life - up to 20 uses
Cons
For some, the vibration was too strong and caused sore gums
Must be taken apart and cleaned regularly to avoid mold or buildup
our #4 rated
Pros
Travel case included
Long battery life - up to 20 uses
Cons
For some, the vibration was too strong and caused sore gums
Must be taken apart and cleaned regularly to avoid mold or buildup
our #5 rated
Pros
Water flosser included
Two speeds for extra control
Cons
Some customers report issues with battery charge
Toothbrush head vibrates, does not fully rotate
Conclusion
When comparing these 5 brushes, the Oral-B 7000 SmartSeries is the best electric toothbrush for braces. One of its most significant advantages is the rotating brush head, which is preferable especially when cleaning the tight space between wires and teeth. None of the Sonicare brushes offer the option for a rotating brush head.
With a range of toothbrush heads and 6 different cleaning modes to choose from, the Oral-B 7000 allows you to tailor your brushing to suit your needs, whether you need a more sensitive setting or a more vigorous one.
Perhaps its most significant downfall is its price. Although it is the most expensive of the bunch, its extra features and settings make it the best option for those with braces.
If you are looking for a more budget-friendly toothbrush, the Oral-B Pro 1000 is another good choice as it also comes with a rotating brush head. And because it can use many different Oral-B brush heads, you can choose the bristle stiffness you need. Its main drawback compared to the Oral-B 7000 is the lack of brushing modes and speeds.
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