The Best Orthodontic Tooth Brush for Your Orthodontic Needs

You or your child have entered the orthodontic world and have decided to make your smile even better. Your orthodontist has probably given you the speech about having immaculate oral hygiene while wearing these braces. So you have decided to go to the store and look at some options while you are still excited about the prospect of braces. Or maybe your child just needs to improve their oral hygiene and since you are spending an arm and a leg you’ve decided that they will have great oral hygiene no matter what.

Option #1 is to use a manual toothbrush. Now, when looking for a manual toothbrush for braces, it may be slightly difficult. They aren’t readily available at all stores. You can ask your orthodontist for one or even his opinion on what to get. You are going to look for a toothbrush that is shaped like a “V.” It’s not like your average toothbrush. It’s shaped this way for better cleaning because it is very easy to maneuver around all those wires and brackets that are now attached to your teeth. It must be a soft-bristled toothbrush as all toothbrushes should be soft. They sometimes come as a dual-ended brush with one end that has bristles shaped like a Christmas tree (that’s to get in between large spaces and through all those wires), while the other end has the regular “V” shape discussed earlier.

Option #2 is to go for the electric toothbrush. This type of toothbrush is especially good for those that don’t have the best oral hygiene and especially great for teens in braces. The Sonicare Company has an electric toothbrush that is sold on the market and you can find at your local stores. This type of toothbrush vibrates from side to side. It also improves brushing habits because it forces you to brush each tooth and some models are pressure sensitive preventing you from brushing too hard. Also, some models have a timer that will time you for two minutes (which is the optimal time for brushing). Now the drawback is that this can be pricey at stores but is well worth the cost if you are in orthodontic care. Some dental offices do sell the Sonicare toothbrush and may be a little less expensive. This toothbrush also has different toothbrush heads for everyone in the family and does have one especially suited for orthodontics.

Another electric toothbrush sold on the markets is an Oral B electric toothbrush. The ProfessionalCare 5000 is the newest on the market and is great for both people in braces and without braces. There are 5 modes suited for different cleanings. This toothbrush is sold in stores and is sold at dental offices as well. This, too, can be pricey but is proven to remove 99.7% of plaque according to a study done by Oral B. This has a pressure sensor to stop hard brushing and improves gum health. It is also the number one recommended power toothbrush by dentists.

If you are going to start braces or are already in braces it is beneficial to you to pick the best toothbrush for your specific needs. I personally would recommend a power toothbrush to my patients especially to teens. Let’s face it, a teenager doesn’t spend nearly enough time brushing and flossing. Also, talk with your dentist; they will most certainly help you decide what’s best for your individual oral hygiene needs.

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