Which is better, electric or non-electric toothbrushes?

Question

I am getting braces tomorrow, and I would like to know if electric toothbrushes can clean my teeth better with braces on than non-electric toothbrushes, or the other way around. thanks!

ps: i dont know if they are really called electric, so then i guess the battery operated ones.

Answer 1

An oral B or sonicare are the best.(I have both)  Battery operated ones I feel do not do the job these do. They do a better job than manual toothbrushes. However a manual toothbrush is still very much needed. I use my Oral B more than my Sonicare because I feel it does a better job for my dental implants and the sonicare buzzes and tickles so bad.  

Answer 2

I would agree somewhat with Emily.  Use the brush that you feel you can do the best job with.  If that is a manual toothbrush, then so be it.

The claim to fame of the ultrasonic toothbrushes like the Sonicare is that they help to break up plaque and stain 3-4 mm's beyond where the toothbrush is actually touching the tooth.  This is where they are beneficial.  A manual toothbrush only removes plaque from the tooth where its bristles make contact with the tooth.  the ultrasonics, because they vibrate so quickly, create ultrasonic waves that help break up plaque 3-4 mm's BEYOND where the bristles are contacting the tooth.  this is especially good for people with braces, since the braces get in the way and make cleaning your teeth even harder.

Answer 3

I am also getting braces but in 5 days and i would recommend a Sonicare toothbrush.  It very good and leaves your teeth feeling really nice.  The sonic waves from the toothbrush will knock out all plaque and junk in your teeth/braces.

Answer 4

I personally prefer non-electric toothbrushes for my braces, only because you control the brush. A lot of the time electric toothbrushes can't get in tight corners and feel weird on your brackets. Also non-electric ones are less rough on your braces so you don't have to worry about loose wires or other problems.

-Emily

Answer 5

Well, i say use both. For your gums, and on the back of your teeth, you should use a battery powered brush, but the more softer parts of your mouth, like your actual braces and wisdom teeth, use a soft brush.