As adults, we understand how important it is to keep your teeth clean and healthy while going through your braces transformation. Creating a straighter smile is our job, but yours is to keep your teeth clean and healthy while you have the braces on. Maintaining good oral health can be even easier when you know what type of toothbrushes are best for braces.
When you have braces it might be more difficult to keep your teeth clean. Between the brackets and wires, it creates extra spaces for food and plaque to hide. This can lead to problems like cavities, gum disease, or even white spots on your teeth after the braces come off. To avoid these issues when you have braces, brushing your teeth with the proper toothbrush twice a day is a must. Using the right toothbrush for your braces will help you achieve a healthy, clean smile while rocking your braces!
1. Soft-bristled Manual Toothbrush
A classic choice for toothbrushes when you have braces is a soft-bristled toothbrush. The soft bristles are gentle on your gums and will prevent any damage to your brackets or wires. When shopping for a new toothbrush, try to look for toothbrushes with a smaller head so that it is easier to reach around the brackets and between all of your teeth. Here is a pro tip from our experienced orthodontic teams, make sure to angle your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and brackets for the best cleaning results! Make sure to brush in small circular motions to ensure that you are getting all of the plaque.
2. Orthodontic Toothbrush
These types of toothbrushes are designed for those with braces. Orthodontic toothbrushes are built with V-shaped bristles that are shorter in the center and longer toward the edges so that you can easily clean around your braces. The special shape in this style of brush helps to clean between the brackets and wires while also effectively cleaning your teeth. If you are looking for a specific toothbrush designed with braces in mind, this is your best option!
3. Electric Toothbrush
If you are looking for a more high-tech option, electric toothbrushes can be great. When shopping for an electric toothbrush for your braces it is important to make sure that you are looking for a brush that offers a oscillating or vibrating brush head. These types of brush heads are great for removing plaque more efficiently than manual brushing. Another great reason that you can use an electric toothbrush for your braces is that many of them come with timers. These timers will ensure that you brush for the recommended two minutes. Some even have pressure sensors to prevent you from brushing too hard.
4. Interdental Brushes (proxy brushes)
Proxy brushes, more commonly known as Interdental Brushes are small brushes that are designed to clean between your teeth and around your braces. They are tiny brushes that can get into spaces that a regular toothbrush might miss. They are great for reaching around brackets and wires without causing damage to them. Another pro tip from our trusted orthodontic team is to use interdental brushes as a complement to your regular toothbrush, especially after meals, to keep your braces and teeth in top shape.
With all these specialty toothbrushes in mind, is getting braces worth it? Yes! Keeping your teeth in good oral health requires more effort but the results are rewarding. Braces not only give you a straighter and more beautiful smile but also improve your overall oral health. They help correct bite issues, align your teeth properly, and prevent future dental problems like jaw pain or uneven wear on your teeth.
We understand that committing to braces can be a huge investment for many adults, which is why we have created affordable payment plans starting at just $99 a month and we accept most insurance plans. Don’t wait to achieve the smile of your dreams! Whether you’re interested in braces or clear aligners, Imagine Orthodontic Studio is here to help. Our expert orthodontists in Tampa, St. Pete, and Clearwater are ready to guide you on your journey to a perfect smile. Book your free consultation today, and let’s get started on the path to a healthier, more confident you!
