If you wear braces, you may have wondered: Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces?
Yes. An electric toothbrush can be used as part of your daily oral care routine while wearing braces. In fact, powered toothbrushes can be particularly useful when orthodontic brackets and wires make some areas harder to reach.
The key is not simply choosing an electric toothbrush. How you use it matters.
You need to brush around the brackets, along the gumline, above and below the wires, and across all tooth surfaces without pressing too hard. Choosing a toothbrush with soft bristles, comfortable settings, and a pressure sensor can also make brushing easier during orthodontic treatment.
In this guide, we'll cover how to use an electric toothbrush with braces, what features to look for, how much pressure to use, and common mistakes to avoid.
Quick Answer: Can You Use an Electric Toothbrush With Braces?
Yes, you can use an electric toothbrush with traditional braces.
Both manual and powered toothbrushes can be used effectively. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and notes that people with dental appliances such as braces may find powered toothbrushes easier to use.
When brushing with braces, focus on:
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The gumline
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Above the brackets
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Directly around the brackets
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Below the brackets
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Around the wires
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The inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth
Use a light touch and let the electric toothbrush do the work rather than pressing it firmly against your teeth or braces.
Why Is Brushing With Braces More Difficult?
Braces add brackets, wires, and other components to the surfaces of your teeth. These create additional areas where food particles and plaque can collect.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that orthodontic appliances create additional hard-to-reach spaces, making consistent oral hygiene especially important during treatment.
With braces, simply brushing the front of each tooth is not enough.
You need to clean around the brackets and wires while still reaching the areas that can be easy to miss, especially:
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Along the gumline
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Between brackets
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Above brackets
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Below brackets
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Around the back teeth
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Between teeth
This is one reason an electric toothbrush can be convenient during orthodontic treatment.
How to Use an Electric Toothbrush With Braces
The technique is slightly different from brushing teeth without braces.
Instead of quickly moving the brush across your teeth, divide your mouth into smaller sections and spend time cleaning around the orthodontic hardware.
1. Use a soft-bristled brush head
Start with a soft-bristled brush head.
The ADA recommends soft bristles because they can clean effectively while reducing the risk of gum abrasion.
A smaller or appropriately sized brush head can also make it easier to maneuver around brackets and reach individual teeth.
If your orthodontist has recommended a particular brush head, follow their recommendation.
2. Apply toothpaste before turning on the toothbrush
Apply fluoride toothpaste to the brush head.
Place the brush against your teeth before turning on the electric toothbrush. This can give you more control and may help reduce splashing.
3. Start with the gumline
Position the brush gently near the gumline.
The ADA generally recommends placing the toothbrush at approximately a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and using gentle pressure.
With braces, don't forget the area immediately above and below the brackets.
4. Clean above each bracket
Place the brush head above the bracket and gently clean the tooth surface between the bracket and gumline.
This area can easily be overlooked when you're focused on the metal hardware.
5. Clean directly around the brackets
Next, carefully move around the brackets.
You don't need to scrub back and forth aggressively. With an electric toothbrush, keep the brush head in contact with the tooth surface and move systematically from one section to another.
6. Clean below the brackets and around the wire
Tilt the brush slightly to reach the area below the brackets.
Pay attention to the spaces where the wire passes across the teeth.
The goal is to clean the tooth surfaces around the orthodontic hardware, rather than trying to force the bristles underneath the wire.
7. Brush the remaining tooth surfaces
Don't forget the rest of your mouth.
Brush:
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Outer surfaces
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Inner surfaces
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Chewing surfaces
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Back teeth
Brushing around braces should not replace normal toothbrushing technique. Every tooth surface still needs attention.
8. Brush for two minutes
The ADA recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste.
If your electric toothbrush has a built-in timer, use it to divide your brushing time between different areas of your mouth.
What Is the Best Electric Toothbrush Setting for Braces?
There isn't one setting that is right for everyone with braces.
The most important thing is to use a setting that allows you to clean comfortably without excessive pressure.
If you're new to an electric toothbrush or your teeth and gums feel sensitive, starting with a gentler setting can make the transition easier.
A toothbrush with multiple cleaning modes can also give you more flexibility as your comfort level changes.
What should you avoid?
Avoid pressing the brush firmly against your teeth or brackets.
More pressure does not necessarily mean better cleaning.
The ADA recommends gentle pressure when brushing, particularly with soft-bristled toothbrushes.
Can an Electric Toothbrush Damage Braces?
When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, an electric toothbrush can be part of a normal oral hygiene routine for people with braces.
The important part is technique.
Avoid:
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Pressing aggressively against brackets
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Scrubbing forcefully
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Trying to force the brush head underneath the orthodontic wire
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Using worn or damaged bristles
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Ignoring discomfort or a loose orthodontic component
If a bracket or wire becomes loose or damaged, contact your orthodontist rather than trying to fix it with your toothbrush.
If brushing causes persistent pain, significant gum irritation, or other concerns, ask your dentist or orthodontist for personalized advice.
Electric Toothbrush vs. Manual Toothbrush With Braces
Both manual and powered toothbrushes can be used effectively.
The ADA states that both types can remove plaque when used appropriately. It also notes that people with dental appliances such as braces may find powered toothbrushes easier to use.
The practical difference is often convenience.
Manual toothbrush
A manual toothbrush gives you complete control over the brushing motion and pressure.
However, brushing around multiple brackets and wires can require more deliberate movement.
Electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush provides powered movement and often includes features such as:
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Built-in timers
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Multiple brushing modes
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Different intensity levels
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Pressure sensors
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Replaceable brush heads
These features can make it easier to maintain a consistent brushing routine.
There is no need to switch to an electric toothbrush simply because you have braces. The more important factor is whether you can use your chosen toothbrush consistently and clean all areas thoroughly.
What Features Should You Look for in an Electric Toothbrush for Braces?
If you're shopping for an electric toothbrush while wearing braces, consider the following features.
1. Soft bristles
Soft bristles are a good starting point for everyday brushing and are recommended by the ADA.
2. Pressure sensor
A pressure sensor can be useful if you tend to brush too hard.
Instead of guessing how much pressure you're applying, the toothbrush can provide feedback when you're pressing too firmly.
3. Multiple cleaning modes
Different brushing modes can give you more control over your routine.
If your teeth or gums feel sensitive during orthodontic treatment, having a gentler option may be useful.
4. A suitable brush-head size
A brush head that is easy to maneuver can help you reach individual teeth and work around brackets more precisely.
5. Built-in timer
A two-minute timer can help you maintain a consistent brushing time.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth With Braces?
The ADA recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes as a general oral-care routine.
However, orthodontic care can require additional cleaning depending on your situation.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends maintaining careful oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment and notes that brushing after meals may be appropriate for people with orthodontic appliances.
Your orthodontist may give you specific instructions based on your braces, oral health and treatment plan.
Do You Still Need to Floss With Braces?
Yes.
An electric toothbrush cleans the surfaces of your teeth, but brushing alone does not replace cleaning between teeth.
The ADA recommends cleaning between teeth once a day with floss or another interdental cleaner.
This becomes particularly important with braces because orthodontic hardware can create additional areas where food and plaque become trapped.
Depending on your braces and orthodontist's recommendations, you may use:
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Traditional floss with a floss threader
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Orthodontic floss
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Interdental brushes
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A water flosser
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Other interdental cleaning tools
Your orthodontist can help you determine which option works best for your specific appliance.
Can You Use an Electric Toothbrush With Invisalign?
Yes, but Invisalign and traditional braces require slightly different cleaning routines.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable. You should follow the cleaning instructions provided for your aligners and remove them as directed before brushing or cleaning them.
For traditional braces, the brackets and wires remain attached to the teeth, so brushing needs to focus on cleaning around the orthodontic hardware.
If you're unsure whether your toothbrush or brushing routine is appropriate for your specific aligners, ask your orthodontist.
What About Sensitive Teeth With Braces?
Some people experience temporary sensitivity or discomfort during orthodontic treatment.
If brushing feels uncomfortable, avoid responding by pressing harder or scrubbing faster.
Instead:
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Use a soft-bristled brush head.
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Use a comfortable brushing mode.
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Apply gentle pressure.
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Take your time around sensitive areas.
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Ask your dentist or orthodontist if discomfort persists.
For people who already prefer a gentler brushing experience, an electric toothbrush with adjustable intensity can provide more control.
A Simple Electric Toothbrush Routine for Braces
If you're looking for an easy routine to follow every day, try this sequence:
Step 1: Apply fluoride toothpaste to a soft-bristled brush head.
Step 2: Place the brush against your teeth before turning it on.
Step 3: Start at the gumline.
Step 4: Clean above the brackets.
Step 5: Clean around the brackets.
Step 6: Clean below the brackets and around the wire.
Step 7: Brush the inner and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Step 8: Pay extra attention to the back teeth.
Step 9: Continue until you've brushed for two minutes.
Step 10: Clean between your teeth using the interdental method recommended by your orthodontist.
This systematic approach is more useful than simply brushing faster.
KIWIBIRD Electric Toothbrush for Braces
For people looking for an electric toothbrush that can adapt to different brushing preferences, KIWIBIRD's electric toothbrush is designed around features that can be useful for everyday oral care.
Its soft-bristle brush head provides a gentle brushing option, while the pressure sensor can help remind you when you're applying too much force.
Multiple brushing modes and intensity levels also allow you to adjust the brushing experience rather than relying on a single setting.
For people with braces, the goal is not to brush harder around the brackets. It's to brush carefully, consistently and systematically.
If your orthodontist has given you specific brushing instructions, always follow those recommendations first.
FAQ:
Can I use an electric toothbrush with metal braces?
Yes. Electric toothbrushes can be used with traditional metal braces. Use a soft-bristled brush head, gentle pressure and carefully clean around the brackets and wires.
Can electric toothbrushes break braces?
Normal brushing with an electric toothbrush should not be expected to break properly fitted braces when the toothbrush is used according to instructions. Avoid pressing aggressively or forcing the brush head against orthodontic hardware. Contact your orthodontist if a bracket or wire becomes loose.
What type of toothbrush is best for braces?
Both manual and powered toothbrushes can be effective. If choosing an electric toothbrush, useful features to consider include soft bristles, a manageable brush-head size, a pressure sensor, a timer and adjustable brushing settings.
Should I use a soft toothbrush with braces?
Yes. The ADA recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes for everyday brushing.
How long should I brush my teeth with braces?
The ADA recommends brushing for two minutes twice a day. People with braces may also need additional cleaning during the day, depending on their orthodontist's instructions and eating habits.
Should I brush above or below my braces?
Both.
When brushing with traditional braces, clean the tooth surface above the brackets near the gumline and the area below the brackets. Also clean around the brackets and wire.
Can I use an electric toothbrush with a retainer?
Generally, follow the cleaning instructions provided for your specific retainer. Removable retainers should be cleaned separately according to your orthodontist's recommendations rather than treated exactly like fixed braces.
Can I use a water flosser with braces?
A water flosser can be used as an interdental-cleaning option for many people with braces. It should complement toothbrushing rather than replace it.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush with braces?
Bleeding can be associated with inflamed gums or irritation. If your gums continue to bleed, are swollen, or become painful, talk with your dentist or orthodontist rather than simply changing your brushing pressure.