As soon as braces are put on, the question always comes up: should you change your toothbrush, and if so, is it better to switch to an electric one? The answer is not a matter of trends, but of real results regarding plaque and enamel health throughout the treatment.
How braces change your brushing routine
With braces, each bracket creates an area where plaque builds up faster than elsewhere. Cleaning must therefore be more precise, take longer, and above all be more consistent over time — not just more vigorous. It is precisely on this last point that the two types of brushes differ the most.
Manual toothbrush: the limitations in orthodontics
- The brushing depends entirely on the technique and motivation at the time: at the end of the day or when in a rush, brushing is often less precise around the brackets.
- It is difficult to maintain a constant angle and pressure for a full 2 minutes, zone by zone.
- It remains effective if the technique is flawless and applied at every brushing, which requires great discipline over 12 to 24 months of treatment.
Electric toothbrush: what it really changes
- Regular vibrations dislodge plaque around the brackets more uniformly, even when manual movement is imperfect or rushed.
- Dedicated modes (gum care, polishing, gentle cleaning) make it possible to adapt brushing to the sensitive areas created by the braces.
- It reduces the gap between a "good brushing day" and a "day when you're tired" — which matters over the duration of orthodontic treatment.
The real criterion for choosing: consistency, not power
The common point in studies and recommendations on the subject is that it is not the force of brushing that protects the enamel, but consistency and precision around each bracket, repeated morning, noon, and night. An electric brush helps secure this consistency, especially for teens and young patients who often wear braces and for whom brushing discipline is more difficult to maintain.
The FrenchSmile choice for orthodontics
Aurée, our electric toothbrush, was designed for this specific context: 40,000 vibrations per minute, 5 adapted modes (including a gum care and a gentle mode), and a 30-day battery life, convenient for never interrupting your routine, even when traveling or away for the weekend. It does not replace proper techniques (interdental brush, mouthwash), but it secures the part that is most difficult to maintain alone: the consistency of the main brushing.
FAQ
Does an electric toothbrush damage braces? No, provided you use a gentle mode and do not press directly on the brackets — the technique remains the same as with a manual one: 45° angle, precise movements.
Do you need a specific mode for braces? A gum care or gentle mode is recommended, especially at the beginning of treatment when the gums are more sensitive.
Does an electric toothbrush replace interdental brushes? No, the two are complementary: the electric toothbrush cleans the surface of the teeth and around the brackets, while the interdental brush works under the metal wire and between the teeth.
Want to simplify your routine during your orthodontic treatment? Discover Aurée, the French electric toothbrush designed for precise cleaning with braces or aligners.