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Top 8 Best Toothbrushes for Braces

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Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated June 8, 2024

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Oral appliances like braces require a lot of money to be fitted, and cleaning the appliance is very crucial. Choosing the correct toothbrush can go a long way in ensuring that the braces are properly cleaned and that your teeth remain in good health. In this article, we’ll be uncovering the best toothbrush for braces.

Below is the list of different toothbrushes that we researched and tried to determine the best toothbrush for braces. By the time you are through with this article, you will have all the information that is required when selecting the right toothbrush for your braces.

Top 3 Best Toothbrushes for Braces

  1. Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
  2. Orthodontic Toothbrush V-Trim Double-Ended Brush with Interproximal Head for Cleaning Ortho Braces, 4 Count (Pack of 1)
  3. GUM Orthodontic Kit

You can easily understand that it is not easy to maintain oral hygiene when you have braces on. And that’s why we have critically reviewed and come up with the best toothbrushes for braces currently available in the market. The following toothbrushes were selected as they are suitable for cleaning around the brackets and wires, but are kind to your gums and teeth. Here is our list of the best toothbrushes for braces:

Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

The Editor's Choice

Experience the ultimate clean with the Oral-B Pro 1000 Electric Toothbrush. It's designed by dental pros, boasting 3D cleaning action, a pressure sensor, and customizable modes. Partnered with Oral-B, the #1 choice of dentists worldwide, it's your path to a healthier smile.

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The Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is ideal for anyone with braces who wants a superior deep clean.

Pros

  • Removes up to 100% more plaque along the gumline with dentist-inspired round brush head technology
  • Protects your gums with sensi cleaning mode and gum pressure control that automatically stops brush pulsations when brushing too hard
  • Maximizes cleaning performance with 3 easy-to-use cleaning modes and handle-integrated quadrant timer that alerts you every 30 seconds to change brushing zone

Cons

  • Toothbrush bristles are too hard, which can be uncomfortable, especially on the gums
  • No option for different modes
  • Turning the toothbrush off can be tricky

The Oral-B Pro 1000 has a professional look that comes with a CrossAction brush head where each tooth is surrounded by bristles that are placed at an angle of 16 degrees. Here, it has a 3D cleaning action that oscillates, rotates, and pulsates to clean plaque in the gum line effectively. The pressure sensor halts pulsations if you brush too hard to avoid adverse over-brushing and it comes with 3 modes. It also has an in-handle timer to guide you through the recommended two minutes of brushing recommended by a dentist.

This toothbrush has one of the significant advantages of having been developed by Oral-B, the brand most recommended by dentists globally. You can also customize your cleaning and elevate your brushing with Oral-B brush heads optional for purchase to cater to your customized necessities such as deep cleaning, gentle cleaning, and whitening.

All in all, the Oral-B Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush is a good buy for anyone with braces to get that perfect deep clean. It delivers 1-3X more plaque reduction along the gumline, offers gum protection, and optimizes cleaning efficacy through simplified cleaning options and a quadrant timer located on the handle.

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For cleaning your braces, an ideal toothbrush we would suggest is the Orthodontic Toothbrush V-Trim Double-Ended Brush with Interproximal Head.

Pros

  • The v-trimmed bristles are designed to effectively clean around brackets and wires, making it easier to remove plaque.
  • The interproximal brush on the opposite end helps clean hard-to-reach areas under the wires and around the brackets.
  • The pack comes with four brushes, each in a different color, making it easy to keep track of which brush belongs to whom.

Cons

  • The bristles may come loose after a few uses.
  • The brush head may get stuck in some braces, making it difficult to remove.
  • The brush may not be as effective for those with sensitive teeth.

The v-trimmed bristles were designed in such a way that they could fit on the brackets and wires thus enhancing easy removal of plaque. The interproximal brush at the other end of the brush was also useful in cleaning regions under the wires and around the brackets.

However, it was also observed that the bristles tend to detach from the brush after some washes, which is quite inconvenient. However, the brush head may become trapped on some braces and be challenging to remove. Last but not least, the brush may not work well with people with sensitive teeth.

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For a one-stop oral hygiene solution for orthodontic patients, the GUM Orthodontic Kit is highly recommended.

Pros

  • The specialized "V" trim bristles of the GUM Orthodontic Toothbrush are perfect for cleaning around orthodontic appliances such as brackets, wires, buttons, and ligatures.
  • The GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens cleaners are clinically designed to remove dental plaque, biofilm, and food particles from hard-to-reach areas between the teeth, around crowns, bridges, dental implants, and orthodontic appliances.
  • The GUM EasyThread Threader Floss comes with double-ended threader sections and puffy floss to provide easy access for enhanced plaque removal around orthodontic braces, fixed bridges, and dental implants without causing irritation.

Cons

  • The GUM Orthodontic Wax might not be suitable for everyone as it can cause discomfort and sores in the mouth for some users.
  • The GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens cleaners might not be suitable for people with very tight spaces between their teeth.
  • The GUM EasyThread Threader Floss might take some time to get used to for people who are new to using floss threaders.

GUM Orthodontic Toothbrush has soft V trim bristles that are friendly to our teeth and gums but potent enough to remove plaque and food debris in areas around orthodontic braces. The GUM Proxabrush Go-Betweens cleaners are very convenient to use in cleaning between our teeth and around our orthodontic fixtures. The GUM EasyThread Threader Floss is also very efficient when it comes to removing plaque and food particle on areas that are hard to reach, plus the fact that it has the double-ended threader sections makes it very convenient to use.

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If you desire a complete irrigation personal oral cleaning solution, the ANWIEL Water Flosser and Ultrasonic Electric Toothbrush Combo will serve you right. This combo pack has many features that are very useful for people who have braces, implants, crowns, bleeding gums, and bad breath.

Pros

  • The water flosser adopts upgraded high-pressure water pulse technology that can remove even the toughest food residue and plaque, leaving your mouth feeling clean and fresh.
  • The electric toothbrush offers four different modes to choose from, so you can customize your brushing experience based on your individual needs.
  • The combo pack comes with six replacement jet tips and four brush heads, making it a great value for the price.

Cons

  • The water flosser can be a bit messy to use, so you'll need to be careful when using it to avoid splashing water everywhere.
  • The toothbrush can be a bit noisy, which may be a concern for some users.
  • It can be difficult to find replacement brush heads for the toothbrush, which may be a drawback for some users.

The water flosser is very efficient and powerful and the electric toothbrush has simple operations and comes with multiple options. We also like that the combo pack included six jet tips and four brush head replacements, making it a good bargain for the product.

On this note, one must be cautious when operating this water flosser since it can be messy at times and make a lot of splashes. Also, there is a level of noise produced by the toothbrush, especially when bristles are moving against the teeth or gums. Lastly, an issue that may affect some users is that it may be a challenge to locate the replacement brush heads for the toothbrush.

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If you have braces, there is no better tool for cleaning your teeth than the Fregum V-Shaped Orthodontic Toothbrush. What’s more, it is especially created for use in and around brackets and archwires and it is packed with 6 interdental brushes for efficient removal of plaque from tight spaces.

Pros

  • The V-shaped bristles make it easier to clean around brackets and archwires.
  • The small brushing head gets into hard-to-reach areas hidden by braces.
  • The toothbrush head cover helps keep the brush head clean when not in use.

Cons

  • The bristles might be too soft for some users.
  • The handle might not be comfortable for everyone.
  • The toothbrush head cover might not fit securely.

As the bristles are V-shaped they are especially effective when it comes to reaching tight spots, and the size of the brush head is ideal for those small areas that are hard to reach. We also welcome the fact that the toothbrush comes with a cover to ensure that the brush head is clean before and after use.

The handle is in a comfortable position, but may not be suitable for all users. Some users may be dissatisfied with the softness of the bristles, in our opinion, they are perfect for cleaning teeth with braces. It is a plus that the head of the toothbrush has a cover, but this cover is not very well attached as it could be.

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The Y-Kelin V-Shaped Orthodontic Toothbrush is the best for people with braces. It is intended for use around braces and is manufactured using high-quality materials.

Pros

  • The V-Shaped bristles are designed to fit around braces and easily clean the areas around your orthodontic appliances.
  • The soft bristles are gentle on your gums and clean your teeth effectively.
  • The toothbrush handle is made of food-grade PP material, making it safe and healthy to use.

Cons

  • The bristles may be too soft for some users who prefer a firmer brush.
  • The toothbrush head is smaller than some other toothbrushes, which may take some getting used to.
  • The toothbrush may need to be replaced more frequently than other toothbrushes.

The V-Shaped bristles enabled me to clean around my orthodontic appliances effectively and the soft bristles were very friendly on the gums. We also liked the fact that the handle of the toothbrush is made of food grade PP material which ensured that it was safe for use.

Something to consider is the fact that the bristles may be too soft for some people who are used to a stiffer brush. Also, the head of the toothbrush is not as large as some other brands, this may take some adjusting to. Last but not least, this type of toothbrush may require replacement more often than other types of toothbrushes which you should note when making your order.

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If you want a toothbrush designed specifically for cleaning around and between the braces, then the Oral-B Indicator Ortho might be ideal for you. Some of its features include special V-trimmed bristles that can clean braces and teeth, and wires and brackets. The toothbrush also comes with an ergonomic handle that guarantee comfort and control while brushing.

Pros

  • The V-trimmed bristles are very effective at cleaning around braces and teeth.
  • The long narrow neck makes it easy to reach difficult areas.
  • The ergonomic grip provides great comfort and control.

Cons

  • The bristles may be harder than expected for some users.
  • The toothbrush head may be too small for some users.
  • The toothbrush may not last as long as other models.

The toothbrush is very simple to use and the V-shaped bristles are perfect to clean the area around braces and our teeth. The long narrow neck also makes it easy to reach difficult area, this is another advantage of the product.

The handle of the toothbrush is also designed in a way that is very easy to grip and hold and this facilitates easy and proper brushing of the teeth. But we did observe that the bristles can be rather firm for some people, which can lead to discomfort or even irritation. However, it is also important to note that the head of the toothbrush might be small hence making it very hard to use by some people.

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Platypus Orthodontic Toothbrush for Braces is one of the best orthodontic toothbrushes recommended for people with braces; it is gentle on the teeth and effective in removing debris.

Pros

  • The soft angled bristles are gentle on your braces and gums while effectively cleaning your teeth.
  • The silicone grip ensures maximum comfort, cleaning ability, and ease of use.
  • The shorter inner bristles and softer outer bristles allow for easier access around brackets, where the most oral decay occurs while wearing braces.

Cons

  • The battery-powered feature may not be preferred by some users who prefer manual toothbrushes.
  • The toothbrush head may be too small for some users who prefer larger brush heads.
  • The toothbrush may not effectively clean between teeth, requiring the use of additional flossers.

The soft angled bristles provided enhanced ease of movement around the brackets and behind the archwire without negatively impacting the gum tissue. The silicone grip provided maximum comfort and cleaning capability as intended. We liked the short inner bristles and softer outer bristles for easier access around brackets where most oral decay develop with braces.

One drawback that some consumers may not like about the manual toothbrush is the battery-powered feature, but we were impressed by it since it helped in clean our teeth effectively. However, the size of the toothbrush head is small which may not suit those people who like large heads of a toothbrush. Also, the toothbrush may not clean the spaces between teeth, and hence, a need to use extra flossers will be necessary.

Buying Guide

There are some important factors which may be taken into consideration when one wants to purchase a toothbrush for braces. Here are some features to look for when choosing the best product:

Bristles

For braces, it is advised to use a soft bristle as they do not cause harm to the brackets and wires. Bristles that are stiff can harm the braces and also the gums. When choosing a toothbrush, make sure it has soft bristles to prevent any harm.

Head Size

A small head size is convenient for cleaning all corners of the mouth including the rear molars. A toothbrush with a small head size has the ability to reach between brackets and wires and clean the teeth effectively from every angle.

Handle Grip

An ergonomic handle grip can make brushing easier and more effective for the user. Choose one that has a grip at the handle for easy handling because you do not want a slippery toothbrush when brushing.

Electric vs. Manual

Again, electric toothbrushes can be more efficient in removing plaque as compared to regular toothbrush for those with braces. It can access place where it is almost impossible to use a manual toothbrush to reach. Nonetheless, the traditional manual toothbrushes can also be very useful if used properly. When choosing between the electric and manual toothbrush, it is essential to consider personal preference and affordable price.

Replaceable Heads

Screw-fit brush heads can be more convenient because they have replaceable heads that are cheaper in the long run. It is also essential to have a toothbrush that has replaceable heads so that you can dispose of the head regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a regular toothbrush with braces?

While it is possible to brush your teeth with braces using a regular toothbrush, this may not be the best approach. It is also important to note that braces need special attention when being brushed and a normal toothbrush may not easily clean the brackets and wires. It is therefore advisable to use a toothbrush that is recommended for use when wearing braces on your teeth.

2. What type of toothbrush is recommended for braces?

Soft bristles and a small head of the toothbrush are optimal while using braces. With soft bristles they are not harsh on the teeth and gums while small head can have access to the brackets and wires of the braces.

3. Is it better to use a soft or hard toothbrush with braces?

It is advisable to use a soft brush while brushing your teeth with braces on. The other disadvantage of hard bristle is that it can cause harm to the brackets and wires of the braces as well as the tooth enamel.

4. What are some of the best manual toothbrush options for braces?

The best manual toothbrush for braces available are the Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex toothbrush, the Colgate 360 Sensitive Pro-Relief toothbrush, and the GUM Soft-Picks toothbrush.

5. What are some of the best electric toothbrush options for braces?

The best electric toothbrush that can be used while wearing braces are the Oral-B Genius Pro 8000, Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart, and Waterpik Complete Care 9. 5.

6. Are Oral-B electric toothbrushes effective for cleaning braces?

Yes, Oral-B electric toothbrushes are good for cleaning braces. Some of the Oral-B electric toothbrush heads include Ortho and CrossAction which are suited for braces as they can clean around brackets and wires.

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Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
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