TL;DR: Brushing with braces requires more than just any toothbrush. Dr. Kami Hoss emphasizes that your oral care tools should match the investment you’re making in orthodontics. He recommends the SuperMouth OrthoBrush for manual care and the Ultim8 SmartBrush with SuperBristles Ortho™ for smart, electric performance.
- Braces create difficult-to-clean areas that require specialized bristles.
- A high-quality orthodontic toothbrush is essential to avoid cavities and white spots.
- Look for soft bristles, a compact head, and bristle technology designed for braces.
- Electric toothbrushes may improve consistency, while manual brushes offer control.
- Dr. Hoss recommends the OrthoBrush and Ultim8 SmartBrush as top solutions for braces.
Braces can correct a broad range of orthodontic issues, but they also make oral hygiene more challenging. The many brackets and wires create extra nooks where food and plaque can hide. That can sometimes result in cavities, swollen gums, bad breath, or even permanent stains. Even if you’re diligent about oral care, choosing the wrong toothbrush can cause these issues.
Dr. Kami Hoss, board-certified orthodontist and founder of SuperMouth, is often asked: What toothbrush is best for braces? His answer is simple: invest in the best. After all, you’re already spending thousands of dollars on orthodontic treatment. Using the wrong toothbrush can sabotage your results, while using the right one can protect your investment and set the foundation for a beautiful, healthy smile when your braces come off.
In this guide, we’ll share Dr. Hoss’s top recommendations and break down the best toothbrush for braces. We’ll share what features to look for and whether a manual or electric brush is the better option. Plus, we’ll explore why two specific brushes designed with cutting-edge bristle technology rise above the rest.
Continue reading to find the toothbrush that will keep your smile healthy during orthodontic treatment.
Why You Need a Toothbrush Designed for Braces
When you have braces, the architecture of your mouth fundamentally changes. Traditional brushes often struggle to reach tight spots around brackets and under wires. Thus, it takes some extra effort to thoroughly remove plaque from these nooks and crannies. Poor brushing can lead to gum inflammation and may even leave white spots around the area where the braces were.
This is why not just any toothbrush will do. The best orthodontic toothbrush for braces must be engineered to navigate the unique challenges of orthodontic hardware.
Fortunately, orthodontic-specific toothbrushes now exist to meet these needs. Some even go far beyond the basics, introducing revolutionary technology to take cleaning power to the next level. You might see them labeled as orthodontic brushes.
Using a brush that meets these needs will help you maintain good oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic treatment. It’s a simple way to ensure your teeth are healthy when your braces finally come off.
Key Features to Look for in the Best Toothbrush for Braces
Here are the key features Dr. Hoss recommends looking for in a toothbrush for braces.
- Soft Bristles. Always choose soft or extra-soft bristles for braces. Stiff bristles can irritate your gums, which may already be tender after adjustments.
- Bristles Engineered for Braces. The best brushes for braces feature precision bristle technology. For example, SuperMouth’s SuperBristles Ortho™ technology is specially engineered to reach under wires, around brackets, and along the gumline to deliver unmatched cleaning power.
- Small Brush Head. Smaller heads can more easily reach the back teeth and maneuver around braces
- Comfortable Grip and Angled Handle. A toothbrush with an ergonomic, non-slip handle or an angled neck makes it easier to reach every tooth surface.
- Quality and Durability. Braces can wear out toothbrushes faster. A good braces toothbrush should hold up for a few months of use.
Most importantly, don’t settle for a basic brush. Your toothbrush is your first line of defense against orthodontic complications. Investing in a high-performance toothbrush is a smart move for your health, your wallet, and your smile.
Manual vs. Electric: Which Toothbrush Is Better for Braces?
Is a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush better for people with braces? Both can be effective if you brush properly for a minimum of two minutes. The decision comes down to your individual needs and habits.
Manual Toothbrushes
A high-quality manual brush gives you full control over pressure and brushing angle. For people who are methodical and consistent, a well-designed manual toothbrush like the SuperMouth OrthoBrush can be incredibly effective.
This brush was custom-designed for braces based on thousands of 3D scans of real orthodontic patients. Its precision SuperBristles Ortho™ technology ensures that you clean around and between your brackets, not just the tooth surface.
Electric Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes offer consistent motion and may improve plaque removal, especially for those who struggle with technique or timing. If you tend to rush or miss spots, an electric option like SuperMouth’s Ultim8 SmartBrush is an excellent choice.
The Ultim8 SmartBrush was designed specifically for braces. It features a custom head with SuperBristles Ortho™ and smart features like built-in timers, pressure sensors, and brushing feedback via app integration. This makes it one of the best power toothbrushes for braces on the market.
A Combination of Manual and Electric
Many people use both types, depending on where and when they brush. For example, you can use an electric brush at home for your morning and bedtime cleaning. Additionally, carry a manual orthodontic brush in your bag to use after lunch at school or work.
Ultimately, the best toothbrush for braces is the one you will use consistently.
Dr. Hoss’s Top Picks: OrthoBrush & Ultim8 SmartBrush
When asked about the best manual toothbrush for braces, Dr. Kami Hoss recommends using a dedicated orthodontic toothbrush. Here are two of his preferred options.
Ultim8 SmartBrush with Ortho Brush Head
This AI-powered electric toothbrush features a replaceable head with SuperBristles Ortho™ technology. It’s built to work with your braces, not against them.
- Sonic cleaning power to reduce plaque
- Pressure sensors to prevent overbrushing
- App integration for brushing coaching and feedback
- Ideal for patients who need extra help staying on track
OrthoBrush by SuperMouth
This manual orthodontic toothbrush is built with SuperBristles Ortho™, developed through years of research and 3D modeling. The bristles are arranged to clean deeply around braces with maximum comfort and control.
- Ideal for home or on-the-go use
- Small brush head and ergonomic handle
- Scientifically designed for better access and cleaner brackets
- Soft, flexible bristles that are gentle on gums and enamel
The OrthoBrush’s bristles are crafted to glide effortlessly around braces and wires, reaching spots that ordinary brushes cannot. You’ll effectively brush and clean around braces with two colors to choose from. Order yours now!
