Which Toothbrush Is Right For You?
Effective and efficient teeth brushing is the foundation of dental and orthodontic health. Beginning when our teeth first start to pop up through our gums, we must take care them! Today, there are a lot of techniques, opinions, and toothbrushes out there to help you brush correctly. That being said, it’s hard to determine which ideas are correct and which you are the most comfortable with. For example, a manual toothbrush or an electric toothbrush? Which toothbrush is more effective at keeping your teeth clean and avoiding cavities? Accorde Orthodontics, located in Albertville, MN, is here to help you navigate the world of toothbrushes. We want to provide you with the necessary informational and tools to choose the best toothbrush for your teeth and cleaning needs.
Manual Toothbrush
The manual toothbrush is old faithful. They have been known to work effectively and keep teeth clean since the start of dental hygiene. There are definite advantages and disadvantages of the manual toothbrush.
Advantages
- Long-term effectiveness: The manual toothbrush has proved throughout dental and orthodontic history to be effective. If used with the correct technique, these toothbrushes will fight plaque and bacteria, and keep your teeth clean. They are effective for all stages of life: small children, teens with any type of braces (metal braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners), and adults.
- Easy and simple: Manual toothbrushes are exactly how they look, simple. They do not need batteries or chargers, and they are always ready to use.
- Durable and compact: These toothbrushes are difficult to break. They can be dropped or tossed and will remain exactly the same. Manual toothbrushes are also easy to pack for any reason, whether you are traveling or like to keep an extra toothbrush in your purse/backpack.
Disadvantages
- Specific technique necessary: Manual toothbrushes are certainly effective, but they need to be used with a specific technique to ensure clean teeth. This can be difficult to achieve for some, especially for children learning how to brush their own teeth.
- Two minute timer: With a manual toothbrush, you must time yourself. At Accorde Orthodontics, we recommend two minutes of teeth brushing to fully clean each tooth. A manual toothbrush does not have a built in timer, instead you should use a kitchen timer or your phone.
Electric Toothbrush
The electronic toothbrush is the new technologically advanced model. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better than the manual toothbrush. You can be the judge!
Advantages
- Easy technique: The electric toothbrush makes brushing easy for any age. There is little work or technique involved, the toothbrush does it for you! This is also much easier for kids. The electric toothbrush will ensure plaque and bacteria are scrubbed away, they do not need to be a technique master. The electric toothbrush is also good for all types of braces, as it helps get into the small spots between brackets efficiently.
- Convenient timer: Most electric toothbrushes have an internal timer that lets you know when the two minute mark has been met. This will ensure you brush for the full time. Another easy adaptation for children.
Disadvantages
- Batteries and chargers: Electric toothbrushes obviously run on electricity, meaning they need some type of electric source. Depending on the toothbrush, the source may be batteries inserted into the toothbrush or a charger stand. The electricity is necessary, but it can also be very inconvenient, especially when traveling or with limited space.
- Easily broken: Electric toothbrushes are more fragile than the manual toothbrush. If dropped, the toothbrush can be damaged or break all together.
- Higher cost: Depending on the brand and features, electric toothbrushes can be quite pricey. Manual toothbrushes are always much less expensive.
Conclusions & Choices
The ultimate question: which toothbrush is better? In reality, the answer truly depends on the user! You need to choose! Compare and contrast both toothbrushes and decide which works better for your needs and your dental hygiene. At Accorde Orthodontics, we are always here to help with questions or concerns. Each patient’s’ mouth is different and may need a different type of toothbrush; we are here to guide you through the various brands and ensure you choose the perfect option for your dental and orthodontic needs. For further questions or to set up a consultation, call or visit one of our offices in Albertville, Maple Grove, Champlin, or Rogers today! Brushing has never been so easy with Accorde Orthodontics!