Dentist Questions Dentist

Can I use normal toothbrush for braces?

I am a 29 year old female. I want to know if I can use normal toothbrush for braces?

11 Answers

yes
CERTAINLY
Yes, you can use a normal toothbrush for braces. However, there are special orthodontic toothbrushes available, that will help you brush and clean your braces much easier, more efficiently and effectively. These toothbrushes are usually part of your starter kit that is given to you, after you begin your orthodontic treatment. The orthodontic assistant will show you how to use each different brush to help you keep your braces and teeth clean and sparkling. Please call your local orthodontic specialist to see if you need braces and discuss the different orthodontic toothbrushes that are available.

Daniel A. Flores, DDS, MS
You can use a normal toothbrush. Just like a quality rechargeable brush you should spend 2 minutes each time you brush. Carefully inspect you teeth to make sure you are getting everything clean.
You can. Check out some YouTube videos for technique, but basically, you want to brush at a 45 degree angle around each brace, brush in-between the braces with a "proxibrush". It kinda looks like a little Christmas Tree Pipe Cleaner with much softer bristles. The BEST kind of tooth brush though is one that is SONIC. Whether it's the Oral B Ortho Essentials kit or the Sonicare toothbrushes, the sonic waves really "jiggle" the plaque free all around the braces, and the teeth. You do not have to move the toothbrush around, like you do a manual/normal toothbrush. You simple put it on a tooth or two and let it jiggle there for a few seconds, then go to the next one or two teeth, and so on. The Water Pik is great for getting in-between the brackets. Although it doesn't replace flossing, it sure does a nice job. You can find coupons online for both I'm sure. I actually got coupons in the mail yesterday for my patients for the WaterPik.
Good luck in your braces journey!
You can use a regular toothbrush with braces. It will wear out faster, though.
Thanks!!

Sincerely,

Robert E. Sims, D.M.D, M.S.D.
Yes, you can use any type of toothpaste.


You are able to use normal toothbrush, but it can be hard to reach inside the braces with normal manual brush. Therefore, it's recommended to use along with interdental brush and waterpicks, etc.
Yes. Even though you have braces, you can use a regular toothbrush for your hygiene. There are special brushes that are made for patients with braces. If you have trouble using a regular toothbrush speak with your orthodontist about your choices to enhance your hygiene.
Yes. Make sure you take out food debris from brackets and wire, after brushing.
Normal brush is fine but there are some special indented brushes for people with braces. My favorite is Sonicare tooth brushes.