Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces?

Keeping your teeth clean and your gums healthy is super important when you have braces. Your daily brushing and flossing routine might look a little different from before getting orthodontic treatment, but once you get the hang of it, you won't have to give it much thought. 

Powered toothbrushes can be more efficient and potentially better at removing plaque than the manual variety. But can you use an electric toothbrush with braces? The short answer is yes.

We'll explain why it's good to use an electric toothbrush with braces and what to consider when buying one.

Understanding the benefits of using an electric toothbrush with braces

Research has shown that using an electric toothbrush with metal braces removes plaque more effectively than a manual brush. Oscillating toothbrushes seem to be particularly beneficial for braces wearers, potentially because the small rotating heads are able to reach all around the brackets and in between the wires.

Is it safe to use an electric toothbrush with braces?

Yes. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, you can choose whichever toothbrush works best for you, whether that's a manual or electric brush. Though there are certain foods to avoid, powered toothbrushes are safe and shouldn't damage braces. The same goes for orthodontic trays and other types of aligners.

Common myths about electric toothbrushes and braces

There are some common misconceptions about using a sonic or oscillating toothbrush with braces, like that it can damage the materials or isn't as good as a regular toothbrush. Let’s review some myths about electric toothbrushes and braces.

Myth: Electric toothbrushes can damage braces

As noted, the American Association of Orthodontics only lists specific foods that could potentially damage braces — think hard, crunchy, and gummy foods, like pretzels, taffy, or caramel. But it doesn't say anything about an electric toothbrush making the brackets or wires come loose.

Myth: Manual brushing is always better with braces

Using a manual toothbrush is fine but not necessarily better when you have braces. You'll probably get the best daily cleaning with a powered oscillating brush. 

Best practices for brushing with an electric toothbrush and braces

When brushing your teeth and braces with an electric brush, choosing the right brush head and using proper brushing techniques are crucial.

Choosing the right electric toothbrush head

As mentioned, oscillating toothbrushes with small round heads and soft bristles that rotate back and forth are ideal for those with braces. For instance, our 360 Oscillating Brush Head is ADA Accepted, meaning it's accepted by the American Dental Association.

Techniques for effective cleaning around dental braces

You might want to rinse your mouth before brushing to remove or loosen food particles. After applying a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle. If using a brush like the quip Sonic, gently move it back and forth on the surface of your teeth and the gumline. Make sure to brush the front and back of each tooth and all around every bracket. If using a brush like the quip 360 Oscillating, no scrubbing is necessary. Gently move the bristles tooth to tooth and let the brush do the work.

Our guide has more tips and pointers on how to use an electric toothbrush.

Additional oral hygiene tips for braces wearers

An interdental brush can also be useful to get between your teeth and around the wires of braces. Beyond that, you might want to use a water flosser to help clean out every nook and cranny of your mouth during braces treatment.

This should go without saying, but make sure you're still getting regular dental checkups and cleanings and seeing your orthodontist for adjustments.

Recommended electric toothbrushes for braces wearers

Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces? Absolutely — but you should find the brush that works best for you.

You can use any electric toothbrush while wearing braces, but the best one might be an oscillating model, like quip's ADA-Accepted 360 Oscillating Toothbrush.

For children with orthodontic braces, we recommend the quip Kids Sonic Toothbrush — also accepted by the ADA.

Explore our electric toothbrushes and replacement heads to see what's available. Get the best out of your oral care with quip.

Sources:

Jain Y. (2013). A comparison of the efficacy of powered and manual toothbrushes in controlling plaque and gingivitis: a clinical study. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dentistry, 5, 3–9. doi.org/10.2147/CCIDE.S40656

Erbe C, et al. (2019). A randomized clinical trial to evaluate the plaque removal efficacy of an oscillating-rotating toothbrush versus a sonic toothbrush in orthodontic patients using digital imaging analysis of the anterior dentition. The Angle Orthodontist, 89(3), 385–390. doi.org/10.2319/080317-520.1

American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). (2023). Living With Braces: The Brace-Faced Adventure.

Rominger RL, et al. (2024). Cleaning performance of electric toothbrushes around brackets applying different brushing forces: an in-vitro study. Scientific reports, 14(1), 5921. doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-56017-1

American Dental Association (ADA). Quip Kids Electric Toothbrush.