Children can benefit from the use of electric toothbrushes. We recommend that children learn how brush properly with a manual brush. Then they can transfer the pattern to using an electric toothbrush. This can make up for the lack of ability and help with their motivation. The recommended toothbrushes are the Oral-B Braun and InterPlak electric toothbrushes.

For all our orthodontic patients, we recommend electric toothbrushes to clean around the brackets, wires, and elastics. It is extremely difficult to clean near the gum line and orthodontic appliances. A mechanical toothbrush can make a considerable difference.

One must evaluate the size of the head of the toothbrush to fit the mouth. If the head is too large, it can lead to missed areas in the mouth.
A rule of tooth, smaller is better when purchasing any toothbrush, manual or electric.

The type of bristle is also very important in choosing any type of toothbrush. It should always be a soft, rounded end, and polished bristle. As toothbrush bristles deteriorate over time, manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrush heads should be replaced approximately every 3 months.

Dr. Weiss uses a manual Oral B 35. A number of our staff members swear by the Oral B and InterPlak electric toothbrushes. The most recent product by Colgate is a battery operated toothbrush similar to the Braun model at less than twenty dollars. Angie and Christine's young children use the electric toothbrush.
We recommend electric toothbrushes for all our orthodontic patients.