Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes: Manual or Electric?
Most patients know that a diligent, regular oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is the best way to keep teeth healthy and make sure your orthodontic treatment progresses smoothly. But while the mechanics and techniques of brushing are widely understood, there's one question that vexes many of our patients: is a manual or electric toothbrush better? This is a common conundrum, and we figured we'd dedicate this blog to spelling out the differences between the two.
Simple or Convenient - Not Better or Worse
The truth is, there's a simple answer to this age-old question: neither one is better. With proper brushingtechnique and a diligent, regular routine, you can keep your teeth perfectly clean and healthy with either a manual or an electric toothbrush. All it takes is good technique and a commitment to brushing regularly.
That said, there are some important differences between powered and unpowered brushes. Manual toothbrushes are the epitome of simplicity: they've got no moving parts, and they're almost self-explanatory. They're also easy to carry around, resilient to drops and damage, and never require a wall outlet to work. They're simple, reliable, and effective, and for some people, those are the most important aspects for a toothbrush.
Electric brushes, on the other hand, come with a lot more bells and whistles. Electric brushes are available with a wide range of features and price points, so to a certain extent the benefits vary with the brush. In general, though, electric brushes require less work and are a little more convenient when brushing because you simply glide the brush over your teeth slowly instead of rubbing back and forth. In addition, some studies have shown electric brushes to remove more plaque than manuals, and electrics often come with built-in timers that ensure you brush for a full two minutes. That said, electric brushes need to be charged to work correctly, are vulnerable to drops and damage, and can sometimes damage braces if the back of the brush hits a bracket. Not to mention the other disadvantage of an electric toothbrush: the cost!
Contact Your Knoxville, TN Orthodontist
So which is the best kind of toothbrush? The truth is it's up to you and your personal preferences. Would you rather have a simple, inexpensive solution that requires a little more work? Or would you rather opt for a technologically enhanced gadget that requires more care but gets the job done easier? No matter what you pick, the most important thing is to maintain a diligent, regular oral hygiene routine. Manual or electric, that's the best way to keep your teeth clean and healthy!
As always, if you have any questions about your treatment or want to come by for an appointment, feel free to call us at (865) 687-6560, reach out to us at our contact page, or use our easy online form to schedule an appointment at our Halls or Fountain City office. We can't wait to hear from you, and we wish you luck in choosing the perfect toothbrush for your lifestyle!