Do you find an electric toothbrush is better than a manual toothbrush or vice versa?

Question

Here's my problem. After braces, my orthodontist put on a permanent fixed retainer on my bottom teeth (the wire is on the inside). It's been 15 years after braces and I still have the retainer.

The retainer is a hassel because that's where the plaque gets trapped in and is also difficult to floss. Does either toothbrush make a difference? Am I better off having the retainer removed and take the change of having my lower teeth shift?

Also, if electric is the Oral B (round head) better than the Soniacare (regular toothbrush style head)?

Answer 1

There is no difference.

I have a permanent retainer like you. My dentist recommended I get the Oral B Hummingbird I think its called. It's a small electric pick that fits between your teeth and under the wire so you can floss. There's also water picks available that will help.

Personally, I use the small threaders the Oral B makes to thread the floss through my teeth and under the wire. It's a pain, but it's definitely not worth taking the wire out.

If you remove the retainer, your teeth will shift and then braces and everything that went with it would have just been a big waste of money, time and pain.

My parents payed way too much money for my teeth, so I decided to leave the wire in no matter what.

Answer 2

I find that electric toothbrushes help to clean the retainer better But I need to use other things as well to clean mine. however both are just as effective if you have the correct technique. If you're not cleaning properly(ie missing bits) with either then neither will be better.

teeth supposidly require retention for life after braces if you want to keep them in the same place.

There is a type of removable retainer you can get which you put on every now and then and it puts alot of pressure on your teeth if they have moved. but if you just sometimes wear it at night then it helps to maintain the position of your teeth. Maybe you should ask your orthodontist about that.

Removable retainers don't fix the teeth in position as well as the fixed ones, but i guess thats a compromise for having smooth backs to your teeth which are easier to clean :)

I prefer the Round headed toothbrush because you just hold the round part on each surface of your tooth, but i've talked to other people who prefer the regular shape because they like the feeling of it. I guess i'm not really fussed, All i wanted was something that I can recharge easily and that does the job. There are lots of types of pot scrubbers but in the end it depends on how well you scrub the pot :)

Answer 3

I have that retainer and i just switched to an electric toothbrush. I think the electric is MUCH better. For flossing, I still do that with those little plastic needles to pull the floss through.

Answer 4

No there is no difference if you brush with a manual brush properly
I would also ask about getting the retainer taken out, and maybe getting one to use just at night

Answer 5

electrical cleans better...that's what my Dentist told me.