travel toothbrush for braces

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The 7 Best Toothbrushes for Braces of 2024

For a deep, yet gentle cleaning with braces, we love the Colgate Keep Soft Manual Toothbrush.

Courtesy of Merchants / Photo Illustration by Kristin Kempa for Verywell Health

Keeping your teeth clean is more important than ever when you have braces or other orthodontics , but it’s also way tougher: you need to brush and floss effectively but not too harshly, and you’ve got to get under, in between, and around all those wires, brackets, and hard-to-reach places.

“Braces on your teeth are like little jungle gyms: lots of nooks and crannies for germs to hide,” said Amy James , DMD, of  Dr. Amy James and Associates in an interview with Verywell Health. “In addition to the brackets, the wires that connect the brackets get in the way of the toothbrush bristles reaching all the surfaces of the teeth.”

To meet the unique challenges of brushing with braces, you’ll need a toothbrush that has softer bristles, a smaller or more narrow brush head, and an ergonomic handle for maximum maneuvering in all the nooks and crannies of your mouth. We researched more than a dozen popular toothbrush styles, looking for ones that not only provide a deep, effective clean but do so safely for people with orthodontics. We found electric and manual options across a range of budgets and for all ages.

• What to Look For

Our Expertise

Best overall, colgate keep toothbrush.

Grippy, long-lasting handle

Eco-friendly

Deep-reaching bristles for extra cleaning

Could be smaller and softer

This manual toothbrush looks like something out of Star Trek , but we promise it’s a lot simpler than it seems. The Colgate Keep is an eco-friendly toothbrush with a long-lasting aluminum handle and replaceable brush heads, so you can reduce the usual waste of manual toothbrushes by hanging onto the handle, no matter how often you need to replace your bristles.

What we love about this toothbrush for people with braces is the unique style of that lightweight aluminum handle; with a figure-eight shape and grippable sides, this toothbrush will not only feel good in your hands, it’ll make it easier to twist and turn your brush head as you clean all around your teeth and braces.

“An ergonomic toothbrush with a larger, easier-to-grip handle could make it easier for younger children with braces to adequately clean their teeth and braces and [get to] those harder-to-reach places,” said Ghias Jabbour , DDS, owner of Blanco Crossing Dental.

As far as brush heads go, the Colgate Keep checks off those key boxes, too: it’s smaller and oval-shaped with softer bristles, making it easy to maneuver into tight spots and clean effectively without damaging braces.  

Key Specs: Type: Manual | Bristle Firmness: Medium soft | Added Features: Replaceable brush heads

Best Budget

Dental aesthetics v-trim toothbrush.

Two-in-one toothbrush and wire brush

Pack of four

Good for kids

May be too soft for deep cleaning

If you or your child are tough on toothbrushes, you might not want to splurge on electric or manual options, instead opting for something that’s easily tossed and replaced when it’s worn out. But you still need to use a toothbrush that gets the job done, which is why we chose this v-trim double-ended brush by Dental Aesthetics.

With angled bristles for a deeper clean around oral appliances and a colorful handle grip, these toothbrushes (which come in a convenient pack of four) are a good choice for people with braces who want a thorough, reliable cleaning and a constant rotation of brand new brushes that don’t break the bank. As a bonus, they come with an attached interproximal brush for cleaning in and around archwires, something New Jersey-based dentist Dr. Onaedo Achebe said should be an important part of your daily brushing routine. 

Key Specs: Type: Manual | Bristle Firmness: Soft | Added Features: Interproximal brush for cleaning around wires

Best Electric

Philips sonicare electric toothbrush.

Small, streamlined brush head

Pressure-sensing for sensitive teeth

Smart timer tells you how long to brush

Does not include a USB wall adapter

Fixed shut-off after two minutes

Some people want all the bells and whistles when they’re paying for an electric toothbrush, and that’s fine, but if you’re just looking for a high-powered cleaning that keeps your teeth healthy while you straighten them, you don’t need a cadre of extra features to confuse you. 

That’s what we like about the Philips Sonicare 4100: it’s a dentist-recommended electric toothbrush that provides a powerful clean and just enough extra features to make brushing easier (but not so many that the simple act of brushing twice a day becomes overly complicated). The small oval brush head is compatible with braces and busts plaque on your teeth and gum line better than a manual toothbrush. It also offers several helpful tools—like a pressure sensor, auto-timer, and brush head replacement reminder—to take your brushing to the next level.

Basically, the Philips Sonicare 4100 is the best electric toothbrush for people with braces who just want an electric toothbrush, not an AI-powered robot. It works simply and effectively, making it a good choice for kids and tech-averse adults.

Key Specs: Type: Electric | Bristle Firmness: Medium | Added Features: Brush head replacement reminder

Best Soft Bristle

Y-kelin orthodontic toothbrush.

V-shaped bristles for deeper reach along gums

Includes interproximal brush for wire cleaning

All of the dentists we spoke to emphasized the importance of choosing a soft bristled toothbrush if you have braces; not only are your teeth more prone to irritation, you’ve got some (very expensive) oral appliances in your mouth that need protecting.

Of the many toothbrushes we reviewed, the Y-kelin v-shaped orthodontic toothbrushes consistently came up as one of the options with the softest, gentlest brushes. In fact, they may even be a bit too soft for some, but we think that makes them a good choice for kids and people with sensitive teeth. We also like that the Y-kelin brushes feature V-shaped bristles for a deeper clean, and a slim and grippable handle design. These brushes also come with a smaller, interdental brush for wire cleaning, an important step in braces hygiene.

“If plaque is left on the teeth [in between the brackets] it will create a white spot lesion on the enamel of the tooth,” said James. “This is like the precursor to a cavity . . . leaving the enamel softer and more susceptible to breakdown.”

Key Specs: Type: Manual | Bristle Firmness: Soft | Added Features: None

Best for Gum Health

Dr. collins perio toothbrush.

Tapered bristles for gum line cleaning

Soft polyester bristles

Pack of three

Not a small head brush

Can be irritating to some users with gum disease

Keeping your gums healthy involves brushing well along your gum line and making sure you’re flossing at least once a day to clean out the nooks and crannies between your teeth. The Perio toothbrush by Dr. Collins makes maintaining squeaky clean teeth and gums a total breeze, thanks to the unique design of the bristles. Not only are they made of soft polyester, they taper down to a slim point at the end, meaning you can get closer to the gum line, deeper in between teeth and archwires, and more smoothly around brackets whenever you brush.

Other features of the Perio brush include an elongated neck for reaching way back into your mouth and some nifty antibacterial properties—the bristles are infused with natural antiseptics, like tea tree oil and magnolia bark, and those polyester fibers are less porous, reducing the chances for bacterial growth.

Best for Travel

Triple bristle go.

Runs on battery power, no need to charge

Cleans three sides of your teeth at once

Three vibration modes

Battery compartment is finicky

Brush heads may not last as long as competition

Many electric toothbrushes rely on a charge via USB cable or wall plug to power up, which is fine . . . unless you’re a frequent traveler who doesn’t appreciate the inconvenience of having to pack your toothbrush and a charging base. Enter the Triple Bristle GO, a travel-friendly version of the Triple Bristle Original. Instead of needing to be charged, the Triple Bristle GO runs on two AA batteries, so you can pop in a fresh set, toss your toothbrush into your luggage, and, well, go.

On the braces side of things, we like that the Triple Bristle brush head is a soft, angled style with bristles on three sides of the head: this allows you to get a more thorough cleaning with less maneuvering around, and in a shorter period of time, although you should still brush for the full two minutes! This is particularly great for kids with braces, since they tend to be unreliable brushers at best; even if they start slacking a bit, the Triple Bristle GO will keep their teeth and braces cleaner than the average toothbrush.  

Key Specs: Type: Electric | Bristle Firmness: Soft | Added Features: Autotime, brush head replacement indicator

Best for Plaque Buildup

Oral-b smart 1500.

Small round brush head 

Multiple types of vibration for cleaning

Long-lasting lithium battery with charge

Gaps in brush allow for toothpaste buildup

All electric toothbrushes are champions when it comes to breaking up plaque, destroying more of the gunky, disease-causing stuff than most manual toothbrushes. 

“Accumulation of germs and old food particles make up plaque, [which] is responsible for gum disease [like] gingivitis—or worse, periodontitis—and cavities,” said James.

What we love about the small, round, brace-friendly brush head on the Oral-B Smart 1500 is that it’s designed to tackle plaque in three different ways: by oscillating, rotating, and pulsing, cleaning the surfaces of your teeth better than the average electric toothbrush. 

Other notable features of the Oral-B Smart 1500 include a pressure sensor to protect your gums from aggressive brushing and a timer that lets you know when it’s time to move from one part of your mouth to another. The brush also runs on a long-lasting lithium ion battery which requires less charging to get your teeth and braces sparkling clean.

Key Specs: Type: Electric | Bristle Firmness: Medium | Added Features: Autotimer, pressure sensor

What to Look for in Toothbrushes for Braces

Brush heads.

Dr. Daniel Reich , director of periodontics and associate professor at Touro College of Dental Medicine suggested that people with braces choose toothbrushes featuring small, rounded brush heads for their simple ease of use around the small fixtures like archwires and brackets. 

These types of brush heads are especially good for kids with braces, or adults with smaller mouths, said Achebe, noting that they will help you get a “more precise clean.” 

Chances are, you’ll have to pay a little bit of special attention to this, since many manual toothbrushes sold in big box stores or handed out for free at the dentist tend to have larger, bulkier brush heads. Many electric toothbrushes, though, are designed with smaller brush heads.

Bristle type

When it comes to the style of bristles on your toothbrush, Achebe said you want to aim for soft, flexible bristles, since these can remove plaque from your teeth effectively without damaging your teeth, gums, or braces .

One thing you may not have thought about is the type of bristle motion available with electric toothbrushes. 

“Some electric brushes have rotating bristles, while others just vibrate,” said Reich, who adds that the rotating bristles tend to work better than the ones that only vibrate.

Handle shape and size

Be honest: Do you ever really think about the size and shape of your toothbrush handle when choosing between options at the store? Probably not, but if you have braces, you definitely should. 

“When choosing a brush handle, you want one that is sleek and easy to hold,” said Achebe. “A bulky handle will make it difficult to brush hard-to-reach places.” 

While you don’t have to pick a toothbrush with a fancy, ergonomic handle like the Colgate Keep we featured as our Best Overall pick, you should make sure your toothbrush is scaled to your hands (i.e., kids and smaller adults should look for slightly smaller handles) and that you can grip the handle comfortably so it doesn’t slip away from you while you’re tackling tricky spots.

Some people will never be able to justify the expense of an electric toothbrush, while others don’t mind shelling out for a toothbrush that does more of the hard work for them. To be fair, there are extra financial considerations if you opt for an electric brush, says Dr. Reich: “The major downsides of an electric toothbrush are the initial cost and having to find replacement heads every few months.”

However, it might be worthwhile to you—and your smile—to invest in something more advanced. It’s entirely up to you and how much assistance you need cleaning your teeth.

“Electric toothbrushes are more expensive but come with technology that assists the user—especially children—with brushing their teeth and braces properly,” said Jabbour. “Our patients generally get better with results with electric toothbrushes, but regular old toothbrushes with a soft head can also do a good job keeping teeth and braces clean.”

Frequently Asked Questions

If you truly prefer a manual toothbrush, there’s no reason why you can’t make one work for you, but you will have to do more work to make sure you’re cleaning your teeth and braces thoroughly. For that reason, most of the dentists we asked recommended electric.

“I believe that electric toothbrushes are better than manual toothbrushes in general [but] especially for patients with braces,” said Reich. “Multiple studies show that electric toothbrushes are better at reducing plaque and gingivitis than manual brushes, [because] electric brushes do most of the work for you, [which] is much better, especially for people with dexterity issues.”

As long as you’re using your electric toothbrush according to the instructions, they are safe to use if you have braces. The one thing you should be particularly careful about, said Reich, is how hard you brush; using too much pressure can tangle the bristles up with your archwires. Keep the pressure gentle but firm, and utilize your toothbrush’s automatic pressure sensor if it has one.

Ideally, you should ramp up your brushing to more than just twice per day when you have braces. James noted that it’s always recommended to brush before you go to bed (to remove any lingering daytime food particles) and in the morning (when the nighttime mouth germs are at their highest levels).

But you might also want to incorporate additional brushing after each meal, she said, to “remove the food particles that collect under the wire and around the brackets.” That should help reduce the amount of plaque buildup in your mouth and keep your teeth and gums healthier.

Sarah Bradley has been writing health content since 2017—everything from product roundups and illness FAQs to nutrition explainers and the dish on diet trends. She knows how important it is to receive trustworthy and expert-approved advice about over-the-counter products that manage everyday health conditions, from GI issues and allergies to chronic headaches and joint pain.

5 Best Toothbrushes for Braces According to an RDH in 2024

In this article, we may include products or services we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission to help fund our mission to create more healthy smiles. Here’s our process.

Ahh braces; whether you love them or hate them, there is no doubting they can improve our smiles in many ways! From building confidence, to correcting our bites to enabling us to keep our teeth cleaner easier (once your appliances are removed, that is,) braces are totally worth it! While there are many pros to getting braces, it doesn’t come without a few cons…like difficulty keeping them clean , limiting yourself to certain foods and knowing that sometimes they can even be a tad uncomfortable. While you always want to weigh your pros and cons when it comes to oral health care, today we are going to focus on a dental hygiene specifically: keeping your teeth clean with braces. AKA, what toothbrushes are best for braces patients? Trust me when I say, not all toothbrushes are created equal. Especially when you have fixed orthodontic appliances all over your teeth!

Why Are Electric Toothbrushes Better For Braces?

Electric or manual toothbrush? Electric toothbrushes are the Teslas of toothbrushes compared to a standard old-fashion manual toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are able to take the guess work out of brushing your teeth and really do most of the work for you, cleaning teeth effectively. Studies show electric toothbrushes remove more plaque and debris from teeth than a standard regular manual toothbrush. They also often have built in timers that is a great way to keep track of brushing times for both adults AND children.  Some electric toothbrushes will even tell you if you are brushing too hard, or where in your mouth you need to focus your brushing (yes, as in which parts of which teeth.) Other advanced options may include tracking brushing via an app on your smart phone. We are really living in the future guys!

Related: 7 Best Electric Toothbrushes

One last thing: if manual toothbrushes are more your style and you just prefer this type of brushing, if you have the proper technique and can remove plaque effectively, this can still be a great option for home care . 

5 Best Toothbrushes For Braces

Now that we have hyped you all up for some sweet brushes, lets get down to business. Today we are going to review 5 of some of the best options of toothbrushes for braces:

1. Y-Kelin V-Shaped Orthodontic Brush 

Best toothbrush for braces.

Let’s start off with the most affordable non-electric toothbrush to get things rolling. The Y-Kelin V-Shaped Orthodontic brush is a fantastically designed manual toothbrush for people with braces. With every purchase of a Y-kevlin manual brush you get a free interdental brush to clean those hard-to-reach areas! How awesome is that? Now here’s the good part…

Key Features 

Each Y-Kevlin orthodontic toothbrush has specially designed 45 degree angles to their bristles. I know every hygienist reading this just saw 45 degree angle and was immediately convinced why it was the best option! These v shaped bristles helps to better access tooth surfaces around the braces to keep things clean by adapting to the surface in a more efficient way. Instead of you having to guess at how to angle your brush, the brush angles the bristle for you. All of their bristles are soft enough to ensure they want cause gum or tooth damage AND they are made with safe non-toxic materials.

Final thought 

You can order the Y-Kevlin orthodontic brush for about $14 on Amazon. Keep in mind this is a pack of 4 toothbrushes in total, with extra interdental brushes included. With such a reasonable price point, efficient design and effective results, this toothbrush is a great addition to your oral hygiene routine that can work for all ages. Hand’s down, this special toothbrush is an affordable and great choice when looking for one of the best toothbrushes for braces.

$13.99 at Amazon

2. Burst Pro Sonic Toothbrush

Best electric toothbrush for braces.

Burst is another popular option when it comes to best toothbrushes for braces (or without!) Burst is an electric toothbrush brand that can be purchased online, which also offers a subscription deal for replacement brush heads that are shipped directly to your door every 12 weeks, so you’ll never have to remember when to change them out. 

Burst has a plethora of electric toothbrushes to choose from, with designs for all ages. Anyone with braces would be able to find a brush from Burst that keeps their teeth and braces clean. Burst electric toothbrushes produce over 33,000 vibrations per minute to remove plaque over 10x better than a standard toothbrush. And don’t worry about brushing too hard; the pressure sensor will alert you. Burst electric toothbrushes have super and I mean super soft bristles that are sure to be gentle yet effective for removing plaque and food particles. Burst also claims to reduce bleeding gums 3x more when compared to a regular toothbrush. This is great news for those of us with braces, as it’s common to struggle with gingivitis, gum disease and bleeding—because of the challenge of keeping them clean!

Final thought

Overall, Burst the soft toothbrush is a great option if you are looking for an electric toothbrush that is effective and can help you manage the oral hygiene challenges that come with having braces. And the best part is, Burst's soft bristled toothbrush is a fantastic option for patients without braces as well. This is an electric toothbrush that you can keep after your braces are removed, so it’s a win-win to me!

$59.99 at Burst

3. Colgate HUM Electric Toothbrush

Best smart toothbrush for braces.

Colgate just came out with its newest addition to oral hygiene care: the HUM electric toothbrush. HUM by Colgate is a “smart” toothbrush that really knows you. HUM is made to guide you, time you, and remind you while brushing to help you improve your brushing routines. If you aren’t intrigued by now, I don’t know what to tell you. This thing takes brushing to the next level!

This toothbrush for braces takes smart toothbrushing up a level by connecting to your phone to help improve your oral hygiene habits. While other electric toothbrushes have similar technologies built into their electric brushes already, HUM will give you all the same options, BUT—here’s the kicker—for almost HALF the price of its competitors. This brush comes with multiple modes so you can pick the right one for you.

HUM by Colgate is a smart brush that doesn’t come with a hefty price tag but is promised to be just as effective. In 2020, HUM was rated the best overall electric toothbrush by CNET and voted best all-around toothbrush by GQ Best Stuff. HUM can be a great addition for anyone with braces who is looking for the smart technology to help them along the way. You can’t go wrong with this little guy.

$59.99 at Amazon

4. Triple Bristle Original Sonic Toothbrush

Best specialty brush.

Now we’re going to kick things up a notch. It’s time you meet the Triple Bristle Sonic Toothbrush. This fancy toothbrush was designed by a dentist, for patients with orthodontic appliances and hard to reach areas. While Triple Bristle makes multiple models of their Sonic 3 sided toothbrushes, today we are going to focus on the Original model. 

We simply cannot talk about the Triple Bristle key features without immediately diving into the fact that this toothbrush has 3 sides to it. Yes I know, it sounds amazing and it really is. The 3-sided toothbrush head ensures you are brushing the entire tooth surface, especially those hard-to-reach little crevices around the brackets and wires. This brush comes with a built in 2 minute timer and is rechargeable battery operated.

Final thought   

This brush easily deserves its spot on the best toothbrushes for braces list simply due to its unique head design. No other brush has the 3-sided design that helps to reach all tooth surfaces at the same time! This brush is a great addition to anyone’s hygiene routine, though especially helpful for those with braces, and even children or older individuals who may struggle with dexterity. This best toothbrush takes the work out of brushing your teeth and truly assists the entire process. Visit Triple Bristle to learn more about their brush designs and other products.

$69.99 at Amazon

5. cariPRO™ Electric Toothbrush

Best value electric brush .

The cariPRO electric toothbrush is made by a company called Smile Brilliant. While you might not have heard of them, cariPRO has been a well respected brand in the dental industry for years. This Company promises you will be satisfied with your product and even offers a 2-year warranty for the cariPRO electric toothbrush because they are THAT confident this will be the best toothbrush for braces. 

Key Features    

The cariPRO has a multitude of features worth mentioning. You can get a full 30 days from a full charge, making it easy to travel with without having to worry about keeping your charger nearby. With 5 different brush modes there is something for everyone. The cariPRO produces over 40,000 vibrations to efficiently remove all plaque, stain, and food debris from your tooth surfaces. There’s also a built-in smart timer that lets you know when you should be brushing different parts of your mouth and when you are completed with the brushing process. With an ergonomic handle that is comfortable to hold, it’s a top choice for all ages.

When looking for the best toothbrush for braces, the cariPRO is easy to purchase, with package deals that are delivered right to your door. You won’t have to remember to go grab new toothbrush heads as cariPRO packages include automatic toothbrush heads shipped straight to you. This feature can be a great option for patients that can get overwhelmed with decision fatigue and keeping up with their toothbrush upkeep.

$119.99 at Smile Brilliant

What Should You Consider When Buying a Toothbrush for Braces? 

While all these brushes certainly deserve their spot as one of the best toothbrushes for braces list, there are certain things you should consider to make the right toothbrush choice for you and your family’s dental health needs.

• Brush head types: Ask yourself, do you like electric toothbrushes and have you used one before? This can affect how well you like your investment. Do you like a traditional style or have you been eyeing that 3-sided toothbrush head since I mentioned it?
• Battery life: Is this really important to you? Do you travel often and stress over having to bring your electric toothbrush with its charger? You might want to consider getting a second travel toothbrush OR one that can hold a charge for a decent amount of time. For those that don’t travel, consider counter space at home to charge the toothbrush when you are not using it. 
• Price: We all have a budget to keep in mind. While some of the pricier options can certainly be enticing, you don’t have to break the bank to get an effective and reliable electric toothbrush. Companies are making electric toothbrushes more and more affordable as time goes by. There’s something for everyone.
• Features: Are you a fast brusher? Do you know how long you brush in each ¼ section (“quadrant”) of your mouth? Maybe a toothbrush with a built in timer as well as a brushing guide would be best for you! Do you like different modes on your toothbrush or is a basic mode fine for you? How about subscription deals, do you like an automatic delivery of toothbrush heads, or do you prefer to grab them when you’re shopping on your own? These are all great questions to ask yourself when determining what features are important to you when you buy the best toothbrush for braces!

Get Interdental Products Too

The American Dental Association (ADA) advises those with braces to use an interdental brush along with a regular toothbrush for effective cleaning around braces and tight spaces. Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, ensuring they're safe and work well. The ADA recommends brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and regular dental visits to keep teeth and gums healthy while wearing braces.

While we love a good toothbrushes for braces, we can’t forget the importance of interdental care. By that I mean the spaces between your teeth. Yup you guessed, ALL things floss, Waterpiks, and anything else that will help keep in-between your teeth and brackets as clean as possible! These can vary based on dexterity and ergonomics, here are a few of my favorites:

Call me old-fashioned but floss has been around for almost forever and recommended just as long because it really does work. While string floss can be difficult to maneuver between brackets and wires with braces on, there are specially designed products to help make your job so much easier. Products like floss threaders and super floss can be extremely helpful in getting around braces without skimping on your oral hygiene routine at home!

2. Interproximal brush

Wearing braces often means navigating the challenge of maintaining good oral hygiene in very tight spaces between the teeth and brackets. An interproximal brush is an essential tool for anyone who wears braces, as it is specifically designed to clean these hard-to-reach areas effectively. By gently removing food particles and plaque from around the brackets and along the tooth enamel, the interproximal brush helps keep teeth healthy and reduces the risk of tooth decay. Its unique design allows for thorough cleaning, ensuring that those who wear braces can maintain optimal oral health throughout their orthodontic journey.

3. Water Flossers

 Another one of my favorites has got to be water flossers , also known as Waterpiks! While they may not remove all plaque build up they can be super effective in removing all that food debris and junk that is guaranteed to get stuck on your braces and wires. You know how when you eat certain foods, like soft bread or crackers, your teeth are covered in the remains of the digested food? Enter water flossers. You can blast off all the unwanted remains of food with confidence it wont sit on your teeth for hours. Some of them even have special little tips designed to clean around orthodontic brackets. 

4. Disclosing Tablets

I know, this seems sort of weird to be on the list, but hear me out. Disclosing agents or tablets help to stain plaque and show you where you may have missed when brushing and flossing. This can be a great option for patients with braces as bacteria can hide really well around their brackets. While this certainly does not have to be used daily, it can be helpful to have your hygienist apply it to see where you need to improve your plaque removal, or on a weekly basis to check in with your methods to ensure you are cleaning as best you can. That way you can prevent pesky white spots on your teeth!

Best Brushes for Braces

I hope this list of best toothbrushes for braces can be helpful in guiding you towards the best investment for your oral health needs. Having braces can make your oral hygiene routine that much more of a chore, but that doesn’t have to be the case for everyone! With these specially designed brushes, you don’t have to dread cleaning your teeth, with or without braces. They do a lot of the work for you that a regular brush can’t always tackle. Ask yourself what you value most in your toothbrush, what goals you are looking to achieve with your good oral hygiene routine, and what your price range is. With so many options for toothbrushes today, we’re lucky to have ones designed specifically to keep your smile clean during orthodontic treatment.

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Picking the Best Toothbrush for Braces

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Medically Reviewed By Colgate Global Scientific Communications

When you or your child wear braces, you know how much extra care you take to ensure your braces don't gunk up – and your teeth remain clean. Part of going above and beyond involves finding the best toothbrush for braces to make oral upkeep easier. We're here to help you as you consider brushes in your quest to find the perfect one.

Toothbrushes Designed to Dislodge

Whether your braces are metal or clear plastic, brackets and wires can trap food particles much more easily. This increases your risk of bacteria buildup, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. And you don't want to deal with cavities or gingivitis while wearing braces – or after they're off when you're ready to dazzle.

So, your toothbrush should be able to dislodge the debris in your braces. With that in mind, look for the following toothbrush features.

Small Brushing Head

Since you don't have a smooth surface to brush, choose a toothbrush that'll get into those hard-to-reach spots hidden by braces. A small toothbrush head gives you easier access to those spots. And a smaller head can better clean the margins of your gumline where bacteria can build up.

Soft, Rounded Bristles

As you know, braces can create discomfort , especially a few days after you first get them and after adjustments. So, limiting any irritation is just as important as proper brushing when deciding on a toothbrush. And the best toothbrushes have certain things in common:

• Soft, Nylon Bristles: Hard-bristled brushes can wear down enamel and aggravate gums that might already be sore from a recent orthodontics adjustment. Soft-bristled brushes can clean just as effectively without doing this harm.
• Round-Ended Bristles: Bristles with a rounded end can better protect oral tissue – which includes all parts of your mouth – from damage.
• Bristle Variety: The bristles should also be of varying lengths and widths (slim, etc.) to get at all areas where food and plaque might hide.

Easy-to-Grip Handle

The right-sized handle can help you grasp the brush better for more control. If you're choosing a brush for your child, the handle should be somewhat larger to afford them more control over each brushing stroke. Some brushes come with a silicone handle for extra gripping power.

Manual vs. Powered vs. Sonic

A study published by the International Journal of Clinical Pediatric Dentistry (IJCPD ) found that " any of the three brushes can be recommended for orthodontic patients to maintain their oral hygiene during fixed orthodontic treatment." That's good news, but the caveat is that this is only true if all three toothbrushes – sonic, powered, and manual – are used correctly.

Here are some other things to know about the three toothbrushes:

• Both sonic and powered toothbrushes run on electricity via a rechargeable battery. Or else they use non-rechargeable batteries.
• In the IJCPD study, sonic (and ultrasonic) brushes have the edge over manual and oscillating, rotating powered brushes. Vibrating at a high frequency, the sonic waves generated better remove plaque and dislodge bacteria.
• Manual orthodontic toothbrushes, the least costly of the three, work fine if you brush properly and take care to dislodge the debris caught in your braces. Some of the best manual toothbrushes for braces indicate they're made for orthodontic brushing.

If your budget allows for a sonic and powered toothbrush, look for these features to help you better monitor your brushing:

• Sensors to alert you if you're brushing too aggressively
• Alerts every 30 seconds to let you know when to brush a new quadrant of your teeth
• A stop-mode to tell you when two minutes are up
• Modes for adapting to what you want to accomplish, such as cleaning your tongue, etc.
• An alert when you need to change the brush head
• Bluetooth to connect to a monitoring app

Other Toothbrush Tips

For Younger Kids, Always Supervise: As kids 8 or younger get used to their braces, make sure they're brushing properly. Perhaps you can brush your teeth the same time they do, keeping an eye on their brushing technique. This might even be a good idea for older kids.

Keep a Travel Toothbrush with You at All Times: You're most likely eating some meals and snacks at work, school, or on the road. Be sure to get extra toothbrushes (and toothpaste) to clean your braced teeth after eating – no matter where you are.

Change Your Toothbrush or Brush Head Every Three Months: This guarantees you'll always have an effective brush.

Of course, cleaning between teeth daily is also important – whether using floss, a dental water jet, or another type of interdental cleaner. And with a great toothbrush for braces and proper brushing, you or your child should show off a brilliant smile post-braces.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider. 

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Best Toothbrushes for Braces

Pricey, but it delivers the precise level of cleaning you need when wearing braces.

Offers 10 different pressure settings for the water flosser, ensuring you can remove food particles from around the braces without causing irritation. Nozzle rotates 360-degrees to reach all areas around the braces. Big water tank.

Higher than average price for a water flosser. Occasional problems with longevity.

Uniquely-angled brush with soft and slim filaments to reach all corners without making your teeth uncomfortable.

Suitable for lingual brace wearers and retro-lined teeth. Brush is designed in a way that reaches hard-to-get areas for cavity-free teeth. Filaments are extra soft for a soothing experience. Ergonomic handle provides a firm grip.

Since the bristles are soft, users tend to miss the clean-teeth feeling after brushing.

All-in-one orthodontic care package that includes ortho flossers, ortho-wax, interdental brush, and anti-bullying paraphernalia you’ll need for healthy braced teeth.

All the items you’ll need to clean your teeth with ease. Bristles are soft on the teeth. Brush has a pick end for easy removal of particles. No need to worry about brace damage during flossing, thanks to the brush’s safety design.

Complaints about the bottle having a childish design and being quite flimsy.

Rechargeable electric model and a water flosser with multiple pressure settings and advanced technology to easily remove teeth stains.

High water capacity to minimize refilling. Compact design to save space. Has 3 sonic modes to remove stains 9 times more than a regular model. Removes 99.9% of plaque. Comes with 10 pressure settings for custom cleaning preference. Has a convenient control handle.

Keeping the unit plugged into the wall for long will kill the battery.

V-shaped orthodontic design with bristles designed to clean your teeth without discomfort. Extra brush for hard-to-reach areas.

Bristle design closely fits teeth and makes it easy to clean teeth. Bristles are soft to prevent damage to gums. Varying colors for your pleasure. Also comes with an extra inter-dental brush to help remove residue.

Some reviewers found the brush head quite small and soft.

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

Table of Contents

Buying guide for best toothbrushes for braces.

Having braces is a solution to straighten your pearly whites, but to get the most out of your orthodontic experience, and to maintain a healthy smile, you need to commit to a higher level of oral hygiene. Toothbrushes designed specifically for people who wear braces make brushing and flossing easier, quicker, and more effective.

Brackets and wires create a new framework within your mouth, and toothbrushes for braces work around them without causing damage to teeth or braces. Designed to effortlessly navigate every corner of your mouth, toothbrushes for braces focus their efforts on harder-to-reach areas. Since everyone’s teeth are different, toothbrushes for braces keep this in mind, and some models feature “gentle” modes that are ideal for sensitive tooth days — especially after adjustments.

Key considerations

What makes toothbrushes for braces different.

While some people use traditional toothbrushes with braces, they simply aren’t the right shape to be effective at cleaning teeth and removing food particles stuck between the wires. Toothbrushes for braces have design variations that accommodate the hardware and work through the nooks and crannies of braces.

Brush heads vary in size and often feature different bristle styles. Water flossing devices that aid in cleaning braces teeth have small heads that can fit in even at the very back of the mouth. Toothbrushes for braces usually include a pick device or mechanism, which fits between braces to clean out particles.

Model types

Manual: Manual toothbrushes for braces are similar to traditional toothbrushes, only their brush heads are slightly different. Bristles are shaped to better navigate braces and wires, so they’re often staggered to reach as many places as possible. Manual models often have picks at the other end of the plastic neck, which helps dislodge food trapped in hard-to-reach areas.

Electric: Electric models build upon the design of manual toothbrushes for braces and aim to streamline the brushing experience. Instead of a traditional manual brushing motion, electric models have oscillating mechanisms that do the brushing for you, with up to 40,000 vibrations per minute in some toothbrushes. They also feature a variety of settings, including sensitive and massage modes. They’re mostly rechargeable, though some travel models are battery-powered.

• Water flossing: Since flossing is inherently difficult with braces, water-flossing devices help achieve cleanliness between teeth and braces. These models are also electric, and they have small pick heads that shoot out powerful bursts of water to perform the role of traditional flossing.

Brush and pick head styles

Brush heads come in three main shapes: traditional brush head, round, or oval. Depending on the shape of your mouth, some brush head shapes are more effective than others. Brush heads also come with different bristle heights; the variance helps target more than one area as opposed to just a single surface they touch.

Pick heads generally come to a fine point that is small enough to fit between braces. They’re relatively similar across manual models. Electric models, namely water floss styles, feature a small pick head with an opening that shoots out water. For these, you’re not placing the pick head directly on teeth — rather, the distance allows the water to jet out with enough force to clean between teeth and braces.

The most common color in toothbrushes for braces is white, though black is gaining in popularity for electric models. While there isn’t much of an overall choice, there are some brush head attachments in different colors. This color coding can help designate to whom they belong if more than one person in your household uses it.

Oral hygiene accessories

Manual, electric, and water flossing toothbrushes for braces are available in packs. In addition to the basics, these packs include additional oral hygiene accessories. They could feature extra picks, mini spoolie brushes, brush head variations, tongue scrapers , or travel cases.

Construction

Toothbrushes for braces feature a plastic body and a head with nylon bristles. Manual toothbrushes for braces often have a pick tool at one end. Made from flexible, softer plastic, the pick helps dislodge food lodged between braces. Electric toothbrushes have a similar design, and their plastic body houses a motor and electrical components.

Water flosser models have a different construction altogether, as this tool’s focus is on picking and flossing instead of brushing. As a result, in addition to a base with the motor and electrical components, there is a water compartment that feeds directly into the pick attachment.

Charge stations: Some electric toothbrushes for braces are rechargeable on a charge station. While it’s a convenient feature, some charge stations take up a lot of real estate in the bathroom. If you have limited sink area space, you might consider charging the toothbrush in another room. For this reason, some consumers opt for travel styles, which optimize space and fit in almost any bathroom cabinet or over-the-sink mirrored medicine cabinet.

• Charge time: When looking for an electric toothbrush for braces, look at both the required charge time, and how long the toothbrush holds a charge. Some models take a day to fully charge, though it’s nothing to worry about if you simply dock your toothbrush to charge after each brushing. As far as how long the charge lasts, with the recommended brushing time of between two and four minutes, expect your toothbrush to stay charged for about a week of regular use if you’re not docking it.

Toothbrushes for braces prices

Toothbrushes for braces cost between $5 and $80 , with the greatest price differences occurring between manual and electric models.

For a budget-friendly toothbrush, opt for a manual model, which costs $5 to $10 . These toothbrushes have special brush ridges and plastic picks to help you clean around braces wires and brackets.

Mid-range toothbrushes for braces cost $10 to $40 . They include electric home and travel models as well as flossers. Features, quality, and reliability improve toward the higher end of the price range.

For a superior cleaning experience, expect to spend $40 to $80 . These braces brushes are often multipurpose electric models that combine brushing and water flossing, and they usually come with a set of attachments and oral hygiene accessories.

Don’t share brush heads. Even family members should have a different brush head to avoid sharing colds and other illnesses. Some brush heads come in different colors, so you can assign to each family member a color to keep them separate.

Make space in the bathroom. If your toothbrush is electric, you’ll need to make space in your bathroom for the charging station. If the sink area is too small, you could charge it in another room and simply keep charged toothbrushes in the bathroom.

Invest in a toothpaste you like. Brushing can be tedious, especially when you have braces, so invest in a toothpaste that you like. There are plenty of flavors and textures available to make your brushing experience more enjoyable.

Rinse your toothbrush. After you’re done brushing, rise your toothbrush under hot water to rid it of particles and bacteria.

• Gently clean your tongue. If your toothbrush kit doesn’t come with a tongue scraper, gently brush it manually. An electric model with a sensitive setting is also ideal for this task.

Q. Are toothbrushes for braces suitable for travel, particularly plane trips?

A. Yes, and some electric models are better for traveling than others. Opt for a space-savvy model that holds a decent charge, as you could save even more space by not bringing the charging station. If you think you’ll need to charge your brush during an extended trip abroad, make sure you have the correct power adapter. You’ll also want to keep the toothbrush in a travel case, which means getting one if your toothbrush didn’t come with its own.

Q. Does it matter what kind of toothpaste I use with the toothbrush for my braces?

A. For proper oral hygiene, especially with braces, almost any toothpaste will do the job — so it’s mostly personal preference. If you want a thorough cleaning experience, there are toothpastes that feature whitening, foaming, or deep cleaning properties. Certain toothpaste targets specific oral hygiene issues, such as tartar, tooth decay, sensitivity, gingivitis, and halitosis, all of which you may be more susceptible to with braces.

Q. Will I go through brush heads more quickly with braces?

A. Some consumers feel that the constant wear and tear of bristles against metal braces causes the brush heads to wear down more quickly. Toothbrush models that require brush head replacements have a recommended period of use, and some models have a change timer. If you feel your brush head has become less effective, or looks like it’s taken a beating, change to a new brush head.

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The 10 Best Travel Toothbrushes in 2023 [Foldable, Electric, Mini]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

774 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

32 Published Articles 3117 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

Things To Consider With Travel Toothbrushes

1. mini toothbrush for traveling, 2. rechargeable toothbrush with sleek design, 3. travel toothbrushes with built-in cover, 4. nano bristles for sensitive teeth, 5. the 3-in-1 toothbrush for adults, 6. battery-operated electric toothbrush with 2-minute timer, 7. ergonomic and sleek design, 8. travel toothbrush and crest toothpaste kit, 9. eco-friendly travel toothbrush, 10. multiple toothbrushes for the family, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you’re someone who frequently travels, packing and repacking your toothbrush might become an issue. If not packed properly, your toothbrush can come in contact with all the other things in your bag, leaving it filled with germs and all sorts of other matter that you don’t want to end up in your mouth.

Before we dive into our top choices for travel toothbrushes, let’s take a peek at what you should consider in your search for the perfect toothbrush for traveling.

Hundreds of top-tier travel toothbrushes will make maintaining your oral hygiene on the go easier than ever. Before we explore which options are our favorites, let’s look at what should be the determining factors when choosing the perfect travel toothbrush.

Size and portability should be considered first and foremost when choosing the right toothbrush. For example, if you travel with a full-size travel cosmetic bag, you can choose a full-size toothbrush . On the other hand, some travelers prefer a minimalist style of packing. If that’s the case for you, selecting a compact or smaller size may work best for your packing needs.

Manual or Electric

If you already have an electric toothbrush at home, you might feel like a manual toothbrush for traveling feels like a downgrade . This is understandable since electric toothbrushes are proven to control tooth decay better.

Hot Tip: Keep in mind that if you’re planning a long-term travel experience, it might be appropriate to pack something that doesn’t need batteries or charging.

Dual Voltage

Even if you’re planning to stay in 1 country on your journey, it’s still a good idea to find a toothbrush that can adjust to different voltages. This is important, especially if you’re traveling to a place that has a higher voltage than what you’re accustomed to.

Some of the newer toothbrushes come with a dual-voltage option that automatically adjusts according to the power outlet they’re plugged into , which makes traveling much easier. If your toothbrush doesn’t have this feature, make sure you pack a voltage converter as well.

The ever-popular folding travel toothbrush is a travel enthusiast’s favorite . When assembled, the design takes up half the space of a standard-sized toothbrush without sacrificing the comfort of use when fully expanded.

Many of the best folding toothbrushes come with a carrying case that closes tightly to keep your bristles clean and bacteria-free.

The battery is one of the most important factors to consider when it comes to electric toothbrushes. Ideally, you want a toothbrush that is rechargeable and can last a week or 2 on a single charge . Battery-operated toothbrushes are not as appealing as rechargeable ones, but they are often cheaper.

Antimicrobial Properties

Picking a toothbrush with antimicrobial properties is key, particularly if you pitch your toothbrush into the depths of your toiletry bag when you come and go.

Antimicrobial strands hinder bacterial growth between uses , keeping your mouth as healthy as possible.

Bristle Variety

There are 3 options for toothbrush bristles: soft, medium, and hard. Most people prefer a medium-bristle toothbrush . If you have a tendency to brush your teeth forcefully, you might want to choose a softer bristle to help protect your gums and enamel.

Pay attention to the bristle material when picking a new travel toothbrush. Nylon bristles are the most common, but if you have sensitive gums, doctors suggest opting for a toothbrush with softer bristles like polyester.

Hot Tip: Check out our guides to the best travel toiletry bags for men and women , as well as the best travel Dopp kits for men .

The 10 Best Travel Toothbrushes

Now that we’ve discussed everything to look for in a good travel toothbrush, it’s time to start thinking about your selection. Take a look at the following toothbrushes, which we think are the best of the best for travel.

Colgate Wisp Disposable Mini Toothbrush

The Colgate Wisp Mini Toothbrush is your best option when you’re on the go. Its bristles gently clear food and other particles from your teeth, even around braces and other orthodontics. This mini toothbrush features a built-in freshening bead that releases minty freshness as an added bonus.

This toothbrush requires no water or rinsing, making it perfect for traveling or when you just need to freshen up while you’re out and about. The toothbrush comes in a single-use package, so you can simply open, brush, and throw it away.

The slim design of the Colgate Wisp means it can easily fit into a small purse, backpack, or even a pocket, which makes it ideal for on-the-go dental care.

What We Like

• No water is required to use this toothbrush

What We Don’t Like

• Not-so-comfortable handle

Philips One by Sonicare Toothbrush

This Philips One by Sonicare toothbrush is a high-performing electric toothbrush. The handle is slim, easy to grip, stylish, and available in several colors.

This toothbrush is among the less expensive electric models, which is good for those on a budget. This is a great choice for those who are looking to switch from a manual toothbrush and want to give an electric toothbrush a trial run without breaking the bank.

With the carefully-designed handle, you’ll have a tight grip so the toothbrush can do its work. The bristles are also of the highest quality and will clean your teeth thoroughly without any problems.

• High-quality bristles
• You’ll pay more than you would for a manual toothbrush

Lingito Travel Toothbrushes

Lingito’s folding travel toothbrush cleans effectively, protects your gums, and removes plaque for healthier teeth on the go. In a single flip, you can fold the compact toothbrush into half its size.

An amazing feature about this travel toothbrush is not only that it folds, but it has a nice storage area for the bristles, so you don’t have to worry about an additional case to keep them clean.

The handle features a non-slip grip, and the entire toothbrush is made of BPA-free plastic . In addition, this toothbrush has medium-soft bristles and a narrow head, which will give you a great brushing experience.

This toothbrush is available in different colors, which is great if you’re purchasing duplicates. You’ll never have to worry about mixing toothbrushes with those traveling with you.

• The folding mechanism can feel flimsy

Suree Extra-Soft Toothbrush

The Suree Extra-Soft Toothbrush set is created for those with sensitive teeth and it happens to be one of the cutest travel toothbrushes on the market. Its extra-soft, fine bristles won’t damage the enamel or provoke gum irritation.

Furthermore, the unique 22-hole design permits the brush head to dry much faster than the average toothbrush, which is great for when you’re throwing it in your travel bag.

This product is a set of 4 brushes that come in a variety of pastel colors. Each brush comes with its own travel case, which means you won’t have to worry about keeping your toothbrush sanitary while on the go . Another amazing feature of this toothbrush is that it is specifically designed to be gentle on braces, implants, veneers, and sensitive teeth.

• Unique 22-hole design
• Made for sensitive teeth, so it’s not very robust for removing plaque

Brushee Adult Toothbrush

The Brushee is the revolutionary 3-in-1 oral hygiene tool that provides 3 cleaning operations to help maintain a healthy mouth. You’ll be able to brush, pick, and floss your way to a beautiful smile with these unique travel toothbrushes.

The Brushee is a pocket-sized toothbrush with toothpaste in the bristles, a toothpick, and floss , designed to provide quick, easy oral care. Because of its portability, you can use these toothbrushes anywhere — before a meeting, while traveling, or after meals.

This toothbrush has it all, and it’s super convenient for traveling. The toothpaste is available in 3 different flavors: mint, watermelon, and bubble gum.

• Coated bristles
• Not for sensitive teeth

Voom Sonic Go Series Electric Toothbrush

The Voom Sonic Toothbrush is an excellent option for those who are on the go. The ergonomic design and small brush head make it easy to get a good grip and clean all those hard-to-reach places.

This battery-operated toothbrush is lightweight and comes with a travel case , so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. The brush head is made of DuPont nylon bristles, which are easy on the gums and effective at removing plaque.

Additionally, the Voom Sonic Toothbrush has a 2-minute timer which ensures you know exactly when to stop brushing. Finally, this toothbrush is available in 4 different colors, which comes in handy if you’re shopping for multiple people.

• Compact design and long battery life
• Battery-operated

Quip Electric Toothbrush

The Quip toothbrush is a great choice for those looking for an electric toothbrush that’s lightweight and easy to use. The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold, and the small brush head is perfect for getting where it needs to go.

This battery-operated toothbrush is very quiet, so you can use it without disturbing others . The sonic pulses are delivered every 30 seconds to help remove plaque. On top of that, the Quip toothbrush also has a 2-minute timer to ensure that you brush for the recommended amount of time.

• Quick and solid performance
• Might be too soft for some

Dental Source Travel Toothbrush

The Dental Source Travel Toothbrush and Crest Toothpaste Kit is the perfect way to keep your teeth clean and healthy while on the go. This kit includes a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and a carrying case .

The toothpaste is Crest Pro-Health, which is designed to help reduce cavities, gingivitis, and tartar buildup. The floss is Oral-B Glide Pro-Health, which is designed to remove plaque and bacteria between teeth and below the gum line.

The carrying case is also included, so you can keep everything organized while traveling. This kit is a great way to keep your teeth clean and healthy while on the go.

• Excels in removing plaque
• The handle is not slip-resistant

Radius Tour Travel Toothbrush

The Radius Tour Travel toothbrush has a hygienic jack-knife design that is perfect for your travel luggage. Simply fold it in half with the hinge mechanism, and tuck it away.

This incredible toothbrush has a reusable handle and a replaceable head. Its thin neck allows you to reach tight spaces and the soft bristles massage the gums, which prevents bleeding gums and enamel erosion.

This toothbrush is free of petroleum and features a wood-based handle and vegetable-based bristles, great for both you and the environment.

The ergonomic design of the toothbrush makes it easy to grip, and the small brush head is perfect for getting into all those hard-to-reach places.

• Eco-friendly
• The handle looks cheap

Patelai Travel Toothbrush

The Patelai Travel Toothbrush is the perfect way to keep your teeth clean and healthy while on the go. These cheap toothbrushes come in a pack of 4 . They’re all different colors so you can avoid mixing them up when you travel with the family.

The Patelai Travel Toothbrush allows the head to be stored inside the handle when not in use, keeping your toothbrush clean in transit. Compact and easy to use, these are a great option for adults and children alike.

• Simple and easy to use
• Looks reflect its cheap pricepoint

In light of everything we said above, it’s clear that everyone should take at least 1 travel toothbrush on their adventure. It doesn’t matter where you go if you have a suitable travel toothbrush by your side. Make sure to consider everything we discussed in this review before you make your choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i keep my toothbrush clean while traveling.

Place your toothbrush upright in a cup or holder to ensure it dries thoroughly. Look for travel toothbrushes that also come with a case.

Where do you put your toothbrush when traveling?

The ADA recommends storing your toothbrush out in the open, so it can be exposed to air and daylight, which will help it dry naturally. While on the move, opt for a travel case to keep it clean.

Are 360-degree toothbrushes any good?

In general, 360-degree toothbrushes are well-built, comfortable, and easy to use. Unfortunately, they do not have a good reputation for appropriately cleaning teeth.

Can I carry a toothbrush in my hand luggage?

According to TSA guidelines, you can bring an electric toothbrush on a plane in both your carry-on bags and checked bags. One thing to note is that if your electric toothbrush contains a lithium-ion battery, it’s recommended that you pack it in your carry-on baggage.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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An Essential Guide To Choosing The Right Toothbrush When You Have Braces

Written by Weaver Orthodontics on February 20, 2023 . Posted in Braces

Different types of toothbrushes

Which type of toothbrush is best for braces, how often should you replace your toothbrush when you have braces.

• What type of bristles should I look for in a toothbrush?
• How big should the brush head be?
• What kind of handle should I get?

Tags: Braces , Choosing The Right Toothbrush When You Have Braces , Type of toothbrush is best for braces

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Travel Orthodontic Toothbrush for Braces

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• Description

Take this orthodontic toothbrush on the road with ease. This brush has super soft dual-colored bristles which are v-cut for braces. This means that the bristles in the middle of the brush are cut shorter than the bristles at the ends -- so it does an excellent job at cleaning both your teeth and your braces when you brush. A durable, high-quality toothbrush with a compact head that's great for kids or adults. Remember to replace your worn toothbrush regularly to ensure good oral hygiene! Comes in assorted colors. Sorry, color choice is not possible. Looking for a pre-pasted disposable toothbrush just for braces? Try the Ortho ReadyBrush , which has toothpaste powder bonded to the bristles! Ortho Readybrush fully complies with all airline regulations and restrictions -- no gels or liquids to worry about!

This toothbrush is "v-cut" and made specially for orthodontic braces.

The cover doubles as a handle.

Remember to replace your toothbrush every month for effective cleaning!

• Related Products

Travel Toothbrush, NON-Orthodontic

Toothbrush for dental braces, bite wafers for orthodontic braces, violife travel safe uv toothbrush sanitizer, premium dual-end toothbrush v-trim for braces.

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5 Best Toothbrushes for Braces in 2023

Braces on what’s the best toothbrush.

If you just got your braces done, then the next thing you should worry about is your oral hygiene. Some of you might wonder why is that? It’s because compromised dental hygiene equals delayed braces treatment and, eventually, treatment failure. According to the American Dental Association , dental hygiene is best maintained by brushing your teeth twice daily for 2 minutes.

In this article, we will talk about;

• Guide to buying the best toothbrush
• Top 6 toothbrushes for braces
• Manual or electric – which one is better

Guide to buying the best toothbrush:

What to look for when buying the best toothbrush for braces? The answer to this is pretty simple and is based on the following 5 things:

• Cleaning effectiveness – it must reach every surface of the tooth and orthodontic appliances such as braces.
• Flexibility – the head and handle of the toothbrush must be flexible enough to reach every area of the oral cavity
• Battery timing – in the case of an electric brush, the charging power, as well as the battery power, are important factors to look for
• Travel friendliness – the brush should be compact enough to fit in a small travel pouch.

Top 5 toothbrushes for braces:

1.   y kelin v shaped orthodontic toothbrush:.

The first one on our list is a manual toothbrush. Is it better than the electric one? Well, that’s a debatable topic and will be discussed in this article's latter section.

Y Kelin V Shaped Orthodontic Toothbrush has;

• Soft bristles at an angle of 45 o – make them an ideal candidate for cleaning around braces as the bristles reach every part of the bracket.
• Interdental brush – comes with the packing.

The only downside reported  by its users is that the bristles are extremely soft and fail to give an effective clean.

2.   Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric toothbrush:

The next one in line is a sonic electric toothbrush , i.e. its bristles make 84,000 movements per minute. Unlike the Y Kelin V Shaped manual toothbrush, its soft bristles are W-shaped, which can clean the parts around the braces.

In addition to the effective clean, Oclean X Pro Elite  has;

• Battery life of more than a month
• Waterproof coating
• Soundless technology – as opposed to other electric toothbrushes. It also has a brushing timer for you to check whether or not you’ve brushed for 2 minutes ( ADA   recommended time)
• Wireless charging – which means no strangling of the charging wire
• 4 Modes, i.e. clean, sensitive, massage and white – the massage mode is ideal for braces
• Value for money – cost-effective pricing when compared with other electric toothbrushes with equivalent features

With over 602 positive reviews, it is one of the best electric toothbrushes.

The only downside of these electric brushes is that they don’t have a travel case. However, it can be bought separately.

3.   Oclean Kids Electric toothbrush :

This sonic electric toothbrush  is designed specifically for kids aged 6 to 12 years. The most distinguishing feature it has is the sodium fluoride bristles. Fluoride has anti-bacterial properties that effectively inhibit dental decay making them an ideal candidate for small children with braces.

Oclean Kids Electric toothbrush  has the following features;

• Sodium Fluoride bristles
• Battery life of 1 month and Fast charging
• Has a pressure sensor – prevents kids from exerting excessive pressure
• Aesthetically pleasing look for the child

Regarding this particular electric brush, no cons have been reported so far.

4.   Colgate Wisp Max Fresh Mini toothbrush:

This is a manual toothbrush effective for use one time only. It has soft bristles with a dot-sized gel in between them. This gel dissolves when it comes into contact with braces and teeth.

Colgate Wisp Max Fresh Mini toothbrush has the following features;

• Gel in between bristles – prevent the need for rinsing
• Handle with a pointed end – you can remove the food lodged in the spaces between teeth and orthodontic brackets.
• Travel friendly

The downside of these brushes is that they can only be used once and must be disposed of after the first use. Moreover, its users have reported  that the gel feels like plastic being rubbed on teeth.

5.   Oclean Air 2T Sonic Electric toothbrush :

Its sonic vibrations (80,000 per minute) are slightly less than the X Pro variant previously discussed. The soft vibrating bristles of this toothbrush effectively clean plaque and food debris around braces.

Oclean Air 2T  has the following features:

• Long Battery life of 30 days
• Powerful cleaning ability – eases the process of cleaning
• Ultra-quiet technology
• Travel friendly – comes with a travel case
• Wireless charger

Manual or electric – Which one is better

2 schools of thought exist regarding the choice of a toothbrush. One of them says that electric toothbrushes are better than manual ones, while the other contradicts this belief. In our opinion, electric toothbrushes are better because they remove plaque effectively and quickly compared to manual toothbrushes. This trait will save your visit to the dental office.

With time, modern-day toothbrushes have evolved significantly into sonic electric toothbrushes and rotating oscillating toothbrushes. When it comes to orthodontic treatment, a.k.a. braces, sonic electric toothbrushes are the best. This is because of the following reasons:

• Sonic electric toothbrushes have more power than simple rotating, oscillating ones. This makes them more effective in removing plaque.
• Sonic toothbrushes work on fluid dynamic technology . This makes them more effective in cleaning the spaces between teeth.
• The plaque-removing efficacy of sonic electric toothbrushes is proven by research .
• Rotating oscillating toothbrushes are more costly as compared to sonic electric toothbrushes.

Bottom-line:

The best toothbrush should effectively remove plaque from the teeth. In addition, they should be flexible, cost-effective, and travel-friendly. Electric toothbrushes are superior to manual ones. The best toothbrush for braces in kids is the Oclean Kids Electric toothbrush , and for adults is the Oclean X Pro Elite Smart Electric toothbrush .  

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Moscow Travel Meeting - 18 November, 2017

It’s that time again!

If you like to talk about travel, if you have tips or if you have suggestions, if you’re just beginning to plan a trip or if you have a trip report, we’d love to have you join us. In addition to planning tips we also have great suggestions for how to pack, what to pack it in and packing light to make your trip easier.

The Moscow Travel Group will be meeting as usual on the 3rd Saturday of each month, so next Saturday, November 18 at 10:30 at One World Café, 533 South Main Street in Moscow. We’ll be in the back room. We’re very casual so if you can’t make it at 10:30, just come in when you can. The room is reserved for us till 1:00. We’ll have a world map on the table and various Rick Steves' guide books so we’re not too hard to find.

We won’t be meeting in December due to the weather and the Christmas rush so our next meeting will be January 20, 2018.

Please let me know if you will try to make it so we can get enough chairs for all of us.

S & M will be there.

Oh good, Monte and Sharon, glad you'll be there. Also Pam will be there, I believe. Several others are planning to be there so we should have quite a turn out this month.

Just a reply so I can bumpity bump bump this thread. Yes, I’ll be there!!

Nothing clever to say, Darcy!! Sorry. 😜

Pam! How can this be? You without a witty reply? Unheard of!

What's going on? Is everyone just too busy to bump this up for me? Come on "Towns & Villages near Moscow--no visa required" Group! Show us your brilliance!

If we have time at our meeting tomorrow we could discuss some of the posts that have been appearing lately.

Hahaha...since you are Secretary you'll have to print out a list for review!!

At least parking will be easy. No Farmer's Market. No winter Market. UI kids will be headed out of town for break. All is good!

Today's the day! We're expecting 10-12 of us. Anyone else from the Forum? Anyone from Boise? Coeur d'Alene? Whitefish? You're all welcome!

If only I could say "Beam me up Scotty".

Ah, Lynn, you have to be in Paris at Hôtel Lévêque to use the "beam me up, Scotty" elevator--as Rick calls it! But I think that only gets you to the 5th floor, not to Lewiston.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.