Brushes for cleaning teeth: types of interdental products and rules for how to use

Home » Braces systems » Brushes for cleaning teeth with braces. Types, application

There is a wide range of special products to help patients care for their mouth during orthodontic treatment. To keep the braces system and teeth clean, not only pastes, rinses and regular brushes are used. Flosses (threads) for cleaning interdental spaces, as well as special devices - brushes, have proven to be highly effective. The features and purpose of the latter will be discussed in this article.

What is a toothbrush?

For reference! The appearance of such a product for the oral cavity is similar to a regular brush used for cleaning glass containers, but its size is several times smaller.

two components in this device :

pen;
The product itself is a brush, which is used to clean the surface between the teeth.

The length of the bristly rod reaches several centimeters.

Its basis is a steel wire on which synthetic bristles are attached.

They are most often made from nylon, although other synthetic materials are also used.

The rod is additionally covered with plastic. This was done to prevent the occurrence of static discharges during use of the device.

Note! The materials used in the manufacturing process of these products are always environmentally friendly, durable and inert.

Thus, they do not enter into oxidation processes upon contact with saliva during the procedure.

Depending on the manufacturer, these devices are available both as attachments and as a one-piece design. The first ones come with special holders.

How to properly clean braces with a brush

You should take the purchase of the product seriously. It is chosen taking into account personal characteristics and parameters of the oral cavity. If the bristles are not long enough, they will not completely remove plaque and food particles. If, on the contrary, it is excessively high, then it can damage the gums and provoke the correction clasps to come off. When purchasing, pay attention to the thickness of the fibers. They must freely penetrate to all desired areas.

Why are such interdental products needed?

The purpose of these interdental products is to remove dirt between teeth and in hard-to-reach places (in the case of installed braces).
Thanks to high-quality cleaning of the dental cavity using a brush, the risk of caries and periodontal disease is reduced, bad breath and bleeding gums are eliminated .

The lateral surface of the teeth makes up 40% of the entire dental surface.

It is difficult to clean dirt from these areas with a regular brush, but it is between the teeth that putrefactive bacteria develop most actively.

Indications for use

It is worth noting! As for the indications for the use of interdental brushes, it is advisable to use this product along with a regular toothbrush and, after basic cleaning, clean with this simple device.

The use of tooth enamel brushes especially recommended for the following categories of people:

patients with installed dental implants , as well as devices for aligning the bite, for example, braces. Using a toothbrush, it is impossible to remove all plaque and food debris from small parts and elements of braces, bridges or implants. The brush, due to its size, is able to penetrate even the smallest holes and crevices;
those on their tooth enamel from drinking coffee, tea or smoking
there is a need to carry out a daily light massage of the gums and clean them ;
those who suffer from malocclusion but have not yet used teeth straightening devices such as braces. Plaque and food particles are more likely to accumulate between teeth that are uneven. Accordingly, bacteria multiply there.

What is an electric brush for braces?

An electric brush is a device for cleaning braces and interdental spaces .

The bristles of the product vibrate due to the built-in electric motor.

Power comes from either a battery or a rechargeable battery.

Using this brush allows you to quickly and easily clean braces and tooth enamel from plaque and stuck food debris .

Therefore, this type of brushes is becoming increasingly popular.

Varieties

You should know! There are several types of such devices, namely three. They are divided depending on their shape and purpose:

the curved variety is distinguished by the fact that the handle together with the rod is made in the form of a semicircle. This type of product is convenient to use for cleaning teeth straightening devices from dirt. Thanks to the semicircular shape, it is easy to reach the plaque accumulated on the elements of the braces;
cylindrical variety. A distinctive feature of the species is the same length of the villi. Used to remove oral contaminants and care for gums. It is purchased by those who have a dental implant installed, since with the help of this cylindrical device it is easy to remove dirt from the neck of the implant;
cone-shaped. It received this name due to the arrangement of the bristles in the shape of a cone. The longest are located at the base of the rod, at the end - the smallest (up to 1 mm). It is recommended to use this type of product for those who have the correct structure of teeth and an even dentition.

What types of braces cleaning products are there?

Modern specialized stores offer a large selection of all kinds of products for cleaning braces. Among them:

Brush for braces

In practice, orthodontists use several types of toothbrushes for braces. The first type is an orthodontic brush, which has a small head (about 3 cm) and V-shaped bristles. Thanks to these design features, it easily penetrates between the arc and the groove and cleans out plaque. The second type is a brush for braces with a mono-beam structure. It can also be used to clean narrow areas between braces and the teeth themselves. Sometimes an electric brush is distinguished as one of the types of orthodontic means for cleaning braces. But in practice, it is also used by those who do not wear braces.

Oral irrigator

An irrigator is a device with a container for water or an antiseptic solution, which is supplied through a nozzle under pressure into the oral cavity. Thanks to its gentle effect, the water jet cleans the most remote areas of the oral cavity and, at the same time, does not damage soft tissues and parts of the braces system, in particular. Manufacturers of irrigators claim that with the help of such an innovative device, teeth cleaning at home can be made almost identical to that at the dentist. In addition, with the help of an irrigator you can remove about 70% of plaque, which is twice as much as with a regular brush.

Rinse aid

The rinse is used after the teeth and braces have been brushed. It helps maintain the normal condition of the mucous membranes of the cheeks and gums, and also prevents the development of pathogenic microflora, thanks to its disinfecting ability.

Brush for braces

How to use it correctly?

Stay up to date! Using a brush is very simple; after basic cleaning, it is enough to use a brush to remove the dirt that has accumulated between the teeth.

It is recommended to do this on both sides of the dentition.

Those using the product to clean between teeth are advised to adhere to the following tips:

The device is replaced weekly. The maximum time that one brush can be used is 14 days. It is worth changing it even if there are no visible defects on it;
Manipulations in the oral cavity should be carried out without paste;
it is impossible to clean the incisors and the surface between them;
movement up and down on the surface of tooth enamel is not allowed .

If the device is used for the first time, then do not be alarmed if slight bleeding occurs.

Important! If after 3 days this symptom has not disappeared, then you need to stop using this device and consult a dentist.

Before you start using a dental brush, it is important to choose the right one .

Below are recommendations that you should use when choosing a device :

villi length. This parameter is determined depending on the distance between the teeth. If your teeth are tightly spaced, it is recommended to buy a brush with bristles up to 1mm. If there are small gaps in the dentition, then the length of the villi should be 2-3 mm. But, if a dental implant is installed, then, regardless of the distance in the oral cavity, it is recommended to purchase a device with the shortest bristles;
length of the product. Brush brushes are available in five different lengths. Here you should pay attention to the size of the oral cavity and the age of the person. Children are purchased with the S marking; for an adult, the best option would be size XL;
villi hardness. You will have to choose between soft and medium hardness. Those with sensitive gums, as well as children, are advised to buy devices with soft bristles. This variety is better suited for cleaning implants;
Rod material: metal or plastic. If your gums are prone to inflammation and often bleed, it is better to purchase a device with a plastic rod. Due to its elasticity, it will not injure the gums;
product quality. This is the main criterion and you shouldn’t skimp on it. It is better to give preference to products from popular brands that have already proven themselves.

Sequence of application

Keep in mind! The product should be used according to the instructions below:

Initially, the oral cavity is cleaned with a toothbrush and paste or tooth powder;
after that it’s the turn of the dental brush. It is slightly moistened with water and inserted between the teeth until the rod reaches the other side of the dentition;
It is recommended to maintain a 90 degree angle during cleaning; If the rod is difficult to fit into the gap between the teeth, then it is prohibited to apply force and drive it into the tooth gap. It is better to try to choose a different type of device.
then several light movements of a reciprocating nature are performed. Additionally, you need to rotate the brush several times around its axis;
completing the cleaning of tooth enamel is removing the device and rinsing it under running water;
A similar manipulation must be carried out with each interdental space.

It is worth noting! It is allowed to use a brush every time after regular cleaning of the oral cavity with a brush.

General rules for caring for braces

If you want to maintain healthy teeth, you must follow the general rules for caring for braces. Let's describe them briefly:

For braces, special toothbrushes are used that allow you to clean the enamel and all elements of the orthodontic structure.
Treatment of the oral cavity should be performed 4-5 times a day or more often (after all meals, as well as in the morning and evening).
It is necessary to clean not only the teeth themselves, but also all accessible surfaces of the braces.
It is advisable to buy toothpaste with a high content of fluoride and calcium to increase the protective properties of the enamel. For the paste to be effective, it is recommended to regularly change it to a product from another company, since the enamel gets used to a certain composition and stops reacting to it.
If you cannot clean some places, you should resort to the help of additional devices: dental floss, special brushes, etc.
If you use rinse aid, do not use regular brands, but only ones that do not contain alcohol or dyes.

The main task of caring for the oral cavity while wearing braces is to preserve the enamel. This can be done in different ways. Read for interest what scientists are offering today: Scientists have found a way to protect tooth enamel in cancer patients.

Features of different brands

Despite the fact that the design and appearance of these orthodontic products are mostly the same, there are some differences depending on the manufacturer .
Below are the distinctive features of brushes for cleaning teeth from different brands.

Colgate

There are various products in both shape and size . They are equipped with a comfortable handle.

The cross-section of the bristles is triangular, making cleaning quick and efficient .

The diameter of the tip varies and ranges from 2 to 5 mm.

Lacalut

Need to know! The teeth cleaning device is made using a special surgical alloy and plastic coating.

Additionally, in the kit .

It can be used as a handle extension.

Oral bi (Oral-b)

Conical and cylindrical products with a special holder.

The set includes a special container for storing the device.

Curaprox

They produce products of various models and purposes.

For your information! There are those that are suitable for daily and regular use, for cleaning orthodontic structures, dentures or implants.

The length of the bristles varies between 2.2-5 mm.

Popular models of brushes

Travel kit Pierrot Orthodontic Kit

Manufacturers of orthodontic products offer a wide range of special brushes and brushes. There is a certain demand for models such as:

Vitis . It has a V-shape, miniature head, rounded bristles. Does not injure the mucous lining of the mouth.
Pierrot . Features a compact head. The bristles are V-shaped.
Сuraprox . It features a rounded tip, which allows you to thoroughly clean the enamel from various deposits. The bristles are made of elastic polyester.
Miradent . The set includes two pairs of tips. The bristles are cone-shaped. The handle is ergonomic. A case for storing attachments is provided.
Vitis Implant Monotip . The fibers are collected in a bundle. The product delicately but effectively cleans the enamel in the areas where the orthodontic device is attached.
Antiplaque Piave Dental Care . V-shaped bristles, medium level of hardness. Helps remove plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
EDEL+WHIT . The set includes two accessories. When using them, you don't have to apply toothpaste. The devices perfectly clean those areas of the dentition that classic brushes do not have access to.

Reviews

Below are some customer reviews. If you have something to say, leave your feedback in the comments below the article, it will be useful to our readers.

Oksana, 32 years old.
I used to always use only a brush, but bad breath began to appear.
I thought there was something wrong with my stomach, but it turned out that I was just not brushing my teeth well)), or rather, in the wrong way.
After I started using the brush, the smell disappeared.

Denis, 36 years old.
I have braces and what a hassle it is to clean them every time after eating, especially with a brush.
Read also: What is the secret to the success of Colgate Plax mouth rinses?
Long, ineffective, inconvenient. The brush solved my problems in one go.
Although my wife doesn’t have braces, she also uses this device. Teeth look perfect.

Useful video

From this video you will learn what dental brushes are needed for and how to choose the right one:

Despite the fact that most people are accustomed to considering a toothbrush to be the main device for performing oral hygiene procedures, this is not so.

A brush for cleaning teeth is an equally important device for dental care .

It is recommended to use both a brush and a brush every time you clean the surface of the tooth enamel.

What happens if you don't use it?

If you do not use special brushes for cleaning, then in the future there may be such negative consequences as:

Formation of tartar (due to the accumulation of plaque in hard-to-clean places).
Darkening and thinning of tooth enamel.
The emergence and development of caries.
Darkening of the metal arches of the bracket system itself.

To avoid various risks, it is recommended to use such brushes regularly. Otherwise, the method does not guarantee 100% results.