One of the common problems in people who use fixed orthodontics is lack of oral hygiene. A normal toothbrush cannot remove plaque from teeth, brackets and braces very well. Meanwhile, the parts related to fixed orthodontics create an additional surface for the growth of bacteria and this accumulation of plaque will increase the risk of caries.
Since a normal toothbrush is not able to clean the space between brackets, wires and orthodontic bands, it cannot be considered as the only choice for fixed orthodontics; But it is also an auxiliary tool along with other fixed orthodontic toothbrushes.
Disadvantages of using a normal toothbrush for fixed orthodontics
As a person from fixed orthodontics, you must be very sensitive to your oral health. Undoubtedly, ordinary toothbrush is not suitable for fixed orthodontics and we will examine the reason for this in more detail below:
- Rigid bristles: Ordinary toothbrush is designed to clean the plaques on the teeth. If you use hard toothbrushes on the orthodontic, there is a possibility of damaging it. Although some regular toothbrushes with soft bristles are also available, they are not as soft as orthodontic toothbrushes.
- Lack of cleaning between brackets: There is very little space between brackets and orthodontic wires. Due to its large size and long bristles, a normal toothbrush does not clean between brackets and wires. This issue causes food particles and plaque to remain between orthodontics and rapid tooth decay.
- Large dimensions and improper coverage: The normal toothbrush has large dimensions. Even the bristles used in it are very long and get stuck in the gums and dental brackets. This makes brushing difficult and time-consuming for people with orthodontics.
properties of a suitable toothbrush for fixed orthodontics
A suitable toothbrush for fixed orthodontics can be used alongside a normal toothbrush or replace it. Even some ordinary toothbrushes with soft bristles and compact heads clean the space between the brackets well. The most important features of an orthodontic toothbrush are:
- Soft bristles: The best toothbrush for orthodontics has soft bristles. The hard bristles of the toothbrush irritate the gums and damage the brackets. Therefore, look for a soft and delicate toothbrush to clean your teeth without any damage. Small series toothbrushes offer better control and make it easier to clean along the gum line and between the wires, and you won't miss any spots.
Simultaneous use of normal and special fixed orthodontic toothbrush
Many people think that using a normal toothbrush alone is enough to maintain oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. A normal toothbrush can clean the front and back surface of the teeth to some extent, but due to the shape of its head and fibers, it is not able to penetrate completely under the wires and around the brackets. Therefore, part of the food particles and microbial plaque remain in these places and over time cause decay, gum inflammation or white spots on the teeth.
Simultaneous use of a regular toothbrush href="https://jamilian.net/%D9%85%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%A7%DA%A9-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%B3%DB%8C-%D8%A8 %DB%8C%D9%86-%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D9%88-%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A8%D8%B1%D8%AF-%D8%A2%D9%86/>Toothbrush Special orthodontics is a correct and recommended method for oral hygiene in fixed orthodontics. A normal toothbrush is used to clean wide surfaces of teeth, gum edges and accessible parts. On the other hand, the special orthodontic toothbrush plays a complementary role and is necessary for precise cleaning under the wires, around the brackets and places that cannot be reached by a normal toothbrush. Change it every 3 months. However, some people may need to replace their toothbrushes more often than others. Don't forget that orthodontics can shorten the useful life of your toothbrush.
Brackets on the teeth create many uneven surfaces that the toothbrush must clean. Therefore, the toothbrush works harder and more complicated than when the teeth are not orthodontic. It is best to change the toothbrush as soon as you observe wear and tear on the soft bristles. Do not forget that a damaged orthodontic toothbrush cannot be as effective as a new one.
supplementary oral hygiene tools in fixed orthodontics
Using the right toothbrush for fixed orthodontics alone is not enough. The presence of brackets and wires creates small and inaccessible spaces where food particles and microbial plaque accumulate easily. For this reason, oral hygiene supplements in orthodontics play a very important role in preventing tooth decay and gingivitis. href="https://jamilian.net/%D9%86%D8%AE-%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86-%D8%AF%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%AA%D9%88%D8%AF%D9%86%D8%B3%DB%8C/"> Orthodontics is one of the most essential tools for people who have fixed orthodontics. These threads have a hard part at the beginning, which makes it easy to pass the thread under the orthodontic wire. Regular use of orthodontic dental floss helps to remove the plaque between the teeth and under the wires and reduces the risk of caries and disease. significantly reduces the gums.
Water Flosser
Water Flosser or blue dental floss is a complementary and very practical tool for fixed orthodontics. By spraying high-pressure water, this device removes food particles and bacteria from around the brackets, under the wires and the gum line. Water Flosser is an ideal option especially for people who find it difficult to use regular dental floss. Flosser for fixed orthodontic brackets" class="wp-image-59476" srcset="https://jamilian.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/water-flosser-for-braces.jpg 1000w, https://jamilian.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/water-flosser-for-braces-300x107.jpg 300w, https://jamilian.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/water-flosser-for-braces-370x132.jpg 370w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px">
Interdental brush and single-handled brush
Orthodontic interdental brush and single-handled brushes are used for precise cleaning around the brackets and places that cannot be reached by a regular toothbrush or even an orthodontic toothbrush. These brushes help to reduce the accumulation of plaque and maintain the health of the gums during orthodontic treatment.
The simultaneous use of these complementary tools along with the orthodontic toothbrush is the best way to maintain oral hygiene in fixed orthodontics.
Final statement
Choosing a normal toothbrush for fixed orthodontics must be done with a soft brush, because the use of rough toothbrushes can lead to damage tooth enamel and gum tissue and create white spots or change the color of tooth enamel. For this reason Orthodontist, recommends Normal toothbrush, use a suitable orthodontic toothbrush with soft brush, compact series and v-shaped pattern to clean the teeth in a complete and basic way.
