Best Electric Toothbrush for Braces in 2026
Keeping teeth clean with braces is challenging. We consulted with orthodontists and tested the top brushes to find which ones best clean around brackets and wires.
Quick Answer
The Oral-B iO Series 5 is our top recommendation for braces wearers. Its micro-vibration technology and round brush head clean around each bracket individually, while the pressure sensor prevents damage to orthodontic hardware. For a budget-friendly option, the Oral-B Pro 1000 delivers excellent orthodontic cleaning at half the price.
| Model | Best For | Type | Pressure Sensor | Sensitive Mode | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oral-B iO Series 5 | Overall Best | Oscillating | ✓ | ✓ | $90-120 |
| Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 | Best Sonic | Sonic | ✓ | ✓ | $80-100 |
| Oral-B Pro 1000 | Best Budget | Oscillating | ✓ | ✗ | $30-50 |
| Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 | Best Combo | Sonic + Flosser | ✗ | ✓ | $100-140 |
| Sonicare 4100 | Best Value Sonic | Sonic | ✓ | ✗ | $40-60 |
Top Electric Toothbrush Picks for Braces
Oral-B iO Series 5
Best Overall for Braces
The Oral-B iO Series 5 stands out as the best electric toothbrush for braces thanks to its unique micro-vibration technology combined with oscillating-rotating action. The round brush head is perfectly sized to clean around individual brackets, reaching areas that elongated brush heads often miss.
The smart pressure sensor is critical for braces wearers. It lights up green when you are applying the right amount of pressure, and turns red when you push too hard. This prevents bracket damage and reduces gum irritation around the already-sensitive orthodontic areas. Five cleaning modes include a dedicated Sensitive mode that provides thorough cleaning with reduced intensity.
The interactive display provides real-time feedback, and the brush head fits snugly around each bracket to sweep away the plaque that accumulates around orthodontic hardware. Orthodontists in our advisory panel specifically praised the iO's ability to access tight spaces between brackets and gums.
Pros
- Round head cleans around individual brackets
- Smart pressure sensor prevents bracket damage
- Sensitive mode for tender orthodontic areas
- Micro-vibrations dislodge trapped food
- Interactive display tracks coverage
Cons
- Higher price point
- Proprietary brush heads only
- Replacement heads are expensive
Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100
Best Sonic Option for Braces
The Sonicare ProtectiveClean 6100 uses sonic technology that is particularly effective for braces wearers. Rather than physically scrubbing around brackets, the high-frequency vibrations drive fluid between teeth and around orthodontic hardware, cleaning areas that bristles cannot directly reach.
This fluid dynamic action creates microbubbles that reach up to 4mm between teeth, making it excellent for cleaning the hard-to-reach areas around brackets and under wires. The pressure sensor automatically reduces power when you brush too hard, a critical feature for protecting bonded brackets.
Three intensity settings and three brushing modes give you flexibility to find the right combination for your level of orthodontic sensitivity. The BrushSync technology also reminds you when to replace brush heads, which is especially important with braces since heads wear faster.
Pros
- Sonic action cleans around hardware without snagging
- Fluid dynamics reach under wires
- Automatic pressure reduction protects brackets
- 3 intensity levels for sensitivity
- BrushSync replacement reminders
Cons
- Elongated head may be less precise than round
- Takes a few days to adjust to sonic vibration
- No orthodontic-specific brush head
Oral-B Pro 1000
Best Budget Option for Braces
The Oral-B Pro 1000 proves that effective braces cleaning does not require a premium price tag. This workhorse uses the same oscillating-rotating-pulsating action as its more expensive siblings, and its round brush head navigates around brackets with precision.
While it only offers one cleaning mode, the CrossAction brush head is highly effective at removing plaque around orthodontic hardware. The built-in pressure sensor alerts you when brushing too hard, protecting your brackets from excessive force. Compatible with Oral-B's full range of replacement heads, including the Ortho head designed specifically for braces.
Pros
- Exceptional value for braces cleaning
- Compatible with Oral-B Ortho brush heads
- Pressure sensor protects brackets
- Proven oscillating-rotating technology
Cons
- Single cleaning mode
- No app connectivity
- Basic design and features
Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0
Best Brush + Flosser Combo for Braces
The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0 combines a sonic toothbrush with a water flosser in a single device, making it uniquely valuable for braces wearers who struggle with traditional flossing. The water flosser portion is clinically proven to be up to 3x more effective at removing plaque around braces than string floss.
You can use the sonic brush, water flosser, or both simultaneously. For braces patients, the combination mode provides the most thorough clean by brushing and flushing debris from around brackets and under wires at the same time.
Pros
- Combines brushing and water flossing
- Clinically proven for orthodontic plaque removal
- Eliminates need for separate flosser
- Multiple pressure settings
Cons
- Bulky countertop unit
- Higher price point
- Water reservoir needs frequent refilling
- Learning curve for combination mode
Philips Sonicare 4100
Best Value Sonic for Braces
The Sonicare 4100 offers the benefits of sonic cleaning at an accessible price point. Its 31,000 brush strokes per minute generate the fluid dynamic cleaning that helps rinse around brackets, while the pressure sensor prevents over-brushing delicate orthodontic areas.
The slim handle and lightweight design make it easy to maneuver around braces, and the 2-week battery life means less charging hassle. While it lacks multiple modes, the single Clean mode is well-calibrated for most users, including those with braces.
Pros
- Affordable sonic technology entry
- Pressure sensor included
- 14-day battery life
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
Cons
- Single cleaning mode
- No app connectivity
- Basic feature set
Buying Guide: Electric Toothbrushes and Braces
Why Electric Toothbrushes Matter More with Braces
Braces create numerous small spaces where plaque and food particles accumulate. Studies show that electric toothbrush users with braces have 11% less plaque and significantly fewer white spot lesions (early cavities) compared to those using manual brushes.
Choosing Between Sonic and Oscillating
Both types work well with braces, but each has advantages. Sonic toothbrushes clean through fluid dynamics, driving cleaning solution between teeth and around brackets without direct contact. This reduces the risk of catching on wires. Oscillating brushes like Oral-B use a round head that can target individual brackets and the areas around them with precision.
The Importance of Pressure Sensors
Brushing too hard with braces can debond brackets, bend wires, and irritate already-sensitive gums. A pressure sensor that alerts you or automatically reduces power when you apply too much force is not just a luxury with braces; it is essential for preventing costly orthodontic repairs.
Brush Head Considerations
Replace brush heads every 6-8 weeks with braces instead of the standard 3 months. The brackets and wires cause faster bristle wear. Look for soft or extra-soft bristle options, and consider orthodontic-specific brush heads like Oral-B's Ortho head, which has a V-shaped trim to clean around brackets.
Complementary Tools
An electric toothbrush alone is not enough with braces. Pair it with a water flosser for between-bracket cleaning, interdental brushes for areas the toothbrush cannot reach, and fluoride rinse to strengthen enamel around brackets. The Waterpik Sonic-Fusion combines two of these tools into one device.
Our Verdict
The Oral-B iO Series 5 delivers the most effective cleaning around orthodontic hardware, thanks to its round brush head, smart pressure sensor, and micro-vibration technology. For braces wearers on a budget, the Oral-B Pro 1000 uses the same fundamental cleaning technology at a fraction of the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use an electric toothbrush with braces? +
Yes, electric toothbrushes are safe and actually recommended for braces. They are more effective at removing plaque around brackets and wires than manual brushing. Choose a brush with soft bristles, a sensitive mode, and ideally a pressure sensor to prevent damage to your orthodontic hardware.
What type of electric toothbrush is best for braces? +
Sonic toothbrushes are generally preferred for braces because their vibrating action cleans around brackets without catching on wires. However, oscillating brushes like Oral-B also work well, especially with their orthodontic-specific brush heads. The key features to look for are a pressure sensor, soft bristles, and a sensitive cleaning mode.
How often should you replace brush heads with braces? +
With braces, brush heads wear out faster due to contact with brackets and wires. Replace them every 6-8 weeks instead of the standard 3 months. Watch for frayed or splayed bristles as signs that a replacement is needed sooner.
Do orthodontists recommend electric toothbrushes? +
Yes, most orthodontists recommend electric toothbrushes for patients with braces. Studies show they remove significantly more plaque around orthodontic hardware than manual brushing, reducing the risk of white spot lesions and gum disease during treatment.