Whether you own an electric toothbrush or a manual one, a toothbrush is an important tool that you (hopefully) use twice a day. Brushing your teeth prevents gum disease, fights bad breath by removing bacteria, removes food and plaque build-up that can lead to cavities, and improves your overall oral health. With advancing dental technology, there are more and more kinds of powered toothbrushes available today. Knowing which toothbrush is best for you can be tricky, and you might wonder if an electric toothbrush is really that much more effective than a manual one.

Electric toothbrushes are proven to be more effective at plaque removal, scrubbing away bacteria, and improving gum health. Its ability to reach all areas of the tooth and move rapidly makes the electric toothbrush superior for cleaning your teeth. With special features frequently being added to these powered brushes, they have become a popular choice for many. However, an electric toothbrush isn’t the right option for everyone. Learn about the pros and cons of the different kinds of toothbrushes to discover which one is best for you!

The Manual Toothbrush

Tried and true, some people prefer a manual toothbrush over an electric one for a few good reasons.

Pros:

• Easy to Use: When using a manual toothbrush, you don’t have to worry about any buttons, batteries, or finding the right brush head. Just add toothpaste and water, then you’re good to go!
• Less Expensive: With many cost-friendly options to choose from, manual brushes are cheaper and more affordable. 
• Portable: Lightweight, simple to pack, and easily replaceable, manual toothbrushes are great to travel with.

The manual toothbrush may be a reliable constant, but it does have its downsides as well.

Cons:

• Less Effective: Manual toothbrushes are less effective at cleaning plaque off the surface of your teeth and gums.
• Relies on Technique: A manual brush relies on the user’s technique, requiring precise circular control, attention to each area of the tooth’s surface, and care around the gums.
• Abrasive: Because it is harder to mimic the effective, quick, and small vibrations of an electric toothbrush, people often end up manually brushing their teeth with too much force, damaging their teeth and gums. 

The Electric Toothbrush

With our ever-advancing technology, electric toothbrushes continue to evolve, gaining new and useful components.

Types of Electric Toothbrushes:

1. Ossillating/Rotating Toothbrush: This brush has rounded heads that will rotate and pulse back and forth, moving quickly to scrub away bacteria and food particles.
2. Sonic Brush Toothbrush: The sonic toothbrush vibrates at high frequencies, breaking up plaque as you brush your teeth.
3. Ionic Toothbrush: This toothbrush releases negative ions into your saliva that weaken the magnetic bond connecting plaque to your teeth for easy removal. This toothbrush requires you to accurately touch a moistened hand to a small metal band on its handle that allows you to alter the electrical charge of your saliva. 

These electric toothbrushes have many advantages that can help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Pros:

• Superior Clean: Electric toothbrushes are more effective at cleaning your teeth and gums, with a swift motion and vibration to help you remove plaque, bacteria, and food from all areas of your mouth. 
• Unique Features: Today, electric brushes offer specialized features such as timers to keep track of how long you brush each side of your teeth, brushing modes with different levels of intensity, light signals to remind you when to replace your brush head, pressure sensors that warn you if you are brushing too hard, and even a Bluetooth connection to apps that help you monitor your brushing technique.
• Accessible Use: Because an electric toothbrush does the brushing for you, these brushes can make brushing easier for those with dexterity or mobility limitations, and help to ease your morning and evening dental hygiene routines.

Even though an electric toothbrush has many beneficial and advanced cleaning features, it might not be for everyone.

Cons:

• Cost: Electric brushes are more expensive than manual toothbrushes and require additional costs for replacing brush heads, batteries, or charging ports.
• Requires Power: Because electric toothbrushes require electricity to work, they become inconvenient when needing to be recharged during travel, or after losing a charging cable.
• Possible Overstimulation: For some people, using an electric brush is uncomfortable and overstimulating. The heavy vibration on the teeth can be an overwhelming sensation for people with sensory issues or sensitive mouths.

The Most Important Things to Consider When Brushing

Although the kind of toothbrush you use can be a game-changer for your teeth, the most important factor when it comes to your oral health is HOW you use your toothbrush.

1. Brush for two minutes twice a day!
2. Replace your toothbrush, or brush head, every 3-4 months.
3. Brush all sides of your teeth, around your gums, and the top of your tongue.
4. Use a brush with soft bristles and refrain from brushing too hard to prevent damaging your enamel or harming your gums.

Trust VIP Smiles For Teeth Cleaning and Dental Care

At VIP Smiles, our dental professionals work hard to help you keep your smile happy and healthy. Avoid tooth decay and gum disease by scheduling regular dental examinations and cleanings with the dental experts at our office. Contact us to make an appointment and learn more about managing your oral health today!

Dental fillings and dental crowns are two common restorations for cavities, chips, cracks, and other types of tooth damage. While fillings typically work well to repair small areas of decay or damage, crowns are often necessary when a tooth needs more protection and structural support. 

At VIP Smiles, we want you to have all the information you need to make informed decisions about your oral health and dental restorations. If you know you need a restoration but aren’t sure which kind yet, keep reading to learn the major differences between fillings and crowns, which situations are best for each restoration, and how to know when a dental crown is necessary instead of a filling. 

What Is a Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are exactly what they sound like: They’re used to fill in areas of damage or decay on a tooth, including small cavities and minor chips or cracks. In the past, fillings were typically made of a metal amalgam, but more and more dentists have started using a tooth-colored composite resin instead for a more natural look. 

The benefits of dental fillings are that they’re a more conservative treatment than a crown, the procedure is faster, and it typically costs less. However, fillings may not be sufficient for teeth with extensive damage. 

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that covers the entire visible portion of the natural tooth. They’re used in cases of severe decay or cracks, after root canal treatment, or when the tooth structure is weakened. The crown’s job is to protect the tooth from further damage and give it additional structural support. 

The benefits of dental crowns include improved tooth strength and durability, long-lasting protection against future damage, a natural-looking appearance, and better chewing function. 

7 Signs You May Need a Dental Crown

Now that you know the basics of dental crowns and fillings, let’s take a look at some signs you may need a crown rather than a filling. 

1. Large Areas of Tooth Decay

Extensive decay weakens the tooth. Large fillings may not provide enough support if decay is extensive, increasing the risk of tooth fracture. Because dental crowns reinforce the remaining tooth structure, they’re more suitable for teeth with larger areas of decay. 

2. Cracked or Fractured Teeth

Cracked teeth can cause pain when chewing and temperature sensitivity. Fillings may not be enough to stabilize a crack. Crowns, on the other hand, help hold the tooth together and prevent further splitting. 

3. A Filling Keeps Falling Out or Failing

If you’ve had a filling that has repeatedly fallen out or caused other issues, it may mean that there’s not enough healthy tooth structure to keep it in place. Dental crowns provide a more durable long-term solution. 

4. You Have a Very Large Existing Filling

Older, large fillings can weaken the surrounding tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth fracture over time. Because of this, crowns are often recommended when you’ve had a large filling for several years. 

5. Tooth Pain When Chewing

Pain when biting may indicate structural weakness or cracks in your tooth. Crowns can stabilize the tooth and reduce discomfort; however, it’s always important to consult with your dentist to determine the root of the problem. 

6. You’ve Had a Root Canal

Root canals remove the inflamed or infected pulp from the inside of the tooth, which can leave the tooth more brittle. Molars and premolars often require dental crowns after root canals to protect the tooth from breaking and restore normal function. 

7. Worn Down Teeth

Teeth can become worn due to teeth grinding (bruxism), acid erosion, or simply time and age. If a tooth has experienced significant wear, a crown can restore its shape, strength, and function. 

8. Broken Cusps or Chipped Teeth

Cusps are the raised points on the crowns of your teeth. They play a crucial role in chewing. When they’re broken or your teeth are chipped, you may require more than a filling. A dental crown can be placed to restore full functionality and appearance. 

Choosing Between a Crown and Filling

The choice between a dental crown and a filling is important. If you get a filling when a crown would’ve been more suitable, you have a higher likelihood of tooth fracture, repeated dental work or repairs (and the corresponding cost of additional treatment), and increased sensitivity or discomfort. 

Your dentist will perform an examination and X-rays to evaluate the remaining healthy tooth structure, consider the bite pressure on the tooth, and discuss your goals and budget to determine which restoration is right for you. 

Dental Crowns and Restorations at VIP Smiles

Fillings and crowns serve different purposes, and at VIP Smiles, we offer both. We even do same-day crowns for maximum convenience. If you notice pain, cracks, or other dental issues, schedule an appointment at our office right away to get the care you need.