If you’ve invested in dental crowns or implants, protecting them becomes a top priority, and it starts with good oral hygiene. But many people wonder: Are sonic toothbrushes safe for crowns and implants? The short answer? Yes, sonic toothbrushes are not only safe for crowns and implants, but when used properly, they can actually help extend the life of your dental work.
In this article, we’ll break down how sonic toothbrushes work. Whether they’re safe for crowns and implants, what features to look for, and why Oclean’s sonic toothbrushes are a smart choice for those with dental restorations.
How Sonic Toothbrushes Work
Sonic toothbrushes produce high-frequency vibrations, usually 30,000 to 84,000 strokes per minute. This not only sweeps bristles over tooth surfaces but also causes fluid dynamics, aiding in removing plaque from inaccessible locations such as gum margins and between implants.
Though having a very powerful cleaning action, sonic brushes are rather gentle. The bristles don't have to scrub so hard since the vibration cleans most of the way. That's precisely the reason why sonic toothbrushes are often recommended by many dentists to those with crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants.
Are Sonic Toothbrushes Safe for Crowns?
Yes, sonic toothbrushes are safe for crowns. Crowns are manufactured using long-lasting materials such as porcelain, zirconia, or metal-fused ceramic. They are durable enough to survive ordinary brushing-even the high-frequency shuddering of an ultrasonic toothbrush.
Gold and ceramic crowns exposed to 2 years' duration of sonic brushing in vitro retained no loss in bonding strength relative to manual or oscillating brushes, according to a study. [1]
In fact, sonic brushes may prove to be better than manual brushes when it comes to maintaining the gum line clean around crowns. As crowns do not rot, but the underlying natural tooth can, clearing the area surrounding the crown of plaque is important. Sonic toothbrushes prevent gum inflammation, recession, or rot around the crown margins.
Pro Tip: Always use a brush head with soft bristles and never scrub hard. It's the brush motion – not pressure – that gets the work done.
Are Sonic Toothbrushes Safe for Implants?
Yes, they are safe for implants. Implants have no nerves or natural enamel, but the bone and gums surrounding them are very much alive—and must be maintained in good health. A 6-month randomized clinical trial demonstrated that sonic brushes decreased plaque, bleeding, and probing depths around implants far more than manual brushes. [2]
Also, a year-long trial found that sonic-powered brushing kept gum tissues healthy with no evidence of irritation or pocket change. [3] Thus, Sonic brushing is safe and effective for the maintenance of cleanliness in implant-supported crowns.
Sonic toothbrushes are best suited for implant care due to the fact that they:
- Remove plaque better than manual brushes.
- Clean the gum line and area around the implant crown gently without harming the soft tissue.
- Assist in keeping oral bacteria healthy, minimizing the potential for infection or inflammation.
Electric or sonic brushes are now commonly prescribed by many dentists as a part of post-implant treatment, particularly for those who have trouble cleaning around abutments and gum pockets manually.
Tips for Brushing Around Crowns and Implants
Whether you’re using a sonic brush or a manual one, technique matters. Here are a few dentist-approved tips for safe and effective brushing:
- Use a soft-bristled brush head: Firm bristles can irritate gums or scratch restoration surfaces.
- Brush twice a day for 2 minutes: Consistency is more important than pressure.
- Clean along the gum line: Hold the bristles at a slight angle towards your gums and employ light, circular movements.
- Don't forget interdental cleaning: Brush between teeth and around implants or crown margins with floss or interdental brushes once a day.
- Avoid abrasive toothpastes: Charcoal or whitening toothpaste could be too harsh on porcelain surfaces.
Why Oclean Sonic Toothbrushes Are a Smart Choice for Dental Restorations
If you need a sonic toothbrush safe for your implants and crowns – without sacrificing power or performance – Oclean is here for you.
We are a global leader in next-generation sonic technology, and our brushes are carefully crafted to nurture smiles of every kind, restored or not.
Oclean X Pro Elite Sonic Toothbrush
- 84,000 movements per minute for thorough but gentle cleaning.
- 4 brushing modes (including Sensitive and Gum Care) to customize your experience.
- Ultra-quiet operation (<45dB), so brushing is a peaceful part of your day.
- Smart pressure sensors that warn you when you're brushing too hard – perfect for shielding crowns and implants.
- Oclean Care+ App integration for customized brushing feedback and oral health monitoring.
Oclean Flow Sonic Toothbrush
- 5 high-performance modes in a compact, button-driven design.
- Up to 180 days super super-long battery life.
- 76,000 Movements/min with Maglev Motor for deeper cleaning.
- Water-resistant (IPX7) and perfect for travel or home use.
Whether you’ve had cosmetic work, dental implants, or just want a cleaner mouth, Oclean’s sonic brushes are crafted with your oral health in mind.
What to Avoid When Caring for Crowns and Implants
Even with the safest tools like sonic toothbrushes, certain habits can still put your dental work at risk. Here’s what to avoid:
- Brushing too hard: Too much pressure can erode your gums and weaken the edges of crowns or implants.
- Using a hard-bristled brush or abrasive devices: These can inflame sensitive gum tissue and even scratch your restorations.
- Missing dental appointments: Regular check-ups prevent problems from arising and keep your restorations in prime condition.
- Poor oral care or smoking: Bad habits can lead to inflammation, gum disease, and even implant failure.
In brief, gentle care, consistency, and professional observation are key to the maintenance of your crowns and implants for many years to come.
The Bottom Line
Sonic toothbrushes aren't just safe for crowns and implants – they're among the best devices you can use to maintain them. Their soft but effective cleaning action removes plaque without harming your dental work or sensitising your gums. Just be sure you're using a soft-bristled head, good technique, and a quality brush.
At Oclean, we've designed our sonic toothbrushes to address the needs of each smile, including those with sophisticated dental care. Whether you're dealing with crowns, implants, or simply looking to enhance your daily brush routine, Oclean is here to help you brush healthier and smarter.
Reference
1. Hansen, P A, et al. “Effect of Brushing with Sonic and Counterrotational Toothbrushes on the Bond Strength of Full Veneer Crowns.” The Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, vol. 80, no. 4, Oct. 1998, pp. 429–33, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9791789/, https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-3913(98)70007-1.
2. Wolff, Larry F, et al. Effectiveness of a Sonic Toothbrush in Maintenance of Dental Implants. A Prospective Study. Vol. 25, no. 10, 1 Oct. 1998, pp. 821–828, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-051x.1998.tb02376.x. Accessed 21 May 2023.
3. Swierkot, Katrin, et al. “Manual versus Sonic-Powered Toothbrushing for Plaque Reduction in Patients with Dental Implants: An Explanatory Randomised Controlled Trial.” European Journal of Oral Implantology, vol. 6, no. 2, 2013, pp. 133–44, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23926585/.
