How to choose a braces irrigator: an overview of the main requirements - Setafi

An irrigator is a device for cleaning teeth from dirt, hard and soft deposits, plaque, and bacteria. Cleaning occurs by supplying a jet of liquid (it can be filtered water or a specialized mouthwash) under pressure. The liquid penetrates into the smallest gaps between the teeth and gums, literally washing away all the dirt from there.

If you have installed braces and are thinking about the need for an irrigator for braces, then this article is for you. Next, you will find out whether an irrigator is required when wearing braces, the advantages of using an irrigator for the oral cavity, what types There are irrigators, which models of irrigators are suitable for cleaning braces, how to properly brush your teeth with braces irrigator.

Is it necessary to use an irrigator while wearing braces? We will answer right away - no, it is not necessary to use an irrigator to clean braces. The irrigator does not affect the effectiveness of the braces, so if someone tells you that the irrigator is required when wearing braces under the pretext, that "food gets stuck between the plates and wire, disrupting the shape and function of the braces, and the irrigator washes these particles", you can not listen to these of people.

But if possible, it is recommended to use an irrigator. Firstly, even without braces, this is an effective way to get all the food particles out of the interdental spaces. Secondly, sometimes food really gets stuck between the plate and the wire of the braces. This will not affect the efficiency, but the food stuck there will cause other inconveniences - it will begin to rot, affect the teeth, and a strong unpleasant odor will appear. The irrigator will clean them out of there.

What are the benefits of using an irrigator?

Irrigators are devices for effective cleaning of teeth and the entire oral cavity. What are their advantages? There are two main advantages here:

• Thoroughness with cleaning efficiency (a jet of liquid from the device penetrates into the gaps between the teeth and between the teeth with gums, that is, in those places where a regular brush cannot reach; all plaque is washed out from there thanks to the adjustable power of the supplied jet).
• Multifunctionality (the irrigator can be used both for prevention - simple cleaning, and as cleaning for braces and medical device that disinfects, deodorizes or dispenses medicinal means).

In addition, it can be noted that the constant use of the device is compared to training for the gums - water is supplied to the gums, because of this, they become stronger and bleed less.

Types of irrigators

In total, there are two types of irrigators for the oral cavity:

1. Stationary. Large and powerful machines with built-in open fluid reservoir. Its capacity is from 0.5 to 1 liter. Work from the mains, connected to the outlet. The set comes with a large number of nozzles. There is power and pressure adjustment. They make noise and vibrate more than mobile phones.
2. Mobile. Small designs, distinguished by their size, light weight and compactness. There is a built-in closed water tank. Its capacity does not exceed 500 milliliters. Work from batteries or own accumulators. Batteries need to be recharged once/twice a week with daily use of the device.

Among stationary ones, professional ones are also distinguished - in general, these are the same irrigators, only with bigger and better functions. There are such models only in clinics / dentistry.

The best models of irrigators for the oral cavity. If you decide to buy a irrigator for cleaning your teeth and / or braces, you might be wondering which irrigator is better to buy. Here are the top 3 best models:

• ACleon TF600. High build quality, serves 3-5 years, cleans teeth thoroughly, water pressure is adjustable, there is a guarantee from manufacturer, there is an ultraviolet lamp inside for sterilization, it comes with a large set of nozzles in kit. Of the minuses - stationary, not suitable for travel.
• WaterPik WP-660 Aquarius Professional. Removes almost all deposits in the teeth and gaps between them, high build quality, many positive reviews, the nozzle rotates, there is a timer, set of nozzles included, large tank, high maximum power, adjustable speed and pressure, specialized for cleaning braces/crowns. Of the minuses - the high price.
• Panasonic EW 1211A. Portable, manufacturer's warranty, small size, compact, three modes of operation, sound model, reasonable price, supports wireless charging, high quality materials, in particular plastic, the battery lasts for 1.5-2 weeks of using the irrigator once a day, high maximum pressure supplied jets. The disadvantage is the small volume of the tank.

How to properly clean your teeth and braces with an irrigator

Step by step instructions for use:

1. Wipe down the model if it has been sitting idle for a long time.
2. Connect the device to the network and turn it on if it is a stationary model. If portable, then check the charge and turn it on.
3. Fill the tank with filtered water or a specialized product.
4. Check how the device works. Stand over the sink, place the head of the irrigator a short distance from the teeth and gums. Vary the pressure until you find the right one.
5. Lean over the sink and clean your braces first. Start with the back teeth. Move along the wire, stopping at each plate/lock for a few seconds.
6. Move on to brushing your teeth - move the pen along the gum line from tooth to tooth. All cracks need to be filled. Stop on each side of the tooth for 2 seconds.
7. Spit water that accumulates in your mouth into the sink.
8. Turn off the device, drain unnecessary liquid from its container, if any.
9. Rinse, wipe and dry the irrigator.