Does Willo Work With Braces?
THE DENTIST'S VIEW
If you are a parent of a child with braces, you already know the drill. The moment those brackets and wires go on, your dental hygiene routine shifts into hyperdrive. Suddenly, brushing isn't just about fighting off cavities, but it’s an obstacle course. Food gets trapped instantly, plaque builds up around brackets, and getting your kid to clean around all that hardware thoroughly is a nightly battle.
Naturally, many parents who look at our technique-free, automatic system ask us a very logical question: Does Willo work with braces?
The short answer? Yes, the Willo Ortho Brush Head was specifically designed for braces and orthodontics. In fact, home hygiene is often the most unpredictable variable in orthodontic care, and automating the process can be a total game-changer. Let's break down exactly how it works from a clinical perspective.
The Ortho Hurdle: Why Braces Are a Plaque Magnet
When kids get braces, the surface area where plaque can hide increases dramatically. Traditional manual or even standard electric toothbrushes rely completely on your child's manual dexterity.
The problem is not awareness. It is execution. To clean braces properly, a child has to relearn how to brush their teeth. The angle, the pressure, the timing, and attention are all different than how they brushed before, and the stakes are much higher. When spots are consistently missed, it can lead to permanent white spot lesions or swollen, puffy gums.
From a Dental Professional:
“My 10-year-old currently has braces and a Herbst appliance. The Willo BrushBot and Ortho Brush Head can thoroughly clean around all the ortho gear! I’ve been very impressed with Willo.”
— Ashley Colter, LDH, BS
How Willo Supports Orthodontic Smiles
Willo helps reduce the technique required for effective brushing. Because it's a fully automatic toothbrush with a technique-free brushing experience, your child doesn't need to master complex brushing motions around brackets and wires. They simply place the mouthpiece, press start, and let the system do the work.
- Technique-Free Consistency: Willo uses automatic, short back-and-forth brushing motions designed to clean along the gumline and around brackets without requiring kids to manually angle the brush.
- Designed for Brackets & Wires: The Ortho Brush Head features specially designed bristles that help clean around brackets and wires while remaining gentle on orthodontic hardware.
- Automatic Toothpaste Application + Rinse: AutoFlo+ automatically applies toothpaste, brushes, and rinses in one system, helping support a more consistent routine around brackets, wires, and the gumline.
| Feature | Manual Brush | Standard Electric | Willo System |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires Perfect Technique | Yes | Yes | No. Automatic, technique-free brushing experience. |
| Built-in 2-Minute Brushing Cycle | No | Yes | Yes |
| Plaque Removal | Baseline | Highly variable | Up to 7x more in hard-to-reach areas* |
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
While Willo is a fantastic companion for ortho care, individual results can vary depending on the specific type of orthodontic appliances, brackets, and amount of hardware your child has. A proper fit is essential, so make sure you choose the right mouthpiece size for your child. AutoFlo+ Ortho is available in Ortho Medium and Ortho Large.
If you are ever unsure, we always encourage you to discuss Willo with your child’s dentist or orthodontist. In fact, our team is more than happy to consult with your dental professional directly to provide them with a clear understanding of how our technology can support your child's specific treatment plan.
The goal is not perfect manual brushing technique. The goal is helping kids clean effectively around their hardware without the friction, every single day. And remember: even with an automatic system supporting brushing, don't let them skip flossing around those wires.
Ready to simplify your child's orthodontic routine?
