| Method | Technique | Indications |
| Bass | •The toothbrush bristles are angled apically at a 45-degree angle to the long axis of the tooth•Filaments subgingival •Jiggle with short horizontal strokes •2–3 teeth at a time | • Acceptable for all clients |
| Modified Bass | •Integrates a rolling stroke after use of the vibratory (jiggle) motion •The position of the brush is maintained after the completion of the original method’s stroke. The bristles are then rolled coronallyover the gingiva and teeth | • Cleans entire facial and lingual surfaces |
| Stillman | •Bristles are positioned apically along the long axis of the tooth •The edge of the brush head should be touching the facial or lingual aspect of the tooth •Then the brush is slightly rotated at a 45-degree angle and vibrated over the crown | • Progressive gingival recession • Gingival stimulation |
| Modified Stillman | •Integrates a rolling stroke after use of the vibratory motion •The position of the brush is maintained after the completion of the original method’s stroke. The bristles are then rolled coronally over the gingiva and teeth | • Cleans entire facial and lingual surfaces |
| Rolling | •The bristles are positioned apically along the long axis of the tooth •Bristles are rolled against the tooth from the apical position toward the occlusal plane •Repeat several times | • Older children • Used in conjunction with Bass, Stillman, and Charter’s methods |
| Fone’s | •The teeth are clenched, and the brush is placed inside the cheeks •Brush is moved in circular motions from maxillary to mandibular teeth | • Young children with primary teeth only • Can be damaging if done too vigorously |
| Horizontal | •Teeth are edge to edge. •Brush maintains a 90-degree angle to long axis of tooth •Horizontal strokes | • Can cause toothbrush abrasion |
| Charter’s | •Bristles are placed at a 45-degree angle toward the occlusal or incisal surface of the tooth •A circular vibratory motion is then activated | • Orthodontics • temporary cleaning of surgical sites • Fixed prosthetic appliances • Cleans entire facial and lingual surfaces |
CLINICAL PRACTICE 