Most people brush with the Bass Method or with ordinary motions. But there are situations that call for a different approach — especially when there are bridges, crowns, braces, or after gum surgery. In those cases, the Charter Method comes into play.
This is a method developed specifically to reach areas that are hard to clean with the usual techniques.
What is the Charter Method?
The Charter Method is a brushing technique in which the brush bristles are aimed outward — toward the chewing surface of the teeth — at about a 45-degree angle. Unlike the Bass Method, where the bristles point toward the gums, here the direction is reversed.
The goal is to let the bristles enter under bridges, around crowns, next to orthodontic brackets, and in areas where the gums are sensitive or have been operated on.
How do you perform the Charter Method in practice?
- Angle — hold the brush at about a 45-degree angle, with the bristles pointing upward (on the lower teeth) or downward (on the upper teeth), toward the chewing surface.
- Motion — use short vibrating motions (light vibrations) or small circular motions. Do not drag the brush forcefully back and forth.
- Placement — focus especially on areas with a bridge, a crown, an orthodontic bracket, or a space created after gum treatment.
- Gentle pressure — pressure should be light. The goal is to clean, not to scrub hard.
- Coverage — go over all outer and inner surfaces, and make sure the bristles enter under the bridge or around the brackets.
Why is this method used?
The main advantage of the Charter Method is its ability to reach areas that other methods miss. With a fixed bridge, for example, the ordinary Bass Method does not clean well under the bridge. The Charter Method lets the bristles enter under the structure and clean that area.
The same principle applies in orthodontics — the bristles are angled so they clean around brackets and wires more effectively.
Common mistakes
- Reversed bristle direction — if the bristles are aimed toward the gums instead of outward, you lose the advantage of the method.
- Too much pressure — especially in sensitive areas or after surgery, strong pressure can cause harm.
- Motions that are too long — the method works with short, controlled motions, not with long scrubbing strokes.
- Skipping the hard areas — people tend to brush only what is easy to reach and forget the areas under a bridge or around braces.
Who is the method suitable for?
The Charter Method is especially suitable in the following situations:
- People with fixed bridges or crowns
- Patients undergoing orthodontic treatment (braces)
- After gum surgery or treatments that created spaces
- People who have difficulty cleaning certain areas with ordinary methods
Important to emphasize: this is not necessarily the recommended everyday method for everyone. For most people, the Bass Method is still considered the primary choice. The Charter Method comes into play when there is a specific need.
Bottom line
The Charter Method is a focused brushing technique designed for more complex situations in the mouth — bridges, crowns, braces, and sensitive areas after treatment. The principle is simple: aim the bristles outward at a 45-degree angle and use short, controlled motions. When used correctly, it allows thorough cleaning in places that are otherwise hard to reach.
If you have a bridge, crowns, or braces — it is worth asking your dentist whether the Charter Method is right for you, and requesting a short demonstration at the clinic.
Sources
-
A clinical review of brushing techniques in patients with fixed restorations highlights the effectiveness of the Charter Method for cleaning under bridges and around crowns, thanks to bristle direction toward the chewing surface.
PMC – Toothbrushing Techniques in Restorative Dentistry -
Professional dental association guidance recommends the Charter Method as a preferred technique in cases of fixed orthodontics and in patients after gum surgery, because of its ability to reach areas that are hard to clean with other methods.
American Dental Association – Toothbrushing Methods
The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute a substitute for personal medical advice. It is recommended to consult a qualified physician before making any treatment decision.