According to the ADA, manual toothbrushes can be just as effective as the electric models—it just takes more diligence and work. Manual toothbrushes are more sophisticated than ever today, with specially positioned bristles and contours to reach every spot in the mouth, and they cost less. Electric toothbrushes, which now come in a wide variety of styles and price points, can do the same work as a manual brush with a lot less human effort.