Sonicare vs Oral B
A popular question nowadays is not just which toothbrush is best, but which POWER toothbrush is best. Power toothbrushes are gaining popularity because of staggering advancements in technology. These have become somewhat of the iPhone of oral hygiene. But, which is best? – This post will compare and contrast the top 2 power toothbrushes: Sonicare vs. Oral B.
Sonicare
Sonicare toothbrushes by Philips feature a high frequency bristle motion – basically a vibration of the brush head – that creates a cleaning action that drives fluid forces deep between teeth and along the gum line. Several studies have been published that show better plaque removal and decreased incidence of gingivitis when using a Sonicare toothbrush. The brush design and cleansing motion are very similar to a manual toothbrush with the added benefit of the vibration action.
There are several different types of Sonicare brushes. The FlexCare is the Cadillac which consists of several brushing modes, a timer, and a brush head sanitizer. The HealthyWhite has a sensitive mode and a whitening mode that helps remove everyday stains. The Essence has extra gentle bristles while the Xtreme is battery powered with a slim, angled neck. There is also a kid’s version with a wide-grip handle to make brushing easier for the youngsters.
Oral B
Oral B is famous for their oscillating-rotating brushes. This is somewhat like the “brush” used by the hygienist when you get your 6 month cleaning. In most studies, oscillating-rotating brushes almost always show more plaque reduction than sonic brushes. The brush consists of a circular, rotating head that is designed to be placed on each tooth for maximum effectiveness. The cleansing action is different than manual brushes and sonic brushes in that there is no brush strokes or scrubbing.
Oral B’s Cadillac brush is the Triumph. It has a timer, 4 brushing modes, tracks brush head wear, and can even tell if you are brushing too hard.
Ways They Are Alike
So, studies show both reduce plaque and gingivitis, both can remove stains and whiten teeth, both have timers, both have several different brushing modes, both are somewhat expensive (around $170), and both can encourage better brushing from the experience. People like something different which can make brushing fun and, therefore, improve brushing habits.
Ways They Are Different
Sonicare is primarily a vibrating brush that is used pretty much like a manual brush. There is not as much wrist action as a manual brush, but there is some “brushing” involved. Oral B is primarily a rotating brush head that is just held on each tooth. Very little “brushing” is involved.
So Which One Is Better?
Since the Oral B resembles the “brush” at the dentist office used to clean teeth, I would have to say that Oral B brushes may be better for preventing cavities. An ultrasonic scaler (with somewhat of the same cleansing action of a sonic brush) is used at the dentist office to clean around the gums, which means sonic brushes may be better for gum health. I would recommend a Sonicare brush for patients with gum issues, and an Oral B brush for patients with teeth issues. This is merely my opinion.
The Dentist Always Has the Last Word
A power toothbrush is not going to necessarily make you a better brusher. If you were a bad brusher with a manual brush (bad brusher meaning you missed certain areas of the mouth), then you will probably be a bad brusher with a power brush and miss the same areas. If you are a bad driver, will a new car make you a better driver? That is the ultimate question. Some people are bad drivers ultimately because they hate their car. When you put them in a new car, they become very cautious again. So maybe some people are bad brushers because they hate their toothbrush and brushing is more of a chore. If this is the case, maybe power brushes could inspire the oral hygiene Olympian in us all.
Both the Sonicare and Oral B are fantastic toothbrushes with amazing technology. You couldn’t go wrong with either. Happy brushing!
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