Oral B vs Sonicare?

Electric toothbrushes (ETB) can help with proper oral hygiene by helping to effectively remove plaque, reduce gum bleeding and promoting overall gum health.  While soft, manual toothbrushes can be equally effective with proper brushing technique, many prefer the powered brushes for their pressure sensor feedback and timing.  Some ETB today are even equipped with Smart technology to coach you while you brush as well as reminders to change the head.  People with compromised dexterity, children, and those with braces also may benefit from powered toothbrushes. 

The two leading ETB on the market are Braun Oral-B and Philips Sonicare.  Let’s break down the differences.

Oral-B
Oral-B was first introduced in 1991.  Today, it offers 5 different ADA approved models, all with a 2-year warranty.  All models include a 2-minute timer and a visible pressure sensor.  This feedback ensures that you don’t brush too hard, which can lead to gum and enamel abrasion!  There are 10 different brush heads that will fit with all Oral-B electric toothbrushes.  While all have end-rounded bristles, the bristles differ in thickness and/or angulation between the heads for your specific comfort and needs.  For instance, the Sensitive Clean bristles are extra soft while the Pro GumCare have ultra-thin bristles.   Their 3D White head has a polishing cup in the center of the head to aid in stain removal.  They also have an Ortho head to help clean around braces and a Kids version with a smaller head.  They retail between $70-130. 

How does the Oral-B work?  This electric brush has a round brush head which uses oscillating, rotating and pulsating motion to break up plaque.  The Oral-B head diameter is 13mm and has bristle tufts arranged in three circular rings.  The oscillating motion means that it spins right and left to allow direct contact of the bristles with tooth surface to mechanically clean the tooth.  The pulse generated from the brush removes the plaque from beyond the bristle contact surfaces. 

Sonicare
Sonicare was first introduced in 1992.  Sonicare uses sonic waves and has an oval shaped head, much like a traditional toothbrush.  The bristles rapidly vibrate side to side.  The bristles contact the tooth surface to mechanically remove plaque while the rapid motion creates a pulse like effect that cleans beyond contact points.  The oval shaped head allows for multiple teeth to be cleaned simultaneously. 

Sonicare offers 17 types of heads featuring whitening, deep cleaning, polishing and ultra-soft bristles for sensitive teeth and gums.  The heads differ in bristle density and trim profile.  Their most expensive line, the DiamondClean Smart, has a smart brush head sensor which gives you feedback while brushing.  Their mid-range series, the ProtectiveClean, has a built-in pressure sensor, 3 levels of intensities and a brush replacement reminder.  This series is approved by the ADA and is sufficient for the average consumer.  The lower end models do not have a pressure gauge.  A kid version is also available with a smaller head.  Sonicare brushes retail between $40-330, all with a 2-year warranty. 

Bottom line
The bottom line: when used correctly, both works well to remove dental plaque and reduce gingivitis.  With the Oral-B, try to cup the tooth as you brush.  The small head is designed to brush one tooth at a time.  With the Sonicare, move it along the gum lines. 

It really comes down to patient comfort (smaller Oral-B head vs larger Sonicare head), pricing (Oral-B is a little less expensive) and battery life (depending on the series, but Sonicare generally has a longer battery life).  And remember, it is recommended to change the head of the toothbrush about every three months, or when the bristles begin to splay!