Are Sonic Toothbrushes Really Better?

When looking for a new toothbrush, there are so many different types and models that it’s hard to know which one is best. Most electric toothbrushes have a lot of the same features, but there is one type that is different – sonic toothbrushes.

Sonic toothbrushes use a special technology to remove plaque from teeth. But are sonic toothbrushes really better? Read on to find out.

What is a Sonic Toothbrush?

Similar to an electric toothrush, a sonic toothbrush has a head that automatically rotates when turned on. However, a sonic toothbrush also emits sonic waves that vibrate the bristles. This increases the strokes per minute when brushing.

Differences Between Sonic and Electric Toothbrushes

The difference between sonic and electric toothbrushes is sonic wave vibration. This technology allows the bristles to move at speeds of 30,000 strokes per minute, or even more.

For comparison, electric toothbrushes average 3,000 to 6,000 strokes per minute. That means that using a sonic toothbrush cleans teeth faster and more efficiently than an electric toothbrush.

Benefits of Sonic Toothbrushes

Brushing Speed

The biggest reason a sonic toothbrush would be better than an electric is brushing speed. The brushing speed of sonic toothbrushes are ten times faster than electric toothbrushes.

Is more brushing speed better? Yes, higher brushing speed means that more plaque will be removed from the teeth in less time.

Cleaning Power

Something interesting about sonic toothbrushes is that it has a different kind of cleaning power caused by the sonic vibrations. The sonic waves stir mouth fluids, such as saliva, water, and toothpaste. It also stimulates secretion of saliva, which enhances teeth cleaning naturally.

Easy to Use

Sonic toothbrushes are easy to use – especially for those with dexterity issues. Unlike with manual toothbrushes where you must move the toothbrush up and down, sonic toothbrushes only need to be held up to the teeth. The toothbrush will do all the work.

Additional Features

Sonic toothbrushes almost always will have additional features, such as a timer, sensor, and multiple modes. These same features can also be found in many electric toothbrushes as well.

Disadvantages of Sonic Toothbrushes

Tingling Sensation

Using a sonic toothbrush does have a different feeling than using an electric toothbrush. It is not an uncomfortable feeling, however you may have to get used to it. Most people describe it as a tingling sensation.

If you are sensitive to these types of tactions, you may not like the feeling of sonic toothbrushes. However, most people quickly get used to it and do not even notice it after a while.

Price

A con of sonic toothbrushes is that they can cost more than electric toothbrushes. This is reasonable because it has an extra technology, but the price point can be above what some people would like to spend on a toothbrush.

Are Sonic Toothbrushes Really Better?

So, are sonic toothbrushes really better than electric toothbrushes? If you are looking for a toothbrush that can give a really thorough cleaning, a sonic toothbrush is better. Furthermore, research has shown that people have found success in treating gum disease when using a sonic toothbrush.

Many dentists recommend sonic toothbrushes because of their ability to remove plaque so much better than manual and even electric toothbrushes. Sonic toothbrushes are even able to clean between teeth and beneath the gums – areas where other toothbrushes usually miss.

Recommended Sonic Toothbrushes

The most popular brand of sonic toothbrush is Sonicare. They have many different models of sonic toothbrushes, even one for kids.

Best Affordable Sonic Toothbrush

The Phillips Sonicare 4100 is a great affordable sonic toothbrush that comes with many features of the more expensive models. It has a pressure sensor, 2 intensity settings, and a usb charger. It’s a great toothbrush for anyone wanting to try out sonic teeth cleaning.

Best Expert Clean Sonic Toothbrush

The Philips Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 is a top of the line sonic toothbrush that delivers a customizable and thorough cleaning. It has 4 modes: Clean, whiteplus, Gum Health and DeepCleanplus Care and 3 intensity settings.

The unique thing about this model is that it gives you automated progress reports on your brushing via an app that it comes with. That way, you are able to achieve better oral heath care from day 1.