Sonicare ToothBrush: Does Sonicare Really Work?

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 2 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #4,929 in Health, #67,703 overall

The Evidence Supports Sonicare

You have seen the ads about Sonicare. But does it work?

I have done a review of the scientific literature. There are many clinical trials which prove that Sonicare is better than manual toothbrushing. Below I include a selection of those studies, together with links so that you that you can read them directly.

As you will see below, the answer appears to be YES. Sonicare is better than manual toothbrushing.

Sonicare Ad 

A Typical Sonicare Ad

You have seen the Sonicare ads. But does it really work?
powered by Youtube

Sonicare: Hype Or Reality?? 

Is the Sonicare Toothbrush Really Worth It?

So, is the Sonicare really what it claims to be? If you believe scientific clinical trials, yes. Below are the results of several clinical trials which state that Sonicare works. I have included a summary statement from each trial, but click on the link to read the full abstract. Conclusion, most clinical trials state that Sonicare works.

1. Efficacy of the Sonicare toothbrush fluid dynamic action on removal of human supragingival plaque.
The findings demonstrate that the fluid dynamic activity generated by the sonic vibrations of the Sonicare toothbrush removed microbial plaque formed in vivo, even at a distance of 3 mm beyond its bristle tips.
2. Efficacy of a sonic toothbrush on inflammation and probing depth in adult periodontitis.
Under these conditions, there is some evidence to suggest that the sonic toothbrush is more beneficial in resolving inflammation in patients with moderate periodontal disease.
3. Effectiveness of the Sonicare sonic toothbrush on reduction of plaque, gingivitis, probing pocket depth and subgingival bacteria in adolescent orthodontic patients
These results clearly demonstrate that the Sonicare sonic toothbrush is superior to a manual toothbrush in improving periodontal health in adolescent orthodontic patients with existing gingivitis.
4. Comparison of a sonic and a manual toothbrush for efficacy in supragingival plaque removal and reduction of gingivitis
The sonic brush exhibited less tendency to cause gingival abrasion than the manual brush (1 incident with sonic, 5 incidents with manual), confirming the safely of this product as an oral hygiene device.
5. Comparison of the Sonicare Elite and a manual toothbrush in the evaluation of plaque reduction.
RESULTS: The Sonicare Elite achieved a significantly greater reduction in plaque than the manual toothbrush (36.0% compared to 25.7%; P < 0.05).
6. Manual versus powered toothbrushing for oral health.
Powered toothbrushes with a rotation oscillation action reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual toothbrushing.
7. Comparison of Plaque Removal by Sonicare Elite and Manual Toothbrushes
Conclusion: Use of the Sonicare Elite toothbrush for two weeks leads to significant reduction in plaque levels when compared to a manual toothbrush.
8. Plaque Removal by Sonicare and Manual Toothbrushes in Orthodontic Subjects
Conclusions: PSF (Philips Sonicare FlexCare power toothbrush) removed significantly more plaque than MTB (manual toothbrush) in single- brushing episodes on bracketed and non-bracketed surfaces. Significant reductions of plaque over time compared to baseline were also observed on non-bracketed surfaces. Both PSF and MTB were safe for use on orthodontic subjects.
9. A randomized, parallel design study to evaluate the effects of a Sonicare and a manual toothbrush on plaque and gingivitis.
CONCLUSION: (Sonicare) Elite was significantly more effective than MTB (manual toothbrushing) in the reduction of plaque after two and four weeks of product use, and significantly more effective in the reduction of gingivitis and bleeding sites than MTB after four weeks.
10. Effects of Sonicare Toothbrush in Slight to Moderate Chronic Periodontitis
Conclusion: In subjects with chronic periodontitis, both SPT (Sonicare power toothbrush) and MTB (manual toothbrush) significantly improved oral hygiene resulting in better periodontal conditions. SPT effects were greater on plaque, gingivitis and attachment levels than with a MTB

 

Conclusion:

Clinical Trials Prove Sonicare Works

What Do You Think about Sonicare? 

Tell Us What YOU Think About Sonicare

Do You Think That Sonicare Works?

Loading Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Yes, I believe that sonic toothbrushing is better than manual toothbrushing

No, it is just hype. I am sticking with manual toothbrushing

 

 

Which Sonicare Is Best?

Which Sonicare Should You Buy? 

There are many Sonicare Systems Available

There are many Sonicare toothbrushes available. To simplify the process, I have focused on the three most popular systems:

1 Sonicare Essence (cost about $50)
2 Sonicare FlexCare (cost about $145)
3 Sonicare Elite (cost about $100)

Of these three, I would recommend one of the first two. Essence is the least expensive Sonicare toothbrush which is reliable and offers a good cleaning system. What makes Flexcare special is its unique UV sanistizer system. Elite offers some interesting features, but for many these features may not be worth the additional costs.

Note that I am not recommending the lower cost models such as the Xtreme. Many users complain that they quickly fall apart.

Sonicare Essence  

The Cheapest Good Quality Sonic Toothbrush

Yes, there are cheaper sonic toothbrushes than this one. You can find them for under $20. But there are SOOO many problems with the cheaper sonic toothbrushes. This one costs under $50 and gets great reviews. It does not have all of the bells and whistles as the more expensive models. But it does the job without breaking the bank.

Philips Sonicare Essence 5300 Power Toothbrush

Amazon Price: $57.16 (as of 12/23/2009)Buy Now

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Sonicare FlexCare with Sanitizer 

The new model with a built in UV sanistizer.

This model features a newly designed toothbrush and a sanitzer to clean your brush. Is it worth the extra money? To many people yes. See the great customer reviews. There is a GREAT discount on offer. You can buy it for $142. Not bad.

Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush with Sanitizer

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/23/2009)Buy Now

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Sonicare Elite  

More bells and whistles than the $50 model at twice the price. Features include Programmable quadpacer and timer to tell you how long you should brush a region and an easy start which "gently increases power over the first 14 uses to ease you into the Sonicare experience", etc. Fun gadgets for some, but I would recommend either the Essence 5300 model for $50 or the Flexcare model with the sanitizer.

Philips Sonicare Elite e9500 Custom Care Power Toothbrush

Amazon Price: (as of 12/23/2009)Buy Now

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

What Would I Do About Sonicare? 

Here are my personal recommendations about Sonicare.

Currently, my family and I use manual toothbrushes. But after doing the research and creating this lens, I have decided to buy a Sonicare.

Why? There is overwhelming scientific evidence that Sonicare is better than a manual toothbrush. Good dental care is an important part of good health, so this is an easy decision to make.

Why Sonicare? I read the comments from the Sonicare owners and the majority of buyers are pleased with it. The major negative comments are about battery life. Some owners suggest unplugging your Sonicare when it is charged up.

Which would I buy? I would start with the Sonicare Essence to get familar with it. For $50, you can hardly go wrong. If I already owned a Sonicare and was happy with it, I would probably invest in the more expensive FlexCare as the sanitizer seems like a great idea.

But I live in Europe and they do not have Sonicare Essence here. Yes, there is Sonicare, but the brand names are different. So, now I have to figure out which one I will buy for me and my family.

Sonicare Replacement Brush Head 

Compatible only with Sonicare Elite & Soniccare Essence Series handles

Longer bristles designed to clean hard-to-reach areas

Philips Sonicare Elite (E-Series) Replacement Brush Head, Compact 

Compatible only with Sonicare Elite & Sonicare Essence Series handles. Smaller than the standard sized brush heads above

These brush heads are 30 percent Smaller than Standard E-Series. Ideal for Hard to Reach Areas & Precise Cleaning. Only for Elite or Essence models, not Flexcare.

Replacement Brush Heads for Sonicare Flexcare, 3 pack 

Replace your Sonicare brush heads every 6 months.

These are the standard size replace brush heads Only for Flexcare, does not work on Elite or Essence.

Philips Sonicare ProResults HX6013 Brush Head Standard 3pk

Amazon Price: $25.90 (as of 12/23/2009)Buy Now

Pickup a Bargain Sonicare Essence on Ebay 

You may get Sonicare Essence Cheaper by bidding on it at Ebay

Below you should find Sonicare Essence Sonice Toothbrushes available on Ebay. If you do not want to pay full price you can see if you can find a bargain here.

Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
eBay

Get a Bargain on Sonicare FlexCare Ebay 

You may find Sonicare Flexcare Cheaper on Ebay

If you are a looking for a discount on Flexcare, try making a bid on Ebay.

Loading Fetching new data from eBay now... please stand by
eBay

Don't Like Sonicare? 

Oral B Offers an Alternative to Sonicare

Some like Oral B better than Sonicare. Some even say it works better than Sonicare. But two reasons to go for Sonicare:

* Sonicare originated the sonic toothbrushes and dominates this market
* Consumers give Sonicare better ratings than Oral-B

However, you are a fan of Oral B, or just do not like Sonicare, you can find a selection of Oral B Sonic Toothbrushes below. Note that the cheaper toothbrushes get poorer ratings from owners.

Oral-B Sonic Replacement Brush Head (3 ct.)

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $14.17 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Oral-B Pulsonic Refill Brush Set

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $11.27 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Oral B SR18-3 Sonic Complete Refill Toothbrush Heads (3 Heads)

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $17.13 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Braun SRS18-2 Oral-B Vitality Replacement Brushes - 2 Pack

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

Sonic Complete-Oral B Replacment Brush Heads, 6ct (2 Pack)

Avg. Customer Rating: Amazon Rating

Amazon Price: $32.64 (as of 12/23/2009) Buy Now

What Is Your Opinion Of Sonicare? 

Sonicare, love it or hate it?

submit
  • Reply
    philips-sonicare-advance-4100 philips-sonicare-advance-4100 May 12, 2009 @ 1:01 am
    They are again popular! I think these brushes are miracle. I like that you can see results after a little while and dentists are recommending these brushes.. I bought one two years ago and I'm happy buyer. Thanks for really in depth review.
  • Reply
    alteredkat alteredkat Jan 24, 2009 @ 7:00 am
    I have a spin brush (not the sonicare tho') ...I love them! This was very informative on this brand tho', thanks! My dentist thinks he'd be out of a job if everyone made the switch to spin brushes...I'm lensrolling this over to my reusing of old toothbrushes lens...maybe combined we can get everyone on spinbrushes with your lens and get everyone reusing their old brushes as cleaning tools with mine :o) 5*

by EuroSquid


I recently launched a website dedicated to Footed Pajamas for adults, teens and kids.

100 giant squid

I have been squidooing for nearly 2 years now and find t... (more)

Explore related pages

Create a Lens!