Brush Heads

Today’s advanced brush technologies are definitely not “one size fits all.” Because patients have individual oral hygiene needs, some manufacturers offer multiple brush head options, including round, conical, or manual-like heads for targeted cleaning and/or patient preference.

For example, the Oral-B brush head is round, similar to a professional’s rubber cup used for polishing. It’s size, shape and angle allow it to adapt to each tooth surface by cupping the tooth and allowing patients to clean difficult-to-reach surfaces. In addition to soft end-rounded bristles, each brush head has unique features designed to address specific patient needs. Indicator™ bristles signal when patients should replace their brush head for optimal plaque removal and safety. A variety of interchangeable brush heads for different patient needs are available for adults, children, and orthodontic patients as well as for interdental spaces (Figure 5a).

Figure 5a. Variety of Oral-B Interchangeable Brush Heads.

Oral-B CrossAction Brush Head

Oral-B FlossAction Brush Head

Oral-B 3D White Brush Head

Oral-B Precision Clean Brush Head

Figure 5a. Variety of Oral-B Interchangeable Brush Heads.

Oral-B Sensitive Clean Brush Head

Oral-B Ortho Brush Head

Oral-B Interproximal Clean Brush Head

Currently replacement brush heads for Oral-B are compatible across all of their power toothbrush series (GENIUS, Smart, PRO/Vitality) with the exception of Oral-B iO, which have different brush heads (figure 5b) as part of the complete internal and external redesign (including the new linear magnetic drive) that this next-generation oscillating rotating toothbrush represents. The round brush heads for the Oral-B iO also represents a complete redesign, including the ‘Tuft-in-Tuft’ feature for plaque removal in hard to reach areas. Slight twisting of tufts allows for adaptability on tooth surfaces for an optimal clean. (Figure 5c).⁹

Figure 5b. Oral-B iO Brush Heads (Left to Right) Ultimate Clean, Gentle Care, Targeted Clean

Figure 5b. Oral-B iO Brush Heads (Left to Right) Ultimate Clean, Gentle Care, Targeted Clean

Figure 5c. Oral-B iO Ultimate Clean brush head design.

Figure 5c. Oral-B iO Ultimate Clean brush head design.

In contrast, sonic brush heads closely resemble that of a manual toothbrush, which some patients favor (Figure 6). Unlike Oral-B, the leading sonic toothbrush manufacturer states that its single brush head can be used for multiple patients’ needs. For example, directions are provided for those with braces. (See Box).

Figure 6. Variety of Sonic Brush Heads.

Sonicare Intercare

Sonicare DiamondClean

Sonicare ProResults

Figure 6. Variety of Sonic Brush Heads.

Sonicare Premium Plaque Control

Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control