Investing $50 into the Pro 1000 gets you access to the same range of brush heads as buying the $240 Oral-B Genius 8000, a “smart” brush, for example. In September 2017, Oral-B became the first brand of electric toothbrush to receive the ADA seal, with five series of the Oscillating-Rotating-Pulsating Power Toothbrush earning this distinction. Our pick was included in the first group of electric toothbrushes to receive the ADA Seal of Acceptance, in September 2017 (two years after we first recommended the model). The ADA has since given the seal to other manufacturers, including Philips Sonicare. What initially seemed like a gimmick turned out to be a practical innovation to the bristle pattern. Namely, rather than sticking out perpendicular to the brush stem, most of them are angled differently.
Comfort is the other primary factor we took into consideration when evaluating toothbrush heads. After all, the more comfortable a brush is, the less likely you will forget to do it twice a day. We pay attention to things like bristle softness, shape, and brush head size. Testers also oral b genius toothbrush note any tooth or gum irritation that they experience during or after brushing. Another factor that came up a few different times was the thickness (or thinness) of the brush stem; some models made it easier to keep our mouths fully closed so we didn’t drip toothpaste everywhere.
We think that the Gentle Care should only be considered by those people who can’t tolerate the brushing experience of the Ultimate Clean. However, when considering this option, keep in mind that “sensitive,” extra-soft-bristled heads typically don’t clean as effectively and their normal counterparts. The online reviews we’ve read seem to indicate that people are generally happy with this brush head choice.
It has indicator bristles that fade when it is time to replace it and fits all Sonicare click-on handle electric toothbrushes. Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Smart series includes several toothbrushes that connect via Bluetooth to an app, including the 9500. It is sleek, with a matte plastic finish, and it has some real luxury features, like an inductive charging glass and travel case, but its price is a lot to spend for those items.
Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. We did not test the Foreo Issa 3, a silicone brush with a sleek and unusual look.. Customer reviews suggest that the all-silicone brush tips lack the ability to clean as thoroughly as plastic bristles, and that this brush has a tendency to stop working not long after purchase.
If you own an iO Series toothbrush, this and the Ultimate Clean are your only two brush head choices. Clearly, this head serves a purpose that no other Oral-B design does. But keep in mind that it’s best suited for just cleaning trouble areas (around braces, gaps, spaces, at the gum line of periodontally involved teeth, etc…).
Unfortunately, the “charcoal-infused” bristles didn’t last as long—on each of the two heads we tested, the bristles became bent out of shape in as few as three weeks. A company spokesperson said that our tester may have been applying too much pressure while using these brush heads. Burst offers an optional subscription program for replacement brush heads (which at this writing cost the same as subscription-only replacement heads for similar brushes from Goby). Brüush, too, has an optional subscription program for its replacement brush heads ($6 each, shipped in packs of three).
CrossAction brush heads cost on the order of $5.30 per head (see notes above about our methodology). Precision Clean brush heads cost on the order of $4.30 per head (see notes above about our methodology). FlossAction brush heads cost on the order of $4.60 per head (see notes below about our methodology). With the iO toothbrush line, Oral-B has redesigned the motor that drives the brush head.
If you can’t find the Oral-B Pro 1000, or if you prefer a quieter brush with a head that vibrates back and forth instead of oscillates, we recommend the Philips Sonicare 4100. Like the Pro 1000, the 4100 has a two-minute timer with quadrant pacing plus a pressure sensor and is not trumped up with unproven features. However, the has two intensity settings (meaning you can brush with strong or stronger vibrations), and its battery lasts longer on a full charge than that of the Pro 1000. Since October 2021, the charging pedestal that accompanies any new 4100 has only a USB plug.