Hopefully the various sections of this post have helped you to understand the differences between Oral-B and Sonicare. The Smart 6 travel case is better than some of the cheaper models. It is a white colour and is fairly robust. It does not mean the brush will actually clean the teeth better. In fact, both have the same motor inside and the same cleaning modes.

There are fewer gloss plastics and large expanses of rubber grips, with a much more exclusive looking design.

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The reason behind this power difference primarily is the battery technology used. Sonicare have for a long time been using the more desirable lithium-ion batteries whereas Oral-B have only just begun using lithium and although improved from older standards have not quite perfected it yet like Philips. The exact way that this happens is not fully understood, but it is thought that very high frequencies cause liquids to move and create “hydrodynamic forces” which damage the plaque layer in hard to reach areas ( 1). This intense vibration agitates fluids that surround the teeth and can loosen and remove dental plaque in locations that are beyond the physical touch of the toothbrush. To have this effect the waves actually need to be working at a much higher speed, in the ultrasonic range, greater than 20,000 Hz. A new magnetic charger means the brush can be recharged in as little as 3 hours, rather than the more typical 12. Typically Sonicare brushes last for 2 or more weeks. 3 weeks is the average, with some lasting as long as 5 weeks between charges, and that is with twice daily use.

Interestingly, despite the similar design, the Smart 6 is actually part of a range of brushes that includes the Smart 4 and 5 that sit below the Genius range. If you have specific requirements, I do hope that my explanation has at least helped in making your decision and choosing the brand best suited to you.In the following sections I look more closely at the headline answers I’ve given above. For some of the categories it is not quite as simple as selecting just one brand that is better, so I explain the nuances in more detail below. Which has the best brushing technology?

Putting this to shame is the 9000’s travel case which is heavier, bulkier but much more premium to look at and touch. It also has the ability to charge the brush in the case, by connecting the provided charging cable. If this is not enough, a USB cable can be connected to the case and charge a device like a smartphone.

For a more detailed scenario, imagine cleaning your teeth in the bathroom of a house in the middle of the night when everyone else is asleep. With an Oral-B brush unless you closed the bathroom door you would likely wake someone up. With Sonicare you could leave the bathroom door open and probably nobody would hear you.