The electric toothbrush has long replaced the classic manual toothbrush. In particular, the sonic toothbrush is becoming common in bathrooms.
Because it not only cleans more deeply but is also more comfortable, more hygienic, and easier to use. But how exactly does a sonic toothbrush work, and what is the secret to its success?
What is a sonic toothbrush?
The sonic toothbrush is an electric toothbrush. It cleans teeth using extremely rapid movements. These movements are performed so quickly that they are only perceived as vibrations when brushing teeth.
Specifically, the head of the electric toothbrush must oscillate between 30,000 and 62,000 times per minute for the model to be called a sonic toothbrush.
Usually, sonic toothbrushes are powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. This lithium-ion battery is rechargeable and can last up to six weeks in higher-quality models.
The sonic toothbrush can also be easily carried without a charging station or taken with you on vacation. Battery-powered sonic toothbrushes are also available.
These modern toothbrushes are often equipped with various features such as pressure control or different cleaning programs. Premium models usually have a Bluetooth function. Thus, the sonic toothbrush can be connected to a smartphone. The app provided by the manufacturer can be used to check brushing progress or other controls.
Challenges are often offered to children to make brushing teeth an exciting and rewarding experience.
How does a sonic toothbrush work?
Sonic toothbrush technology is based on 30,000 to 62,000 lateral bristle oscillations per minute. The resulting vibrations ensure an extremely effective cleaning effect.
Unlike a manual toothbrush, the brush head does not move up and down but glides over the teeth. The bristles are so fine that they vibrate a hundred times faster than a manual toothbrush.
The sonic toothbrush achieves its extremely high frequency by working with a sound transducer instead of an electric motor. This generates the vibrations, which are then transmitted directly to the brush head.
The teeth are then cleaned by moving the brush head through sound. The generated sound waves and associated fluid flow offer the advantage that even hard-to-reach interdental spaces can be deeply cleaned.
Moreover, the sonic toothbrush requires no pressure during brushing. Due to the high-frequency up-and-down movement, no effort is needed. Some toothbrushes have 3 sonic vibration modes: gentle, normal, or intensive. This is the case with the Y-Brush toothbrush, which also allows brushing teeth in 10 seconds.
The difference between sonic and ultrasonic toothbrushes
Sonic toothbrushes are mainly characterized by having a brush head that vibrates at high speed. You will therefore feel a brushing sensation completely different from models based on oscillation. Furthermore, sonic models do not emit ultrasounds. The main feature is that the brush head moves at high speed, and the rapid movement it makes is the source of the emitted sound. In contrast, ultrasonic toothbrushes use both a sonic vibratory movement of the brush head and ultrasounds in a frequency range of 1.0 to 3.0 MHz. Ultrasounds allow good cleaning of teeth but also reduce gum bleeding and effectively eliminate bacterial plaque.
What are the advantages of the sonic toothbrush function?
The vibrations of the sonic toothbrush clean both the surface of the teeth and the sides deeply and gently. This type of device ensures that even hard-to-reach interdental spaces are freed from dental plaque and bacteria.
Since minimal pressure is required, the gums are not irritated. This significantly reduces the risk of gum inflammation.
This type of brush also offers greater comfort because the toothbrush only needs to be held against the teeth, and no rubbing motion is necessary. This is especially appreciated by people with mobility difficulties or children.
Sonic toothbrushes: who are they for?
Overall, sonic toothbrushes are designed so that a large majority of people can use them, even those with oral health issues.
For people with sensitive gums:
Many sonic toothbrushes have special sensitive modes and brush very gently.
But it is best to discuss this beforehand with your dentist, who can better assess the condition of your teeth and advise you on the type of brush suited to your needs.
For people with fillings or implants:
Implants also benefit from deeper cleaning with sonic toothbrushes.
It is best to use a normal manual toothbrush immediately after intensive dental treatment and then switch to a sonic toothbrush afterward.
For people with braces:
Know that there are even special accessories for each type of orthodontic appliance.
The brush head does not move and is ideal with these appliances because it cannot get caught in the metal wires. Unfortunately, true sonic toothbrushes of this type are more expensive to purchase than more classic ones.
In short,
Sonic toothbrushes are particularly effective and suitable for every type of dental problem. It should be noted that most manufacturers recommend sonic toothbrushes from age 12. However, there are also specific models for children aged 4 to 6.
