Model of the replacement head
Models of replacement heads supplied with the device.
This information is valuable for assessing the capabilities of a specific model and for sourcing additional, spare, or replacement nozzles, particularly for toothbrushes and dental centers that naturally use such devices (as indicated in "Type"). Firstly, it's advisable to replace the heads in these devices every 3-6 months, similar to regular toothbrushes. Secondly, if each user purchases their own nozzle while sharing a single handle, it's a cost-effective alternative to buying a separate brush for each individual, although it may be less convenient. Regardless, knowing the model of the interchangeable nozzle will save you time and effort when searching for compatible accessories.
Brushing technology
The brushing technology used by the toothbrush (see "Type").
In today's market, toothbrushes mainly feature cleaning technologies such as a href="/list/420/pr-14372/">reciprocating,
reciprocating-sweeping,
sonic and
ultrasonic. The first two options can also include the additional feature of
pulsating technology. The main difference between these methods lies in the nature of the movement of the bristles; Here is a more detailed description of each option:
— Reciprocating. This cleaning technology involves the bristles on brushes with round heads moving in a traditional manner. As the name suggests, the head rotates back and forth at a slight angle during operation. This technology is considered somewhat more advanced than reciprocating-sweeping, particularly because it offers improved cleaning in interdental and similar areas. However, it's important to note that brushes with this technology still don't match the efficiency of sonic and ultrasonic brushes but are generally more budget-friendly.
— Reciprocating-sweeping. Historically, this technology was the first to be used in brushes with oval nozzles. In brushes employing this principle, the bristles oscillate from left to right, resembling the motion of a broomstick—hence the name "reciprocating." Classic reciprocating brushes are characteri
...zed by a simple design but are not particularly effective. Consequently, there are few such models available today, primarily found in low-cost devices. Most toothbrushes with oval heads now use more advanced sonic or ultrasonic technology.
— Pulsating. Usually, this term refers to the format of operating, in which the bristles move up and down relative to the surface of the nozzle, in other words, they go deep into the head and move back. This technology is rarely used in its pure form, it usually complements a reciprocating or reciprocating sweeping head, providing 3D cleaning capabilities (refer to "Modes"). But if the 3D mode is not claimed in the toothbrush, it is worth clarifying separately what is meant by pulsating technology. So, in some models, we are actually talking about the whitening mode, when, for maximum intensity of exposure, the device does not work constantly, but in separate pulses; in others, the term "pulsating" actually refers to the sonic or ultrasonic mode of operation.
— Sound. Sonic cleaning technology involves bristle vibrations with a small amplitude at a high frequency, reaching up to 40K vibrations per minute — this speed aligns with audible sound frequencies, hence the name "sonic." This cleaning method is considered more advanced than reciprocating and even reciprocating-sweeping technology. Sonic brushes, thanks to their high vibration speed, create a fine, uniform foam by mixing toothpaste, saliva, and air during cleaning. This foam can effectively penetrate hard-to-reach areas, and the vibrations themselves prove highly efficient at removing plaque, including from interdental spaces. While ultrasonic cleaning is considered even more advanced (as discussed below), sonic brushes are generally more affordable.
— Ultrasonic. Ultrasonic cleaning technology represents a further advancement of the sonic technology described earlier, distinguished primarily by a higher oscillation frequency. It's important to note that not all brushes in this category operate in the ultrasonic range; some models have oscillation frequencies that only slightly exceed 40K per minute, which is still within the range of audible sound. However, the operating frequency of such devices is significantly higher than that of standard sound devices. Ultrasonic technology offers several advantages, including thorough cleaning with access to hard-to-reach areas and a bactericidal effect. Ultrasound is capable of destroying bacteria responsible for plaque formation. However, brushes with this technology tend to be somewhat more expensive than their sonic counterparts.
It's important to mention that ultrasound technology is not as effective as conventional sound vibrations for cleaning braces and similar structures. As a result, some devices in this category incorporate both ultrasonic and conventional sound vibrations to ensure thorough cleaning in all situations.Sound vibration frequency
The frequency of sound vibrations provided by a brush with a sonic or ultrasonic principle of operation (see "Cleaning technology").
A high oscillation frequency (from 40 000/min and above), ositively impacts the efficiency and quality of oral processing. In fact, brushes that generate more than 40,000 oscillations per minute are often referred to as ultrasonic brushes, although true ultrasound starts at much higher frequencies. However, it's important to note that these high-speed brushes tend to come with a higher price tag. It's also worth mentioning that for specific tasks, such as delicate treatment of sensitive teeth, relatively lower frequencies may be more suitable. Therefore, when choosing an oral care device, it's essential not to prioritize the maximum oscillation frequency but rather consider the individual needs of the user(s). Consulting a dentist for personalized recommendations is a prudent approach.
It's important to clarify that in this context, a full cycle of bristle movement is defined as one complete oscillation, which includes both the forward and backward motion. Some manufacturers employ a marketing tactic where they list their brush's operating frequency not in terms of complete oscillations but as the number of movements per minute, counting only half of the cycle — either the forward or backward motion. This can lead to impressive-sounding numbers in product specifications since the count
...of movements is double the count of oscillations. However, the primary performance metric remains the number of complete cycles or oscillations, and that's the value provided in this section of our catalog.Auto frequency control
The presence
of an automatic frequency control in a toothbrush (sold separately or included in the delivery of the dental centre — see "Type").
This feature is exclusively present in sonic and ultrasonic toothbrush models, as mentioned in the "Cleaning Technology" section. The fundamental idea behind it is that the toothbrush automatically adjusts its oscillation frequency based on the selected mode. However, the specific implementation can vary. Some models operate only at predetermined frequency settings, while others offer manual adjustment of this parameter. There are also different control methods, such as the use of "smart" nozzles that trigger the corresponding mode automatically when attached. Regardless of the approach, automatic frequency control simplifies the user's experience by eliminating the need for unnecessary adjustments.
Max. operating time
This refers to the maximum duration a device can run continuously when powered by a fully charged battery or fresh batteries. It's worth noting that this metric may also apply to models designed for mains power, such as flossing systems that include rechargeable toothbrushes, in which case we're referring to the battery life of these toothbrushes.
It's important to note that device specifications typically indicate the maximum runtime under ideal conditions, often in the most energy-efficient mode of operation (and for models with replaceable batteries, using high-quality batteries). The actual battery life can vary depending on specific usage conditions. However, this parameter still serves as a valuable basis for comparing different models. Generally, differences in the claimed operating time correspond proportionally to the real differences in battery life. For example, if one toothbrush has a stated operating time of 20 minutes and another boasts 40 minutes, in practice, their battery life (under similar conditions) will likely differ by approximately two times.
It's important to consider that, for toothbrushes, this parameter can help estimate the number of brushing sessions you can expect on a single charge. Typically, the recommended daily brushing duration is 2 minutes. So, if a toothbrush has an operating time of 30 minutes, it's sufficient for approximately 15 cleaning sessions (or more realistically, around 14 or 13).
