Comparison Waterpik WP-100 E2 Ultra vs Oral-B Professional Care MD20

The number of working nozzles that are standardly supplied with the device. Nowadays, options are quite common with both one and two or three nozzles in the kit; and in the most extensive sets, this number can be four or five or even more.

In many sets, several nozzles may have different purposes. For instance, an irrigator, in addition to its standard nozzle, might include orthodontic and periodontal nozzles. However, it's important to note that models with the same number of accessories in the kit can have different specific specializations. So, when making a choice, it's wise to consider not just the quantity but also the types of nozzles available. Additionally, there's an option where several identical interchangeable heads come with one handle. This configuration is particularly common in toothbrushes. It enables multiple individuals, such as family members, to use a single device, and such a set is usually more cost-effective than purchasing individual toothbrushes for each person.

Types of nozzles supplied as standard with the device.

The availability of nozzle types largely depends on the device's intended purpose (as discussed in the "Type" section). Toothbrushes typically offer standard round and oval-shaped nozzles, as well as options for sensitive teeth (also available in both round and oval shapes), and combined devices that may have multiple functions. In contrast, irrigators can come with various nozzles, including conventional ones, those designed for cleaning gum pockets (periodontal), and even nozzles for nasal irrigation. Devices intended for use with braces, implants and tongue cleaning are primarily found in irrigators, although they may also be compatible with some toothbrushes.

Here is a more detailed description of each of these options:

— Oval standard. Oval-shaped toothbrush heads are designed for standard cleaning intensity and are not specifically intended for sensitive teeth. The performance of these nozzles depends on the cleaning technology they employ (as explained below). For instance, models...using reciprocating sweeping patterns offer more intensive treatment compared to similar round heads with reciprocating technology. However, this type of cleaning is less gentle and requires precision even for individuals with healthy teeth and gums. In the case of sonic and ultrasonic brushes, there is no significant difference, and oval-shaped heads are widely used because they cover a larger surface area, allowing for quicker toothbrushing. Occasionally, you may come across oval nozzles with a reciprocating-rotating mechanism, which, in terms of shape and application, are closer to round heads.

— Round standard. Round toothbrush heads are designed for standard cleaning and are not specifically intended for sensitive teeth. They are primarily used in models featuring reciprocating cleaning technology (as explained below). In comparison to their closest alternative, oval-shaped reciprocating-sweeping heads (as described earlier), round nozzles offer a gentler cleaning action and better access to hard-to-reach areas. They may not perform as well in cleaning open spaces, but this is typically not a critical issue. However, in "sonic" brushes, round heads are quite rare. In such cases, round heads do not offer significant advantages over oval ones, and their coverage area is noticeably smaller, which can reduce their overall effectiveness.

— Oval for sensitive teeth. A variation of the oval heads described above, optimized for the cleaning of sensitive teeth and gums (including inflammation in the oral cavity). Such devices are distinguished primarily by softer bristles than in standard nozzles; in addition, other design features may be provided to ensure the most delicate and gentle impact.

— Round for sensitive teeth. Round heads specially designed for sensitive teeth and gums. For round nozzles in general, see above; and the main difference of this variety is a softer bristle, which allows you to achieve the necessary accuracy and care during processing. In addition, the design may provide other solutions that eliminate discomfort when used with sensitive teeth or inflamed gums.

— Combined. A head that combines round and elongated (like an oval) sections. Allows you to combine the advantages of both options to some extent. Note that such heads are rarely used as regular ones, in most cases they are produced as interchangeable accessories.

— Standard for an irrigator. Classic irrigator heads designed mainly for cleaning healthy teeth and gums. The working part of such a head has the form of a nozzle of small diameter, and almost all modern irrigators and flossing systems are equipped with similar devices (see "Type"). Often, several standard heads are supplied in the kit at once — this allows several users to use one device at once without worrying about hygiene.

– Orthodontic (for braces). Specialized heads for removing plaque and dirt in hard-to-reach places under braces and other orthodontic structures. For this purpose, you can use a standard head, however, such devices more effectively cope with such tasks. Most often they come with irrigators and flossing systems, but they are also found in toothbrushes.

– Periodontal (cleaning pockets). Gum pocket cleaning heads are designed for cleaning the areas where the gums make contact with the teeth, known as "gingival pockets." These devices feature thin heads made from soft materials to provide gentle and precise cleaning. They are particularly effective for individuals with inflamed gums and certain other oral conditions, but they can also be beneficial for users with entirely healthy gums.

— For implants. Heads designed for cleaning implants, crowns, bridges, and similar dental structures serve a similar purpose as braces heads, focusing on effectively cleaning hard-to-reach areas. These heads may be included with toothbrushes, although they are more commonly found in the accessory sets of irrigators.

— Tongue cleaning. Special heads designed for cleaning the tongue and inner surface of the cheeks help maintain overall oral hygiene and combat bad breath by removing foreign plaque. In irrigators, these nozzles typically feature a spatula-like shape that scrapes away plaque, which is then washed away by a stream of water. Toothbrushes designed for tongue cleaning use a head with a specialized surface that replaces traditional bristles with low-height solid protrusions, typically less than a millimeter in height. These protrusions effectively clean the tongue, primarily focusing on this area.

— Nasal cleaning. An irrigator equipped with a head for nose washing serves multiple purposes, including the treatment of conditions like a runny nose or sinusitis, as well as general nasal hygiene and prevention. The head for this purpose includes a unique "plug" that securely seals one nostril to prevent liquid from flowing back. The nose washing procedure is typically performed with the head in a sideways position. Water or saline solution is gently introduced into one nostril, which is positioned higher, and flows out through the other nostril. The head is then turned to the opposite side, and the process is repeated. It's important to note that while this procedure is generally safe, there are specific contraindications, so consulting with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor before using an irrigator in this capacity is advisable.

Apart from the mentioned nozzles, modern toothbrushes and irrigators may come with various other types of attachments. Toothbrushes might include attachments for tartar removal, flossing heads with ultra-thin bristles that mimic dental floss, or specialized gum massage heads. Irrigators may offer specialized nozzles for intensive or gentle treatment, multi-jet nozzles and more.

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.

The number of power modes provided in the device. For flossing systems (see "Type"), this paragraph takes into account the characteristics of the irrigator; data on the toothbrush (if they differ) are indicated in the note.

It's important to distinguish between the number of power settings and the number of operating modes, as these are distinct parameters. Refer to the "Operating modes" section for details on the various modes. In this context, we emphasize that power adjustment, if available, may not be accessible in all modes. For example, in an irrigator offering two modes of operation—continuous jet and pulsation—power adjustment might only be available in the continuous jet mode.

Having multiple power settings enhances the versatility of the device. Even if a device technically offers only one operating mode, the ability to adjust the intensity of the treatment allows users to tailor the device for various tasks. For instance, in many toothbrushes, the traditional 2D brushing mode at its lowest power setting effectively serves as a gentle treatment option. However, it's worth noting that the capability to adjust power levels can somewhat increase the device's cost.

Operating modes supported by the device.

Toothbrushes have the greatest variety of modes these days. In addition to the traditional (so-called "2D") daily cleaning, they can feature a 3D mode, delicate and deep cleaning programs, polishing, whitening, gum massage, and tongue cleaning. Irrigators, in turn, in addition to the standard format of operation with a continuous stream of water, most often provide a pulsation and/or spray mode.

Here is a detailed description of the most popular options found in brushes:

— Daily cleaning (2D). The operating mode is closest to traditional (manual) toothbrushes. In this mode, the bristles of the brush move in one plane; the trajectory of movement may vary, depending on the cleaning technology (see below). The intensity of action in this case is usually medium/high, so this operating format is intended mainly for relatively healthy and not too sensitive teeth. The recommended daily cleaning time is 2 minutes, 30 seconds for each quadrant of the oral cavity; the corresponding settings are usually provided in the timer (if available - see below). In general, 2D cleaning is somewhat less effective than 3D (see below...), but this option can be provided even in the most inexpensive toothbrushes.

— Daily cleaning (3D). A function found in brushes with reciprocating-rotating and reciprocating-sweeping technology. In such models, in addition to the main cleaning technology, the bristles pulsate up and down (more precisely, into the head and back). Thanks to this, cleaning is carried out in three planes at once, which significantly improves efficiency compared to the 2D cleaning described above: the bristles not only treat the outer surface of the teeth, but also to a certain extent capture the sides and interdental space (although such cleaning is not a full-fledged replacement for the use of dental floss). The disadvantage of this function is traditional - relatively high cost.

— Gentle cleaning. A gentle cleaning program used mainly for sensitive teeth and gums prone to bleeding. In toothbrushes with reciprocating-rotating and reciprocating-sweeping cleaning technology (see below), the gentle mode most often provides for a reduced rotation/oscillation speed of the nozzle; in sonic and ultrasonic models, gentle cleaning can be ensured by reducing the amplitude of oscillations. In any case, this mode maximally eliminates discomfort during brushing and the likelihood of gum damage - even when using standard nozzles; and for the most gentle effect, it is best to use this function with a nozzle for sensitive teeth.

— Deep cleaning. Most often, this name refers to cleaning with standard intensity, but with an increased duration — for example, 3 minutes instead of the usual 2 minutes (45 seconds for each quadrant of the mouth instead of the traditional 30 seconds). This mode allows you to clean your teeth as effectively as possible and remove dirt for which regular daily cleaning is not enough.

— Polishing. A mode for treating relatively clean teeth that do not require full-scale cleaning. As a rule, polishing is performed at a reduced frequency of oscillations (rotations) and takes significantly less time than conventional treatment (for example, 1 minute instead of the traditional 2 minutes).

— Whitening. A special mode for whitening tooth enamel and removing various stains, primarily from the front teeth. It can be an extended version of the regular cleaning mode: for example, when turned on for whitening, the brush works in the regular format for 2 minutes, and then for 30 seconds in the high-intensity mode. These nuances should be clarified separately; it also does not hurt to clarify the contraindications for using this mode (especially with sensitive teeth and/or gum problems).

— Gum massage. Gum treatment can be provided as a completely separate program, or as an addition to the usual cleaning mode. This function provides not only effective cleaning, but also strengthening of the gums — it can be useful for treating inflammation and bleeding, although in such cases you should first consult a doctor.

When using irrigators, the gum massage effect is achieved by delivering a pulsating jet of variable intensity or by spraying a water-air mixture (a cloud of small droplets). For more information on these modes, see below.

— Tongue cleaning. A separate mode for cleaning the tongue. Many people find that cleaning their tongue with an electric toothbrush causes a tickling sensation that is difficult to tolerate for a long time. In light of this, this mode usually provides for a short duration of continuous treatment — about 20 seconds; if necessary, such “sessions” can be carried out several times. It is also worth mentioning that the presence of a tongue cleaning mode in itself does not mean that the kit includes a special attachment for such cleaning (see “Attachments”), although most often such a device is included in the kit.

It should be noted that in some toothbrushes, the mode change is carried out using “smart” attachments: when such an attachment is installed, the device recognizes it by the built-in chip and automatically switches to the appropriate program.

In turn, in irrigators the features of the main modes are as follows:

— Pulse. The pulse mode of the irrigator means the supply of cleaning fluid in the form of a pulsating stream. Such a flow effectively removes plaque and food debris, helps to thoroughly clean the space between the teeth, under the braces and periodontal canals (especially in hard-to-reach places).

— Jet (single-stream). Classic, most popular format of work: permanent jet with permanent pressure. Provides sufficient efficiency for most tasks for which irrigators are used, while being extremely easy to implement and can be provided even in the most inexpensive models.

— Pulsating. Water supply with variable pressure. This mode is especially effective for removing dirt from the interdental space, under braces and in other hard-to-reach places.

— Spray (atomizer). In this mode, a mixture of water and air is supplied through the nozzle, due to which, instead of a regular stream, a cloud of small drops flying at high speed is obtained at the outlet. This mode is great for gum massage and general cleaning of the oral cavity.

The frequency of sound vibrations provided by a toothbrush with a sonic operating principle. This parameter also means the maximum pulsation frequency for toothbrushes with support for pulsating cleaning technology (see above) and for irrigators with a pulsed operating mode. For dental centers (see "Type"), data on the irrigator is usually specified here, and the pulsation frequency of the toothbrush (if this parameter is relevant for it) is indicated in a separate note

High frequency of movements and pulsations(from 40 thousand/min and higher) has a positive effect on the efficiency and quality of treatment, allowing you to quickly deal with dense plaque and even tartar. On the other hand, too intensive treatment can also be undesirable - for example, with high tooth sensitivity. All this is also relevant for irrigators - except that the operating frequencies in them are noticeably lower, such devices very rarely produce more than 2 thousand pulsations per minute. So when choosing, do not chase the maximum indicators of the frequency of movements and pulsations, but first of all it is important to take into account the individual characteristics of the user - for a full guarantee, it would not hurt to consult a dentist about this.

The pressure of the water supplied by the irrigator (see "Type") to the operating nozzle. Usually, this pressure can be adjusted within a certain range, since different situations and purposes require different processing intensity. The wider this range, the more versatile the device.

The lower limit of the pressure range in modern irrigators is around 30 kPa; similar values are set for procedures for sensitive teeth, for certain gum diseases and in other cases where the most gentle treatment is required. 400 – 500 kPa is considered an average level, and 600 – 650 kPa is considered high, such indicators allow for deep cleaning (see "Functions"). And higher values are rare, and they are used mainly when cleaning the tongue. However, it is best to consult with a dentist before purchasing an irrigator and choose a model for working pressure based on the recommendations received.

The volume of the reservoir for water (or treatment solution) provided in the design of the irrigator or flossing system (see "Type").

In general, the larger the tank, the less often you have to refill the device, but the larger, heavier and more expensive the whole structure is. Thus, in portable format irrigators, where the water tank is built right into the handle, the capacity is small — even in the largest models it usually does not exceed 400 ml, a larger tank would noticeably complicate use. However, even the smallest volumes in such cases are usually enough for at least one standard procedure. But stationary models, consisting of a handle and a separate main unit, can hold very significant volumes of water — up to 1.5 L or even more.

Possibility of mounting the device on the wall.

The design of the mount for these devices depends on the device type (as mentioned earlier) and how it's typically used. In the case of most toothbrushes, which are typically self-powered, they come with a wall-mounted stand that also functions as a charger. Some irrigators and dental centers follow a similar setup, but many of these devices are designed for stationary use and have a larger main unit to which a handle with a nozzle attaches. In such models, the wall mount is designed to accommodate the entire main unit.

Wall installation offers a significant advantage by saving shelf space, which is particularly beneficial in tight spaces. However, this installation method entails additional preparatory work, which can be somewhat challenging. Furthermore, not all wall mounts facilitate easy removal and installation of the device, making it less suitable for situations where you frequently need to take the toothbrush or irrigator with you on trips.