Comparison Oral-B Triumph Professional Care 5000 D34.575 vs Oral-B Professional Care 3000 D20

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 operating 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.

The mode in this case means the general format of operation, as explained in more detail in the "Modes" section below. It's important not to confuse this parameter with the number of power settings, which are discussed separately in the "Power modes" section. These characteristics are generally distinct from each other. For instance, a toothbrush with one operating mode may have multiple power settings, and conversely, there can be just one power level with several operating formats.

Anyway, the presence of several modes significantly expands the functionality of the brush/irrigator, allowing the device to be used for different procedures (or for several users with different needs in terms of oral hygiene). The flip side of this versatility is the increased cost. In addition, note that with the same number of modes, a specific set of these modes in different models may be different; so before buying, be sure to clarify how the capabilities of the selected model meet your requirements.

Modes of operation supported by the device.

Toothbrushes nowadays offer a wide range of modes beyond the traditional daily cleaning (often referred to as "2D" mode). You can find toothbrushes with options like the advanced 3D mode, as well as programs for gentle and deep cleaning, polishing, whitening, gum massage and tongue cleaning. On the other hand, irrigators typically offer different modes in addition to the standard continuous water jet. These additional modes often include pulsation and spray options.

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

— Daily cleaning (2D). The "2D" mode of operation in toothbrushes closely resembles the traditional manual toothbrush experience. In this mode, the bristles of the brush move in a single plane, and the exact movement pattern may vary depending on the cleaning technology used. The intensity of brushing is typically medium to high, making it suitable for individuals with relatively healthy and not overly sensitive teeth. The recommended daily brushing time is 2 minutes, with 30 seconds allocated to each quadrant of the mouth. These corresponding settings are usually available in the timer function, if the to...othbrush is equipped with one. While "2D" brushing is somewhat less effective than "3D" (as mentioned below), it's a feature that can even be found in more affordable toothbrush models.

— Daily cleaning (3D). This feature, available in brushes with reciprocating-rotating and reciprocating-sweeping technology, involves bristle pulsation in addition to the standard cleaning motion. The pulsating movement, which goes deep into the brush head and back, enables cleaning in three dimensions simultaneously. This greatly enhances efficiency compared to the 2D cleaning mentioned earlier. These bristles not only address the outer tooth surfaces but also reach the sides and interdental spaces to some extent (though it's not a complete replacement for dental floss). However, it's worth noting that this advanced functionality typically comes at a higher cost.

— Gentle cleaning. The gentle treatment program, typically used for sensitive teeth and gums prone to bleeding, is common in brushes with reciprocating-rotating and reciprocating-brushing technologies. In these brushes, the gentle mode often involves reducing the nozzle's rotation or vibration speed. In sonic and ultrasonic models, gentler treatment is achieved by reducing vibration intensity. Regardless of the technology, this mode aims to minimize discomfort during brushing and the risk of gum damage, even when using standard nozzles. For the gentlest effect, it's advisable to use this function with a nozzle designed for sensitive teeth.

— Deep cleaning. Most often, this name means cleaning with a standard intensity, but 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 effectively clean your teeth and remove dirt, for which normal daily brushing is not enough.

— Polishing. A mode for treating relatively clean teeth that do not require a full-length cleaning. Usually, polishing is carried out at a reduced frequency of vibrations (rotations) and takes noticeably less time than conventional processing (for example, 1 minute instead of the traditional 2 minutes).

— Whitening. A special mode for whitening tooth enamel and removing stains, especially from the front teeth, is often an extended version of the regular brushing mode. For example, in a whitening mode, the brush might operate normally for 2 minutes and then switch to increased intensity for 30 seconds. Specific details about this mode, including any contraindications (especially for individuals with sensitive teeth or gum issues), should be checked separately.

— Massage gums. Gum treatment can be offered either as a separate program or as an add-on to the regular brushing routine. In the latter case, it typically involves a standard 2-minute toothbrushing program followed by activating an additional mode. This function not only ensures effective cleaning but also contributes to gum strengthening. It can be beneficial for addressing issues like inflammation and bleeding gums, although consulting a dentist is advisable in such cases.

— Cleaning the tongue. A separate mode for tongue cleaning is available in many electric toothbrushes. Brushing the tongue with an electric toothbrush can often cause discomfort due to tickling, so this mode typically offers a brief cleaning session lasting about 20 seconds. If needed, you can perform multiple sessions. It's important to note that the presence of a tongue cleaning mode doesn't necessarily mean that a specialized nozzle for tongue cleaning is included in the kit (as discussed in the "Nozzles" section), although it's commonly included.

It should be noted that in some toothbrushes, the mode change is carried out due to “smart” nozzles: when such a nozzle is installed, the device recognizes it by the built-in chip and automatically switches to the appropriate programme.

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

— Jet (monoflow). The classic, most popular working format: a constant jet with a constant pressure. Provides sufficient efficiency for most tasks for which irrigators are used, while being extremely simple 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. In this mode, a mixture of water and air is fed through the nozzle, due to which, instead of the usual jet, a cloud of small droplets flying at high speed is obtained at the exit. This mode is great for massaging the gums and general cleaning of the mouth.

The presence of its own display in the design of the device.

These displays are typically small due to the compact size of the toothbrush or irrigator body. They usually offer basic functionality, capable of displaying one color and a limited set of characters. However, even with such constraints, they can convey various operational information, such as the selected mode, timer countdown, battery status, error messages, and more. As a result, these displays enhance overall convenience and visibility when using the device.

On the other hand, it's important to acknowledge that there's a growing number of models without displays, especially in the mid to high-end range. This shift is primarily driven by the widespread adoption of smartphone synchronization (as mentioned earlier), which offers several advantages over built-in screens. Firstly, the Bluetooth module required for synchronization is smaller and more cost-effective than a dedicated display. Secondly, smartphone screens and other control gadgets tend to be larger, more versatile, and easier to read compared to the small screens on toothbrush or irrigator handles. Additionally, the display on the device's handle is not visible during use, whereas a smartphone can be positioned in front of your eyes. As a result, it's worthwhile to seek out a model with this function if the ability to access data from a display is a crucial factor for you, regardless of whether...you have a smartphone or another additional device at hand.

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).

The time required to charge the battery from zero to 100% in a device with the appropriate power type (see above). This parameter can vary from 1 – 3 hours in relatively simple and low-power devices to a day in advanced models with capacious batteries. At the same time, the longer the maximum operating time on a charge (see above), the longer, usually, the time required for charging, although there is no hard dependence here.

In general, having fast charging capabilities improves the convenience of a device by reducing interruptions in its operation. However, there is a trade-off to consider: fast charging often means either a smaller battery capacity or a higher price due to the use of specialized technologies to speed up the charging process. When evaluating this parameter, it's essential to think about how you intend to use the device. For instance, if a toothbrush or irrigator is solely used at home by one person and comes with a charging stand, fast charging may not be a critical factor. The device remains consistently charged as it's constantly on the charger, and its battery doesn't deplete significantly during one use. The time between sessions, usually around 8 to 12 hours, is more than enough to maintain a charged battery, even for devices with slower charging. However, if you plan to use the device while traveling, where access to power outlets is sporadic, it's preferable to have...minimal charging time to ensure you can recharge quickly during your trips.