Mar 12, 2021
When it comes to electric toothbrushes, Oral-B is one of the most popular and trusted brands. Whether you’re looking for a basic model or a high-tech brushing experience, Oral-B has a range of electric toothbrushes to suit every need. As a Salisbury dentist, I keep on top of the latest releases and even get to trial them. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the different series—Genius, Smart, Pro, and iO—so you can make an informed decision the next time you’re shopping for an Oral-B electric toothbrush.
1. Oral-B Pro Electric Toothbrush: The Basics
If you’re after a simple and effective electric toothbrush without all the gadgets, the Oral-B Pro series is a great option. This basic model offers one-button on/off functionality, making it incredibly easy to use. It doesn’t come with a smartphone app, but it does include a pressure sensor that warns you when you're brushing too hard. The pressure warning light appears on the handle (on one side) to let you know when to ease up, which helps prevent gum damage.
Key Features:
- Basic functionality with no app connectivity
- Pressure sensor to prevent excessive brushing force
- Ideal for those who want simplicity without extra features
2. Oral-B Smart Series: Smarter Features for Better Care
The Oral-B Smart Series takes things up a notch with 6 different cleaning modes to address all your oral care needs. These modes include:
- Daily Care
- Deep Clean
- Gum Care
- Whitening
- Tongue Cleaning
- Sensitive Mode
Each mode is optimized for different brushing goals, and some may require specific brush heads for optimal results. The Smart Series also has pressure control technology, which reduces brushing speed when you apply too much pressure, ensuring a gentler clean. Additionally, it features a free-standing timer to help you monitor how long you’re brushing, complete with smiley faces and stars to let you know when you've brushed for the recommended time.
Key Features:
- 6 cleaning modes for personalized brushing
- Pressure control to protect gums from over-brushing
- Timer with visual feedback to encourage proper brushing duration
- Ideal for those who want more customization but don’t need an app
3. Oral-B Genius: The Intelligent Brushing Experience
If you’re looking for an electric toothbrush with advanced technology, the Oral-B Genius range is your answer. This model introduces intelligent brushing systems and connects to an app on your smartphone, providing real-time feedback to improve your brushing habits. One standout feature is Position Detection Technology, which gives you a visual guide of the areas you’re brushing, ensuring you don’t miss any spots. The Genius series also includes Gum Guard technology, a 360 SmartRing, and Pressure Control alerts, which encircle the brush handle to indicate when you’re brushing too hard.
The Genius toothbrush offers up to 8 cleaning modes, including:
- Daily Clean
- Gum Care
- Sensitive and Super Sensitive
- Whitening
- Deep Clean
- Intense
- Tongue Clean
As with other models, certain modes require different brush heads to work effectively.
Key Features:
- Position detection to track brushing areas
- 360 SmartRing for full pressure alerts
- 8 cleaning modes for a customizable brushing experience
- App connectivity for real-time feedback and personalized progress tracking
4. Oral-B iO: Cutting-Edge Technology for a Professional Clean
The Oral-B iO series is the brand's most innovative model to date. Powered by a magnetic motor, the iO delivers a quieter brushing experience with fewer vibrations, while driving each bristle individually for a more precise clean. It gives you that fresh-from-the-hygienist feeling every time you brush—if used correctly.
One of the standout features of the iO is its AI teeth tracking, which monitors and shows you which tooth surfaces you’ve brushed, ensuring you don’t miss any spots. The brush even reminds you when it’s time to change the brush head, and it rewards you with a smiley face when you’ve brushed well.
Key Features:
- Magnetic motor for a quieter, more precise brushing experience
- AI tracking to monitor brushing progress
- Reminders for brush head replacement
- Smartphone app connectivity for personalized feedback
Which Oral-B Electric Toothbrush Should You Choose?
The Oral-B electric toothbrush range offers a variety of models to suit different needs and budgets. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide which one is best for you:
- Oral-B Pro: Perfect for those who prefer a no-fuss, basic toothbrush without the need for app connectivity or complex features. It gets the job done and is great for those who like simplicity.
- Oral-B Smart Series: Ideal for people who want more cleaning modes and pressure control technology without going all-in on advanced features or an app. A great mid-range option for those who want more customization.
- Oral-B Genius: A high-tech choice for users who want intelligent feedback, real-time brushing guidance, and app integration. The Genius is perfect for anyone looking for cutting-edge features to track and improve their brushing habits.
- Oral-B iO: The ultimate choice for those who want a luxurious brushing experience with advanced technology, AI tracking, and a quieter, more precise motor. Perfect for tech lovers or anyone wanting a professional-level clean every time.
Final Thoughts on Oral-B Electric Toothbrushes
No matter which Oral-B electric toothbrush you choose, research shows that electric toothbrushes in general remove more plaque than manual brushing, leading to healthier gums and teeth. The choice ultimately comes down to how much you’re willing to spend and how much technology you want in your oral care routine.
For a simple, no-nonsense brush, the Oral-B Pro will serve you well. If you’re a fan of tech and want an intelligent brushing system, go for the Oral-B Genius or iO for the full experience. And for those in between, the Smart Series offers a balanced mix of features and performance.
If you'd like more advice on brushing or your general teeth health, feel free to contact your favourite Salisbury dentist, or pop into the practice.
Stay tuned for next month’s blog, where I’ll be diving into the Philips Sonicare range to help you find the perfect toothbrush for your needs!