If you’ve had dental work done, it’s a toss-up between a manual vs an electric toothbrush. Are you considering using the Philips Sonicare range? This article will guide you on the pros and cons of these sonic toothbrushes.
Sonicare is certainly an expensive choice. So you need to make sure the utility justifies the price. You also need to ensure it won’t cost you more in the long run by damaging big-budget dental treatments.
Fortunately, the Sonicare range takes all this into consideration. It is actually even safer for teeth than regular brushes. The pressure is regulated to prevent hurting sensitive teeth. The vibrating motion specifically addresses bio-film. This plaque layer forms on the gum line.
This makes it perfect for people with crowns and veneers. Fitted with a soft-bristle brush, it provides a very gentle, but thorough cleaning. It doesn’t injure the gums. This is a crucial property essential for people who have braces or implants.
Sonicare is one of the best risk-free, useful electric toothbrush options.
Table of Contents
Is Sonicare ADA approved?
Only the Sonicare Protective Clean 4100 and 4700 Plaque Control models have received the ADA’s approval. The newer Philips Sonicare Diamond Clean Smart 9500 has still not received the ADA seal.
The company is in the process of tweaking the functional requirements. They are trying to extend ADA approval to the entire product range. The ADA approval of electric toothbrushes attests to their electrical safety.
It is also proof that the toothbrush provides strong resistance against tartar and gingivitis.
Is Sonicare waterproof?
Yes, most Sonicare toothbrushes are waterproof. You can use it in the shower. But don’t leave it to dry in the shower. Air-dry it outside. Otherwise, constant humidity will damage the brush.
The charger for the toothbrush is not waterproof. So avoid charging Sonicare in the bathroom. Also avoid sockets that come into contact with moisture, like those in the kitchen.
Some Sonicare models are only water-resistant. This is different from waterproof toothbrushes in that while they are designed to not let in water, they are not a hundred percent secure. These toothbrushes should not be taken into the bathtub or shower. Check the label to verify this status.
Never wash the brush handle and cover in the dishwasher. It is too rough and the handle will probably break.
Is Sonicare safe for crowns?
Yes, Sonicare is safe for dental crowns. But there is a caveat. Avoid using Sonicare in the initial days after the crown placement. The vibrating motion may shake the crown caps loose.
The crowns are fitted with dental cement or glue. They are usually fitted on decayed teeth with deep cavities. Capping the teeth prevent further cracks through which bacteria can enter, causing infection. Re-fitting is a major hassle.
Once the cement has been set, feel free to use Sonicare. Since you can customize the pressure, Sonicare is more secure for your teeth than a normal brush. It exerts just enough force. It is also able to clean out plaque build-up between the teeth and gums.
The gum-line between the teeth and the gum is most prone to cavities and disease. Sonicare keeps these cavities at bay. This is crucial because biofilm decay can make the crowns fall out prematurely. Sonicare prolongs the life of your crown capping.
Is Sonicare safe for implants?
Yes, Sonicare is safe to use on dental implants. Dental implants are more deep-rooted procedures. They involve the jaws and the root of the teeth. The tooth is grafted whole into the jawbone to replace those that have fallen out.
Once implanted, the new tooth will embed and start to grow. Sonicare keeps the surrounding area hygienic and germ-free. The jiggling movement actually promotes healthy and proportionate growth.
You may need to wait a few weeks or months before using Sonicare, though. Only light brushing or rinsing is allowed before complete healing. Once healed, Sonicare can be used to good effect.
Is Sonicare safe for braces?
Sonicare is suitable for people who have braces. The automatic movement of the brush is designed to remove food debris stuck between braces. The soft bristle brush-head is also optimal for braces. People with braces have to brush frequently during the day.
Sonicare is gentle enough. So, constant brushing will not erode the enamel. The only issue is the brush-head may be a little large. This may limit your ability to navigate tricky nooks where deposits form.
Is Sonicare safe for veneers?
Sonicare is recommended for use on veneers. Veneers are light synthetic casings or sheaths. These are attached to the outer layer of your teeth. A thin sheet of enamel is grazed off before applying the veneer.
Veneers are attached to improve aesthetics. They make the teeth brighter and uniform. Sonicare is very gentle and safe on veneers. These could be porcelain or composite. The light stress prevents the veneers from cracking or fracturing.
Sonicare also does not heighten sensitivity due to removed enamel.
Is Sonicare safe for receding gums? Or does it cause gum recession?
Yes, Sonicare is often recommended by dentists to people with receding gums. The gums pull back from the junction where they meet the teeth. This exposes the dentine and causes hypersensitivity. Your tooth may also start aching because of painful external stimuli.
The gap between the gum and the tooth also creates a crevice for plaque to build up. Choose either Philips Sonicare 6100 Protective Clean Electric or Philips Sonicare FlexCare Whitening electric toothbrush. These are the best models for receding gums.
Sonicare brushes are light and soft. They won’t injure the bare exposed part of the dentine. Sonicare on its own cannot cause gum recession. This problem has underlying reasons like rough brushing, infections, poor oral hygiene, and more.
It may make the condition worse if you apply too much pressure. If you push the brush down hard, it could erode the enamel. Using it too roughly can also rupture the gums. But the problem lies with the brushing technique, not Sonicare.
Does Philips Sonicare whiten teeth?
Yes, whitening is possible through Sonicare. Sonicare is many times more effective at removing debris, plaque, and discoloration compared to regular toothbrushes. The Philips Sonicare toothbrush has multiple settings. These include cleaning, deep clean, tongue care, gum health, and whitening.
You should first apply one cycle of the normal cleaning routine. Follow this up with the whitening mode which targets stubborn stains. This is a two-minute cycle. You can set an extra thirty seconds if need be.
This action creates lighter and shinier teeth after a few weeks of consistent use. It is not a guaranteed solution to whiten teeth, but it does make a difference. The Diamond Clean model is ideal for this purpose.
Does Philips Sonicare have a lithium battery?
Some Sonicare models have a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Others use a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery instead. Lithium-ion batteries are as safe as any other battery. But it also comes with risks.
These include batteries flaring up or catching fire, and also releasing noxious gases when overheated. Lithium-ion batteries are more energy-efficient though. These batteries perform well even in extreme conditions, typically have longer battery life, and retain charge longer.
In comparison to Lithium-Ion, NiMH batteries are cheaper. They are also less prone to fires and explosions. This is because they don’t heat up as fast.
Does Philips Sonicare have a timer?
Yes, Sonicare does have a built-in timer. This timer ensures maximum coverage and ideal brushing duration. The toothbrush vibrates every 30 seconds indicating that you should now move to the next quadrant of your mouth.
This ensures that all the areas are given equal attention. This process follows dental best practices. If this isn’t sufficient cleaning for you, hike the timer to 2.5 or 3 minutes. It also automatically turns off once the routine is complete.
Does Philips Sonicare have a warranty?
Yes, Sonicare toothbrushes do have a warranty of one year. This is the Philips brand product warranty. You can only get this from the registered Philips store. It doesn’t apply to third-party vendors.
The warranty applies from the date of purchase. If the product has a manufacturing defect, it can be returned within 30 days. The repairs or replacements are done for free under the warranty. But refunds are not applicable for standard wear and tear.
Is Sonicare better than regular toothbrushes?
Yes, in many ways it is more efficient than manual brushing and has more cleaning power. It provides multiple times more strokes a minute than manual brushes. When used consistently, Sonicare has proven to eliminate much more tartar and bacteria.
Compared to normal brushing, Sonicare also greatly reduces the chances of gum disease. It also tells you when it’s time to change your brush head, and promotes regular brushing.
These qualities make it superior to regular toothbrushes. Its design and function are all based on dentist-recommended methods.
References:
- https://www.philips.co.in/c-e/pe/electric-toothbrushes/series-3100.html#!=
- https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/best-electric-toothbrush#A-quick-look-at-the-best-electric-toothbrushes-list
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