Comparison Oral-B Vitality Pro D103 vs Oral-B Pro 1 700 CrossAction

The cleaning technology used by the toothbrush (see Type).

Nowadays, you can mainly find brushes with reciprocating-rotating, reciprocating-sweeping, and sonic cleaning technologies; the first two options can also be supplemented with pulsating technology. The main difference between these methods is the nature of the bristles' movement; here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Reciprocating-rotating. The traditional way of moving bristles in brushes with round heads. As the name suggests, such a head rotates back and forth at a small angle during operation. This technology is considered somewhat more advanced than reciprocating-sweeping — in particular, it provides better treatment of the interdental space and other similar places. True, such brushes are still not as effective as sonic ones — but they are also noticeably cheaper.

— Reciprocating-sweeping. Historically, this is the first technology used in brushes with oval attachments. The bristles in models with this operating principle oscillate left and right, like the twigs of a broom — hence the name. Classic reciprocating-sweeping brushes are simple in design, but not very effective. As a result, there are few such models these days, mostly budget devices, and most brushes with oval heads use more advanced sonic technology.

—...Pulsating. Usually this term refers to the operating format 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 extend back. This technology is almost never used in its pure form; it usually complements a reciprocating-rotating or reciprocating-sweeping head, providing the ability to 3D clean (see “Modes”). But if the 3D mode is not declared in the toothbrush, it is worth separately clarifying what is meant by pulsating technology. So, in some models we are actually talking about a whitening mode, when for maximum intensity of action the device does not work constantly, but in separate pulses; in others, the term “pulsating” actually refers to the sound mode of operation.

— Sonic. A cleaning technology that involves oscillating bristles with a small amplitude at a high frequency — up to 40 thousand oscillations per minute; this speed corresponds to the frequencies of audible sound, hence the name. This method of operation is considered more advanced than the reciprocating-rotating and especially the reciprocating-sweeping technology. Thus, due to the high speed of oscillations, sonic brushes create a fine homogeneous foam from paste, saliva and air during cleaning — this foam easily penetrates even hard-to-reach places; in addition, the vibration itself is effective in affecting plaque, including in the interdental space.

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 toothbrush 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 frequency of working movements of a toothbrush with a reciprocating-rotating or reciprocating-brushing brushing technology (see above). In modern models, this figure can be from 4 – 5 to 40K movements per minute.

The higher the speed of the toorhbrush, the faster and more efficiently it handles with its task. On the other hand, high speed and intensity of processing is not always desirable — for example, with sensitive teeth or weak gums, such a brush can create problems. Therefore, you need to choose a device according to the frequency of rotation, taking into account the characteristics of your teeth; Ideally, you should consult with your dentist first. However, modern toothbrushes may have several modes, including gentle (see "Functions").

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.

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 minima...l charging time to ensure you can recharge quickly during your trips.

An indicator showing the battery charge level.

This function is predominantly found in battery-powered devices (as mentioned in the "Type of power" section). Implementing a charge indicator with replaceable batteries is challenging but occasionally seen. The specifics of this feature and how it operates can vary. The simplest form of a charge indicator is composed of LEDs. For instance, a green light might indicate a normal charge level, yellow signals a low charge, red signifies the need for charging, and blinking typically indicates that charging is in progress. More advanced indicators exist as well, such as those with their own displays that can show the specific charge level using a battery icon or even as a percentage. Regardless of the design, this feature simplifies monitoring battery status and reduces the risk of finding yourself with a dead battery at an inconvenient time.