Comparison Waterpik Aquarius Professional WP-660 vs Waterpik WP-100 E2 Ultra

General device type. In addition to classic toothbrushes (including those sold in the form of sets), nowadays you can find hygienic mouthwash devices — irrigators — as well as multifunctional flossing systems that combine the capabilities of a brush and an irrigator. Here are the features of each of these options:

— Toothbrush. These devices are designed for traditional toothbrushing using special bristles, essentially serving as electric versions of manual toothbrushes. While various models can differ significantly in terms of bristle movement (for more details, see "Cleaning Technology"), they share several common features. On the positive side, they are highly effective at cleaning the visible surfaces of teeth, surpassing irrigators in this regard. Some models are even capable of removing dense plaque and tartar with ease. Additionally, brushes are incredibly user-friendly and familiar to most people. However, they have limitations when it comes to cleaning the interdental spaces, even with specialized nozzles. To achieve the highest quality teeth cleaning, it's often necessary to use these devices in combination with an irrigator and/or dental floss. It's also worth noting that brushes with overly hard bristles or intense brushing can potentially damage the gums, particularly if they are already sensitive or inflamed. While the likelihood of such issues is re...latively low, it is higher compared to using irrigators.

— Set of toothbrushes 2 pcs. A set typically consists of two electric toothbrushes, which are often identical in terms of their characteristics (though exceptions exist). For detailed information about the toothbrushes themselves, please refer to the previous sections. Such a set can be particularly convenient for couples or households, and some options even offer brushes in "male" and "female" colors, like black and pink. Purchasing this set is not only more convenient than buying the brushes separately, but it is often more cost-effective as well, especially since there is usually only one charger included for the pair of brushes.
As for sets with unequal toothbrushes, they may include, for example, models with different types of nozzles, or an adult and a children's toothbrush.

— Irrigator. Irrigators are devices that clean the teeth and oral cavity by directing a high-pressure jet of water. This procedure effectively removes debris, food particles, and massages the gums, promoting gum health and preventing various oral issues. Irrigators can access areas where regular toothbrushes may struggle, making them suitable for cleaning braces and providing intense yet safe gum massages compared to bristle-based brushing. However, irrigators may not clean the visible surfaces of teeth as effectively as toothbrushes. Therefore, it's recommended to use an irrigator after regular brushing. Brushing can tackle more persistent dirt, while the water jet can address hard-to-reach spots that bristles might miss. Nevertheless, the spaces between teeth still require dental floss for thorough cleaning.
Separately, we note that irrigators can be both portable and stationary. The second type is more bulky and not suitable for travel, but stationary devices are equipped with capacious water tanks, have an almost unlimited operating time (thanks to mains power) and, usually, are more powerful than portable solutions.

— Flossing system. lossing systems are versatile devices that combine the functions of both toothbrushes and irrigators, as discussed in previous sections. This combination is particularly convenient because toothbrushes and irrigators have slightly different purposes, and having both can be beneficial. However, flossing systems come in various designs. Some models feature a universal handle that can switch between brushing and irrigating, depending on the nozzle used. Another common configuration is a rechargeable toothbrush paired with a stationary irrigator that also serves as a stand and charger. Alternatively, some sets include two separate devices, each with its own independent power source. Specific details about the flossing system's design should be checked separately.
In general, flossing systems are quite expensive, but most often they are still cheaper than separately purchased toothbrush and irrigator with similar characteristics.

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.

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.

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 brush modes provided by the device. The presence of several modes allows using the device for different procedures (for example, daily cleaning, delicate cleaning, whitening, etc.). Each such program has its own features of the working nozzle, as well as its own timer settings. The downside of such multifunctionality is the increased cost. In any case, this feature significantly expands the capabilities of the device; however, the specific set of modes may be different - it would not hurt to clarify it separately.

In this case, the mode means the general format of operation. For more information on the different formats, see "Modes" below. Note that this parameter should not be confused with the number of power settings. The latter is specified separately - see "Power modes", and in general, these characteristics are practically independent of each other. For example, a brush with one mode of operation can have several power settings. And vice versa, there may be only one power level, but several formats of operation.

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 b...e 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 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 length of the hose provided in the design of the irrigator or stationary type flossing system.

These devices typically consist of a main unit with a water tank and an irrigator handle connected to the unit through a hose. The hose's length typically falls within the range of 40 to 100 cm, and the convenience of using the device directly relates to this length. On one hand, a longer hose provides greater freedom of movement and reduces the risk of accidentally tipping over the main unit when moving the handle. On the other hand, an excessively long hose can become tangled under the arms and cause other inconveniences. When choosing based on this factor, it's important to consider the device's installation setup. For instance, if you plan to place the irrigator right next to the sink, an overly long hose may not be necessary. However, if you need to position the main unit at a considerable distance from the procedure area, a longer hose may be essential for optimal usage.

The presence of a timer in the design of the device. All types of dental hygiene appliances can be equipped with this function (see "Type").

The timer function counts down and provides alerts, often at specific intervals, to help users monitor the time spent on brushing their teeth and mouth. This ensures that the oral care routine is effective without unnecessary prolongation. The timer settings can vary depending on the selected brushing program (as discussed in the "Modes" section). Following the standard recommendations of dentists, a typical daily brushing session should last at least 2 minutes, with 30 seconds allocated for each quadrant of the teeth. Consequently, when using this mode, the timer typically counts down from 2 minutes and signals every 30 seconds to prompt the user to move the brush to another section of the mouth.

The timer function can vary in its operation, depending on the specific model of the toothbrush or irrigator. The simplest approach involves fixed time settings for each mode, accompanied by audible and/or visual signals. Models equipped with smartphone synchronization (as discussed in the "Synchronization with a smartphone" section) often display timer data on the smartphone screen and allow users to customize the countdown duration to their preferences. In some children's brushes (as mentioned earlier), a musical timer is used, where the countdown continues until a melody finishes playin...g. There are also other unique features related to this function. Regardless of the specific implementation, the timer simplifies the use of the toothbrush or irrigator, eliminating the need for users to manually track the time themselves.