Sonic or manual toothbrush: which should you choose?
The short answer: both clean well when used correctly, but powered toothbrushes make thorough brushing easier: they have a timer, keep the movement consistent and require less technique. A 2014 Cochrane review found that powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual ones.
What makes a sonic toothbrush different
The brush head vibrates tens of thousands of times per minute. The fast movement loosens plaque, so you simply guide the brush along the teeth without scrubbing.
The advantages of a manual toothbrush
It is inexpensive, needs no charging and can be just as effective if you brush correctly: 2 minutes, with light pressure and gentle movements.
How to choose
- Choose a sonic toothbrush if you have veneers, braces or sensitive gums, or if you tend to brush too briefly or too hard.
- Look for a 2-minute timer, a 30-second alert and several power levels.
- Replace the brush head, like a manual toothbrush, about every 3 months.
The PRANOYA sonic toothbrush
The PRANOYA sonic toothbrush delivers up to 36,000 vibrations per minute and has a 2-minute timer with a 30-second alert, customisable modes, IPX7 water resistance and about 30 days of battery life. Its replacement heads have blue bristles that show when they need replacing.
Source: Yaacob M. et al., “Powered versus manual toothbrushing for oral health”, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2014. This article is for information only.
Frequently asked questions
Research shows that powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gingivitis more than manual ones, mainly because they make thorough, consistent brushing easier.
Yes. A sonic toothbrush is used with light pressure, which makes it suitable for veneers, implants and dental restorations.
Generally about every 3 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. On the PRANOYA toothbrush, the blue bristles fade when it is time for a replacement.
