Hi,

I'm a dentist based in Europe and that's a question many patients ask me. The answer is: Both brands produce equally effective toothbrushes. Although there have been more than 200 clinical studies comparing those 2, most of them are conducted by Braun and Philips, so they are biased in their own direction. Main difference is in technology behind them. Some people prefer oscillating (rotating) technology of Oral B and some prefer sonic (fast vibrating) technology from Sonicare line.

In my opinion oscillating toothbrushes are less sensitive to brushing technique, that's why I prefer Oral B toothbrushes when I'm buying some for my parents and grandparents. Advantage of Oral B is also the price. Similar models from both brands cost about the same, but brushing heads from Oral B line are much cheaper.

For a better understanding, here are 2 videos comparing brushing technique of each one:

Oral B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkdgyXHEboE
Sonicare: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjoR91BmJJQ

And here's an in-depth comparison of both brands:

http://www.bestelectrictoothbrushhub.com/oral-b-vs-sonicare-comparison/

I will be checking this thread daily if anyone has any question.

I have a Sonicare and use it with compact heads. I love it. DH has an OralB and I tried it once, I don't care for it. The arm on the Sonicare is much smaller and more comfortable. Mine has a timer and pauses every 30 seconds to alert me to switch parts of my mouth I am cleaning, for 2 minutes.

PP here - I think the best thing about the Oral B toothbrush is they have a timer to indicate when you have brushed for 2 minutes. My husband has a sonic care, and his doesn't have the timer. He doesn't brush for nearly 2 minutes, and he still gets cavities and I don't. Just something to consider! I'm sure there are sonic care models out there that also come with a timer. Whatever model you buy, make sure it has the timer!

I have been cursed with very cavity prone teeth, I have had so many fillings, its embarrassing. About 8 years ago though, my dentist recommended that I use an Oral B electric toothbrush. I bought one with a coupon at Bed Bath and Beyond, and since then I have used it religiously for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes in the evening. I also floss once a day, in the evening. Since I started this regimen, I have not had a single cavity. I often tell people I should appear on an infomercial for Oral B electric toothbrushes because I love mine so much. I have been using the same toothbrush for 8 years and its still goign strong. It looks a little beat and I could probably stand to replace it, but it is still working perfectly. My dentist complements me at every visit and says how great my teeth and gums look. I couldn't recommend it more.

I got the Sonicare after so many good reviews and had lots of gum recession. Maybe I was using it wrong. So I gave it to DH and went back to a regular toothbrush (Fuchs brand).

I don't think people usually have problems with gum recession using these types of toothbrush, but I did.

If you are looking at cheaper, I think you should consider how much replacement brush heads cost and their availability. That probably would be more of a cost factor than the cost of the machine itself.

NP here. I was just about to post a similar thread but since this one is already here...

Sonicare users: which model do you like the best? Should I go for the most expensive (DiamondClean) or are the others just as good?

Anonymous wrote:I switched from sonic care to oral b and my teeth have never been cleaner. Oral b can get into every crevice with the smaller brush head.

You can buy compact brush heads for Sonicare.

I switched from sonic care to oral b and my teeth have never been cleaner. Oral b can get into every crevice with the smaller brush head.

My dentist told me the same thing as the dental professional above. Either are fine (and he uses the Oral B because it was cheaper). I bought the Oral B about 2 months ago and have been happy with it.

Sonicare here, like it fine.

We have used the Sonicare Elites for the last 10 years and are very happy with them. No cavities for me. Use them once a day, not twice. Replaced them after 8 years.

They are both great! You can't go wrong with either. (Dental professional here). I like Oral B better -- but I also recommend Sonicare. She which one is cheaper or looks better on your counter.

anyone?

Didn't' get my first cavity until I was 30, but after my last pregnancy my teeth have gone to hell in a hand-basket (despite 2x daily routine of floss, brush, & fluoride mouthwash). Anyone have any experience with either the Sonicare or Oral-B electric toothbrushes? Both are a good deal at Costco, but I'm wondering if one is better than the other.