Sonicare Toothbrush features - HydroClean, ProResults, E-series and A-series brush heads.

Each Sonicare toothbrush model utilizes a specific type of brush head. The relatively newer lines (the FlexCare and HealthyWhite toothbrush models) can be used with either ProResults or HydroClean brush heads.

Previous generations of Sonicare models used either e-series (Elite-style) or a-series (Advance-style) heads. The Sonicare For Kids brush utilizes its own specific style of brush head.
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Does the type of brush head really matter?

There really are a number of differences between the different types of brush heads used on the different Sonicare models. And it's possible that the advantages (convenience, efficiency) offered by some of the newer-design heads may be significant enough to influence a person's choice towards a model that utilizes them.

Here's a listing of some of the brush-head factors you should consider.

Snap-on brush heads are convenient.

The newer-styled Sonicare heads (ProResults, HydroClean) snap into place on top of the toothbrush body. In comparison, the older style brush heads (e-series, a-series) have a larger, screw-on fitting.

If more than one person will use the same Sonicare toothbrush, the snap-on style brush heads do provide a convenience factor due to the fact that changing brush heads is quicker and easier.

Snap-on toothbrush models are easier to keep clean.

Related to the nature of their design, snap-on heads (ProResults and HydroClean) are easier to keep clean than the older-style screw-on heads. Screw-on heads have a number of nooks and crannies, both on the toothbrush body and on the brush head stem, where gunk will tend to accumulate.

In those instances where a toothbrush will be shared by multiple users, or a Sonicare owner is a bit of a neat freak, this easier-to-keep-clean feature may be appealing. However, in those cases where only one person will use the toothbrush and brush heads are only changed infrequently, the inconvenience of the screw-on design may not be very much of a consideration.

There have been some complaints.

There have been some reports, at least historically, where some Sonicare owners have found that they are unable to firmly affix their snap-on heads onto their toothbrush's body. As a result, the head comes off while their toothbrush is in use.

While it doesn't seem that this is a widespread problem, this type of event can't occur with an screw-on brush head. It may come loose, but it won't fly off.

Which head provides the greatest cleaning efficiency?

There are differences in the design of the bristled portion of each of the types of Sonicare toothbrush heads. Initially, it seemed to us that the emphasis with each new generation of brush head was to reduce its size and shape, so it would be easier to use. More recently, it seems that the emphasis is aimed more so at improving cleaning efficiency.

Base solely on the date of their introduction, one would have to assume that Sonicare considers the effectiveness of their brush heads to rank in this order: a-series < e-series < ProResults < HydroClean.

What does dental research show?

Sonicare has conducted studies evaluating the comparative effectiveness of their brushes. For example, in a comparison study of the cleaning efficiency of the FlexCare (ProResults) and Elite (e-series) toothbrushes (Milleman, 2007), it was determined that the FlexCare's cleaning efficiency was about four percent greater (when both brushes were used for a two-minute brushing session).

Efficiency vs cost-effectiveness.

We can appreciate that any increase in brushing efficiency is desirable but one might consider how cost effective gaining this advantage is. There is over a decade of published research documenting the fact that (older design) Sonicare toothbrushes are effective teeth-cleaning devices. We agree that the Milleman study documents that newer Sonicare models are more efficient brushers (plaque removal per two-minute brushing session). But we would anticipate that if the test subjects were allowed to use the older-style (less expensive) Sonicare toothbrush for just a few moments longer, doing so would likely produce an equally effective end result.

It seems to us that for a person who only comprehends tooth brushing as a timed, two-minute event, the ProResults-utilizing toothbrush may be the better choice. For those budget-minded people who understand what they need to accomplish when they brush their teeth and will brush until they have accomplished it, a Sonicare that utilizes e-series, or even a-series, brush heads may make an excellent and cost-effective choice.

Brush-head size can be an important consideration.

All Sonicare models offer the option of a standard-sized or compact brush head (although, evidently the HydroClean head only comes in standard size). As compared to the standard-size brush, compact brush heads have a smaller bristled area and a shorter stem.

Most adult users will probably prefer using a Standard-sized brush head. The smaller Mini brush will be favored by those who have a relative small mouth, limited oral access or by adolescents or those who have special needs such as hard-to-reach locations or braces.

Replacement brush heads.

Sonicare's website currently recommends that brush heads should be replaced on a three-month basis. Historic versions of the owner's manuals for the Elite and Essence lines (Sonicare models that use e-series brush heads) recommended changing brush heads every six months. So, for whatever reason, Philips Sonicare designers seem to be working in the wrong direction in regards to this matter.

Our evaluation of web-based retailers suggested to us that a-series, e-series and HydroClean brush heads are slightly more expensive than ProResults heads.