The best Sonicare brush heads – Sonicare’s replacement heads compared according to design, intended purpose, brushing effectiveness, interchangeability, size.

Sonicare replacement brush heads.

If you own a Sonicare that uses click-on brush heads, you’ve made a good choice.

That’s because even though your toothbrush came with a specific type(s) originally, when it’s time to buy replacements, you can choose from any of the other click-ons we show on this page. And that’s a big assortment.

How do you choose a replacement head?

There are a number of factors that you should consider. They include: brush design and purpose, size, brushing effectiveness, convenience of use, interchangeability, replacement intervals and cost. We discuss all of these issues on this page. We also explain what Sonicare BrushSync brush heads are.

What brush head choices (styles/designs/sizes) does Sonicare offer?

We periodically visit the Sonicare (USA) website to see what brush heads they currently have listed. Right now, this is the group of replacement heads they show.

The Sonicare brush head lineup.

• C3 Premium Plaque Control
• W3 Premium White
• G3 Premium Gum Care
• AdaptiveClean
• C2 Optimal Plaque Control
• G2 Optimal Gum Care
• W DiamondClean
• i InterCare
• InterCare
• C1 SimplyClean
• C1 ProResults
• SimplyClean
• S Sensitive
• For Kids
• TongueCare+
• E-Series

Save one, all of these brush heads are Click-On style.

With the exception of the E-Series, all of the other brush heads we discuss on this page feature Sonicare’s newer Click-On (snap-on) design. It’s this style that can be used universally with all of Sonicare’s toothbrush lines, with the exception of the PowerUp Battery and Essence.

Preface to the remainder of this page.

For the most part, our information below is self-explanatory. It’s all been taken directly from the Sonicare (USA) website. It’s just been formatted into a single page so it’s easier for you to make comparisons between each kind of head.

Sonicare brush head “Ratings.”

We think it’s important to make mention of the “Sonicare Rating” information we show. These details are a list of in-house traits (“10X more,” “100% more,” etc…) that Sonicare selectively uses as selling points for their brush head designs.

As you read through this information, you may notice that we were unable to find the exact same set of traits reported for all heads. And that the precise wording used by Sonicare in association with some, sometimes varied.

Despite these (substantial) deficiencies, we still chose to show these ratings because we know of no other similar source for this kind of information. And as such, we consider it the only available proxy (no matter how incomplete or inconsistent) for making comparisons between individual Sonicare brush heads.

Beyond that specific application, however, we think it’s important to state that we’d be very hesitant to endorse the use of this (concocted) rating system at all.

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Our affiliate links can be used to shop  Sonicare replacement brush heads  on  Amazon.com  or  Walmart.com

Tip:  Keep in mind that if your toothbrush model uses click-on heads (all but Essence and PowerUp do) you’re not restricted to just using the kind your brush came with. You can choose from any of the click-on designs.

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The Sonicare brush head lineup.

Notes and impressions –

It seems safe enough to say that Sonicare considers this first group of heads we discuss to be their most effective brushers (10X plaque removal, and surface contact ratings reported).

They are also BrushSync brush heads. (Required by some toothbrush models for full functionality. See our Sonicare Lineup page for details about which toothbrush lines offer which BrushSync features.)

C3 Premium Plaque Control | W3 Premium White | G3 Premium Gum Care.

►  C3 Premium Plaque Control –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 10X | Surface contact = 4X
• Bristle stiffness = Medium Soft
• Standard size only.
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

Comments.

Sonicare uses the phrase “our deepest cleaning brush head” on their website for the C3. We’ll take that as meaning they feel it has their most effective brush head design for removing dental plaque.

►  W3 Premium White –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 10X | Surface contact = 4X | Stain removal = 100% whiter in 3 days.
• Bristle stiffness = Medium soft. Side bristles are embedded in soft plastic to give them greater flexibility.
• Standard size only.
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

Comments.

From its name, one would assume that Sonicare considers this to be their best brush head for removing surface staining from teeth. We don’t have much to say about that claim.

We will point out that in regard to stain prevention, any of their “10X” plaque removers should be an equivalent choice. That’s because preventing tooth staining (in terms of something that toothbrushing can remedy) has to do with completely removing plaque and debris from tooth surfaces before it has had a chance to calcify and subsequently pick up discoloration.

Bristle design.

We couldn’t help but notice how similar the bristle arrangement of the C3 and W3 heads are (see picture above). And with an essentially identical design, one would have to assume that any extra benefit that the W3 can provide would primarily be due to differences in bristle stiffness.

We do notice that Sonicare uses the term “polishing bristles” when describing the W3. But whatever difference that specifically entails, they describe both brush heads as being “medium soft.”

►  G3 Premium Gum Care –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 10X | Surface contact = 2X | “7x healthier gums” in 2 weeks.
• Bristle stiffness = Soft
• Standard size only. (But this head is comparatively smaller than the C3 and G3.)
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

Sonicare suggests that this brush head provides “superior plaque removal at the gum line.” And they state that the soft sides of this head (the portion that holds the bristles, see picture above) are able to flex, thus allowing them to “adapt to the contours” of the person’s gumline.

This “flexing sides” design is also mentioned in regard to the C3 and W3 heads. Although in our picture above, you can see how the design of the W3 is slightly different, which may allow it to provide more of an effect.

Notes and impressions –

This next brush head is similar to the C3, W3 and G3 in the sense that Sonicare categorizes it as a “10X” head (in regard to plaque removal). But note, this is not a BrushSync-capable head.

►  AdaptiveClean –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 10X | Surface contact = 4X |
  “Improves gum health” in 2 weeks

• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

In terms of bristle appearance, this head seems essentially identical to the C3 Premium Plaque Control head shown above. And Sonicare tends to describe it in a very similar fashion (flexing sides, similar rating values, etc…).

Notes and impressions –

The next heads we discuss (C2 Optimal Plaque Control, G2 Optimal Gum Care, W DiamondClean and i InterCare) are all BrushSync capable.

But different than those above, Sonicare evidently considers these heads to have a less effective design. (They are designated as “7X” brush heads in regard to plaque removal.) Some of these are “top” designs from previous years.

G2 Optimal Gum Care | C2 Optimal Plaque Control

►  C2 Optimal Plaque Control –

(Formerly the ProResults plaque control.)

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 7X
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $8.30

►  G2 Optimal Gum Care –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 7X | “Helps to improve” gum health.
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $8.30

W Diamond Clean | i InterCare

►  W DiamondClean –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 7X | Stain removal = 100% whiter in 7 days.
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $6.75

►  i InterCare –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 7X | “Improves gum health” in 2 weeks.
• Bristle stiffness = Regular (This head is designed with extra-long bristles intended to aid with removing plaque from in between teeth.)
• Standard size only.
• BrushSync capable.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

Notes and impressions –

The remainder of the brush heads described on this page are not BrushSync capable. Generally, they are either specialty or else older (less efficient) Sonicare designs.

►  InterCare –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 6X | “Improves gum health” in 2 weeks.
• Bristle stiffness = Regular (This head is designed with extra-long bristles intended to aid with removing plaque from in between teeth.)
• Standard size only.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

►  C1 SimplyClean –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 3X
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $7.00

DiamondClean and original ProResults brush heads.

►  C1 ProResults –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 3X
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $8.10

►  SimplyClean –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 2X
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard size only.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $8.30

►  S Sensitive –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = “Helps to remove plaque.” No number is reported like with other brush heads.
• Bristle stiffness = Ultra-soft
• Standard size only.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $8.20

This seems to be Sonicare’s head specially designed for those whose gums and teeth are ultrasensitive and therefore require a soft-bristled brush head.

We will point out that it would be expected that a head that has ultra-soft bristles would be a less efficient plaque-remover than those that feature Sonicare’s “Regular” or “Medium Soft” ones.

This point is possibly evidenced by the fact that Sonicare does not state a “plaque removal” rating for this brush head like it does its other ones.

►  For Kids –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = 2X
• Bristle stiffness = Soft
• Standard and Compact sizes.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $10.00

The For Kids heads are intended for use with the For Kids toothbrush handle. The heads (both sizes) are smaller and have softer bristles than Sonicare’s heads intended for use by adults.

►  TongueCare+ –

• Bristle design = 240 latex-free rubber MicroBristles.
• Standard size only.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $5.00

FYI: The use of this head is just one way of cleaning your tongue. Here’s our page that covers manual tongue brushing and scraping.

►  E-Series –

• Sonicare rating for: Plaque removal = Currently no number is reported on the Sonicare website like with other brush heads. Historically this was reported as a 2X brush head.
• Bristle stiffness = Regular
• Standard and Compact sizes.
• Replacement interval = 3 months.
• Estimated cost per brush head = $6.50

Note: Unlike every other brush head described on this page, the E-Series has a screw-on design (not click-on). It can only be used with a very limited number of Sonicare models (Essence or other old-style Sonicare toothbrush models.)

About the prices we show in the information above.

It’s been our experience that we’ve found the MSRP information reported on the Sonicare (USA) website incomplete (some brush head models do not have an MSRP stated). As a workaround for this shortcoming, we’ve chosen to list actual prices we’ve found on online retailer websites.

Since we assume that most people will buy in quantity, we’ve looked for offerings where the head comes packaged in multiples (usually 3 but in some cases 2 to 5). And then based on that product’s price, we’ve calculated the per-brush-head cost we show above.

FYI: It would have been our assumption that as you descend on down our page that each brush head listed would tend to be lower in cost. As it turns out, we absolutely didn’t always find this to be the case, so pay attention when you compare or shop. You may find that older, less-efficient brush heads may not be any less expensive than one of Sonicare’s current models.

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Our affiliate links can be used to shop  Sonicare replacement brush heads  on  Amazon.com  or  Walmart.com

Tip:  Keep in mind that if your toothbrush model uses click-on heads (all but Essence and PowerUp do) you’re not restricted to just using the kind your brush came with. You can choose from any of the click-on designs.

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Brush head features and issues to consider.

Which Sonicare brush heads are the most effective?

Sonicare has a couple of different “rating” systems that they cite when touting the effectiveness of their various brush heads. Three of these “statistics” that we’ve taken from their website (USA version) and included in the information above are their claims about plaque removal, tooth surface contact, and gum health.

a) Which Sonicare brush heads are best at removing plaque?

Here’s how Sonicare ranks the comparative effectiveness of their heads in regard to “plaque removal as compared to a manual toothbrush.”

• “10x more” – C3 Premium Plaque Control, W3 Premium White, G3 Premium Gum Care, Adaptive Clean
• “7x more” – C2 Optimal Plaque Control, G2 Optimal Gum Care, W DiamondClean, i InterCare
• “6x more” – InterCare
• “3x more” – C1 SimplyClean, C1 ProResults,
• “2x more” – SimplyClean, For Kids, E-Series.

Using the ratings – Observations and comments.

a) Sonicare brush heads vs. a manual toothbrush.

We want to point out that a person can be very effective in removing dental plaque from their teeth just using a plain-old manual toothbrush. And in fact, suggesting that using an electric brush is substantially more beneficial than a manual one is generally the more difficult case to make. (Note: With either method, flossing is still needed to complete the job.)

When cited on its website’s pages (USA), Sonicare doesn’t link to the study parameters, data or statistical analysis on which their rating system is based, so we don’t have that information to look at and understand.

But we would suggest that whatever first goes through your mind when you see the words “10x more” probably isn’t what was actually measured by their study and rating system. So we wouldn’t be overly swayed by the statement.

b) Sonicare brush head vs. Sonicare brush head.

We would expect that the rankings above probably do fairly accurately reflect the comparative effectiveness/efficiency of Sonicare’s brush heads.

So when trying to pick out a head that is best for removing plaque, choosing a 10X head probably does make a better choice than a 2X one. (We tend to think of it as the 10X head probably does a better job when identical amounts of time and effort are expended.)

But beyond that, we’ll simply state that their 10X heads are a relatively new design, and there are literally decades of published scientific studies that have documented that using previous generations of Sonicare models are good plaque removers.

So, apparently you can be effective with either. And as stated above, we would think that whatever goes through your mind when you see the term “10X more” probably isn’t exactly what was actually measured by their study and rating system, so don’t be overly swayed by it.

b) Brush head surface contact.

This rating that Sonicare bestows on some of their brush head designs is an indication of the level of tooth-to-bristle contact that takes place during use. A higher value would generally be associated with heads that are more effective plaque removers.

The basis of comparison used is “X” times “more surface contact than a DiamondClean brush head.”

c) Gum-health rating.

This rating system has the qualifiers: “X” times “healthier gums” in “X” weeks, with the toothbrush set in Gum Care Mode vs. a manual toothbrush as measured by GBI (Gingival Bleeding Index, which is a measure of gum tissue bleeding when probed).

We have no comment to make here other than to say that we’re not unduly impressed by this “statistic.”

Which Sonicare models can be used with which brush heads?

a) Click-on style –

b) Screw-on style –

How long do Sonicare brush heads last?

Suggested replacement intervals.

Sonicare’s standard recommendation is that brush heads (all styles) should be replaced every 3 months.

Blue indicator bristles.

Sonicare incorporates blue “reminder” bristles into their heads. Their color gradually fades to white with use.

We will point out that Sonicare has used the word “reminder” when naming these bristles, meaning they’re not necessarily a precise indication. We’ve read online user comments that suggest that the color change sometimes signals replacement before a full 3 months has elapsed.

BrushSync brush head replacement indicator.

Toothbrush models that utilize BrushSync brush heads can track brushing session pressure and duration. Using that information, the brush then calculates and signals when brush head replacement is due.

An equally good test.

A perfectly reasonable evaluation of brush head integrity is to just compare it to a new one. For example: Do the bristles look frayed and worn? Does the bristle arrangement itself look misshapen or damaged? After using the head, do you notice a lack of effectiveness?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, then it’s time for a replacement.

Other things to know about brush head longevity.

Here are some additional points we’ve noticed when reading Sonicare user manuals.

• It’s recommended that brush heads that have bent or crushed bristles should not be used. Damaged bristles may break off while brushing.
• If the toothpaste you use contains peroxide, baking soda or other types of bicarbonate (these are ingredients frequently found in “whitening” toothpaste), be sure to rinse your brush off thoroughly after use.

  Residual amounts of these compounds can cause damage to plastic components, like brush heads or even your toothbrush’s handle.

Brushing efficiency- New vs. old brush heads.

There is no question that newer brush heads tend to clean more effectively than older ones. But of course, this would be true for any type of brush, manual or powered.

Research.

▲ Section references – Jenkins

BrushSync brush heads.

Sonicare’s newest toothbrush lines require the use of BrushSync brush heads (for full functionality). These heads contain a microchip whose presence can be detected by the toothbrush handle, which then gives it the ability to perform various added functions. Examples:

• Brushing mode paring – The toothbrush handle is able to identify the type of brush head that’s been installed. It then switches to the brushing mode that Sonicare feels is best to use with it (or else the mode you have programed the brush to switch to).
• Smart Sensor Technology – BrushSync heads make it possible for toothbrushes to monitor brushing pressure and brush head location (which makes mouth-map and touchup reporting possible). Other signaling includes scrubbing motion detection and brush head replacement.

Toothbrush models vary by way of which BrushSync capabilities they feature. Our Sonicare Lineup page makes note of these differences.

Things to know.

Since they have Sonicare’s standard click-on design, BrushSync heads can also be used with most all of Sonicare’s other toothbrush handles too, although doing so provides no extra advantage.

And for BrushSync enabled toothbrushes, the opposite is true too. Standard non-BrushSync heads can be used but, of course, no BrushSync features would be functional.

Standard vs. Compact brush head sizes.

For some people, the choice of using a smaller brush head size might be an option that they’d like to have. Unfortunately, Sonicare seems to have discontinued some of its previous “Compact” offerings (DiamondClean, ProResults).

• We’re under the impression that the For Kids is the only click-on head that currently offers a Compact option. (Note: Both the Standard and Compact versions of the For Kids are already smaller in size than Sonicare “adult” brush heads.)
• Sonicare states that the G3 Premium Gum Care head is smaller in size than its other “adult” heads.
• The screw-on E-Series head comes in both Compact and Standard “adult” sizes.

Which size should you use?

As you might expect, Compact heads are frequently favored by people who have a relatively small mouth or limited oral access (children, some adults).

Additionally, people who have special needs or circumstances, such as hard-to-reach locations or dental braces, frequently find using a smaller head helps.

Size vs. brushing efficiency.

You might anticipate that just using a Standard-sized head makes the best choice for most adults. They may, but research doesn’t necessarily seem to confirm this.

Research.

#1 –We ran across a Philips Sonicare “data on file” document (Putt) that included an evaluation of the brushing effectiveness of both DiamondClean heads, Compact and Standard.

As compared to the study’s reference brush, the Standard version showed a performance improvement of just 33%, whereas the Compact was documented at 45%. Yes, the Compact head was the more effective brusher.

#2 –We also found a published research study (Biesbrock) that included the evaluation of Sonicare e-Series brush heads in both Compact and Standard form.

▲ Section references – Biesbrock, Putt

You’ll need to consider all factors.

The discussion above is meant to simply point out that you owe it to yourself to experiment. Don’t just use a Standard-size head because you think you’re supposed to. If you struggle with the larger size, try a smaller head and determine which seems best to you.

We do need to point out that the studies above involved Standard and Compact versions of the same brush head model, an option that’s not available in today’s line up. And choosing the comparatively smaller G3 vs. the C3 or W3 heads can’t be considered a truly lateral alternative because of differences in bristle arrangement and stiffness. So you’ll need to pay attention to how these factors affect your brushing experience.

From reading consumer comments online, it’s our impression that people frequently prefer using a smaller brush head. However, these same posters also frequently mentioned that smaller heads tend to wear out more quickly than Standard ones, thus making them the more expensive option.

Click-on vs. screw-on brush heads.

Almost all current Sonicare models have a design where their brush head snaps into place over a rod on the toothbrush handle. This is in comparison to the older-style e-Series brush heads that have a large screw-on fitting (currently, only the Essence model uses this type of head).

a) Snap-on heads are more convenient.

If your situation is one where you’ll share your brush, the click-on design is convenient because it makes the process of switching heads easier and quicker.

b) Brushes that use click-on heads are easier to keep clean.

Due to their design, toothbrush models that use snap-on brush heads tend to be easier to keep clean than screw-on ones.

With the latter, gunk tends to accumulate underneath the head’s screw-on collar. Debris entry is via gasket joints where the stem of the brush passes through the head’s casing, and then also where the casing meets the brush’s body.

Especially in the case where the brush head is seldom removed, the amount of debris that can accumulate can be surprising. In online reviews on retailer websites, this is a very common mention.

There are some solutions for this problem:

• Placement of a silicone cover (e.g. Sonic Seal) over the brush head. It acts as a barrier to seepage.
• Removal of the brush head after each use and cleaning and drying both it and the toothbrush body (This is the most time-consuming option.)
• The application of silicone grease at each joint may help to prevent/minimize leakage.

[Philips and Sonicare are registered trademarks of Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.]

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Our affiliate links can be used to shop  Sonicare toothbrushes  on  Amazon.com  or  Walmart.com

Tip:  The higher-end Sonicare models are great toothbrushes, and more refined, but they’re pricey too. It’s our opinion that the mid-price models HealthyWhite+ and ProtectiveClean 6100 make a good middle-of-the-road, best-value purchase.

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