Comparison Oral-B iO Series 10 vs Oral-B iO Series 7

The number of operating modes provided in the device. For flossing systems (see "Type"), this paragraph takes into account the characteristics of the irrigator; data on the toothbrush (if they differ) are indicated in the note.

The mode in this case means the general format of operation, as explained in more detail in the "Modes" section below. It's important not to confuse this parameter with the number of power settings, which are discussed separately in the "Power modes" section. These characteristics are generally distinct from each other. For instance, a toothbrush with one operating mode may have multiple power settings, and conversely, there can be just one power level with several operating formats.

Anyway, the presence of several modes significantly expands the functionality of the brush/irrigator, allowing the device to be used for different procedures (or for several users with different needs in terms of oral hygiene). The flip side of this versatility is the increased cost. In addition, note that with the same number of modes, a specific set of these modes in different models may be different; so before buying, be sure to clarify how the capabilities of the selected model meet your requirements.

Modes of operation supported by the device.

Toothbrushes nowadays offer a wide range of modes beyond the traditional daily cleaning (often referred to as "2D" mode). You can find toothbrushes with options like the advanced 3D mode, as well as programs for gentle and deep cleaning, polishing, whitening, gum massage and tongue cleaning. On the other hand, irrigators typically offer different modes in addition to the standard continuous water jet. These additional modes often include pulsation and spray options.

Here is a detailed description of the most popular options found in brushes:

— Daily cleaning (2D). The "2D" mode of operation in toothbrushes closely resembles the traditional manual toothbrush experience. In this mode, the bristles of the brush move in a single plane, and the exact movement pattern may vary depending on the cleaning technology used. The intensity of brushing is typically medium to high, making it suitable for individuals with relatively healthy and not overly sensitive teeth. The recommended daily brushing time is 2 minutes, with 30 seconds allocated to each quadrant of the mouth. These corresponding settings are usually available in the timer function, if the toothbrush is equipped...with one. While "2D" brushing is somewhat less effective than "3D" (as mentioned below), it's a feature that can even be found in more affordable toothbrush models.

— Daily cleaning (3D). This feature, available in brushes with reciprocating-rotating and reciprocating-sweeping technology, involves bristle pulsation in addition to the standard cleaning motion. The pulsating movement, which goes deep into the brush head and back, enables cleaning in three dimensions simultaneously. This greatly enhances efficiency compared to the 2D cleaning mentioned earlier. These bristles not only address the outer tooth surfaces but also reach the sides and interdental spaces to some extent (though it's not a complete replacement for dental floss). However, it's worth noting that this advanced functionality typically comes at a higher cost.

— Gentle cleaning. The gentle treatment program, typically used for sensitive teeth and gums prone to bleeding, is common in brushes with reciprocating-rotating and reciprocating-brushing technologies. In these brushes, the gentle mode often involves reducing the nozzle's rotation or vibration speed. In sonic and ultrasonic models, gentler treatment is achieved by reducing vibration intensity. Regardless of the technology, this mode aims to minimize discomfort during brushing and the risk of gum damage, even when using standard nozzles. For the gentlest effect, it's advisable to use this function with a nozzle designed for sensitive teeth.

— Deep cleaning. Most often, this name means cleaning with a standard intensity, but 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 effectively clean your teeth and remove dirt, for which normal daily brushing is not enough.

— Polishing. A mode for treating relatively clean teeth that do not require a full-length cleaning. Usually, polishing is carried out at a reduced frequency of vibrations (rotations) and takes noticeably less time than conventional processing (for example, 1 minute instead of the traditional 2 minutes).

— Whitening. A special mode for whitening tooth enamel and removing stains, especially from the front teeth, is often an extended version of the regular brushing mode. For example, in a whitening mode, the brush might operate normally for 2 minutes and then switch to increased intensity for 30 seconds. Specific details about this mode, including any contraindications (especially for individuals with sensitive teeth or gum issues), should be checked separately.

— Massage gums. Gum treatment can be offered either as a separate program or as an add-on to the regular brushing routine. In the latter case, it typically involves a standard 2-minute toothbrushing program followed by activating an additional mode. This function not only ensures effective cleaning but also contributes to gum strengthening. It can be beneficial for addressing issues like inflammation and bleeding gums, although consulting a dentist is advisable in such cases.

— Cleaning the tongue. A separate mode for tongue cleaning is available in many electric toothbrushes. Brushing the tongue with an electric toothbrush can often cause discomfort due to tickling, so this mode typically offers a brief cleaning session lasting about 20 seconds. If needed, you can perform multiple sessions. It's important to note that the presence of a tongue cleaning mode doesn't necessarily mean that a specialized nozzle for tongue cleaning is included in the kit (as discussed in the "Nozzles" section), although it's commonly included.

It should be noted that in some toothbrushes, the mode change is carried out due to “smart” nozzles: when such a nozzle is installed, the device recognizes it by the built-in chip and automatically switches to the appropriate programme.

In turn, in irrigators, the features of the main modes are as follows:

— Jet (monoflow). The classic, most popular working format: a constant jet with a constant pressure. Provides sufficient efficiency for most tasks for which irrigators are used, while being extremely simple 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. In this mode, a mixture of water and air is fed through the nozzle, due to which, instead of the usual jet, a cloud of small droplets flying at high speed is obtained at the exit. This mode is great for massaging the gums and general cleaning of the mouth.

Additional items supplied with the device (in addition to the base and attachment set).

The most popular types of such items nowadays are charging stand, accessory stand, UV sanitizer and case ; Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Charging stand. A battery charging device designed as a stand serves the dual purpose of recharging the battery and offering added convenience for storing the device. It's worth noting that this function can apply to dental centers, even if they primarily operate on mains power (as indicated in the "Type of power" section). In such cases, the toothbrush included with the dental center typically runs on batteries, and the charging stand is typically integrated directly into the main unit of the dental center for ease of use.

— Stand for accessories. A device designed to hold various accessories, primarily interchangeable nozzles, can come in different designs. For example, in toothbrushes and portable irrigators, this device is often integrated into a charging stand, which includes both a charging socket and open compartments for accessories. In irrigators and fixed-layout dental centers, these compartments are usually built into the main unit or the lid of the water tank. In this case, the compartments are typically covered with lids for hygiene reasons, making it...a more hygienic option. Regardless of the design, having a dedicated stand for accessories enhances the convenience of storing them.

— UV sanitizer. A device that uses ultraviolet (UV) radiation for disinfecting the device, particularly replaceable nozzles, is typically designed as a distinctive container. In some models, this container also serves as a cover or case. The disinfection process effectively eliminates the majority of pathogenic bacteria and viruses, all without the need for additional chemicals and ensuring safety as the radiation remains confined within the container. However, it's important to note that UV disinfection is not effective against regular dirt and debris, so having this function doesn't eliminate the need to clean the nozzle through washing.

— Case / cover. The device comes with a storage and carrying container, which can be either a hard case or a soft cover. Hard cases offer better protection, while soft covers are more compact and can be rolled up when not in use. Regardless, both of these accessories are highly convenient for storage and transportation. They safeguard the contents from dirt and damage, and in many cases, provide space to store additional accessories, reducing the risk of losing them. While you could use makeshift packaging for the same purpose, the provided container is typically more practical.

This refers to the maximum duration a device can run continuously when powered by a fully charged battery or fresh batteries. It's worth noting that this metric may also apply to models designed for mains power, such as flossing systems that include rechargeable toothbrushes, in which case we're referring to the battery life of these toothbrushes.

It's important to note that device specifications typically indicate the maximum runtime under ideal conditions, often in the most energy-efficient mode of operation (and for models with replaceable batteries, using high-quality batteries). The actual battery life can vary depending on specific usage conditions. However, this parameter still serves as a valuable basis for comparing different models. Generally, differences in the claimed operating time correspond proportionally to the real differences in battery life. For example, if one toothbrush has a stated operating time of 20 minutes and another boasts 40 minutes, in practice, their battery life (under similar conditions) will likely differ by approximately two times.

It's important to consider that, for toothbrushes, this parameter can help estimate the number of brushing sessions you can expect on a single charge. Typically, the recommended daily brushing duration is 2 minutes. So, if a toothbrush has an operating time of 30 minutes, it's sufficient for approximately 15 cleaning sessions (or more realistically, around 14 or 13).