Comparison Oral-B Smart 4 4500 vs Oral-B iO Series 4

The number of working nozzles that are standardly supplied with the device. Nowadays, options are quite common with both one and two or three nozzles in the kit; and in the most extensive sets, this number can be four or five or even more.

In many sets, several nozzles may have different purposes. For instance, an irrigator, in addition to its standard nozzle, might include orthodontic and periodontal nozzles. However, it's important to note that models with the same number of accessories in the kit can have different specific specializations. So, when making a choice, it's wise to consider not just the quantity but also the types of nozzles available. Additionally, there's an option where several identical interchangeable heads come with one handle. This configuration is particularly common in toothbrushes. It enables multiple individuals, such as family members, to use a single device, and such a set is usually more cost-effective than purchasing individual toothbrushes for each person.

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.

The frequency of working movements of a toothbrush with a reciprocating-rotating or reciprocating-brushing brushing technology (see above). In modern models, this figure can be from 4 – 5 to 40K movements per minute.

The higher the speed of the toorhbrush, the faster and more efficiently it handles with its task. On the other hand, high speed and intensity of processing is not always desirable — for example, with sensitive teeth or weak gums, such a brush can create problems. Therefore, you need to choose a device according to the frequency of rotation, taking into account the characteristics of your teeth; Ideally, you should consult with your dentist first. However, modern toothbrushes may have several modes, including gentle (see "Functions").

This parameter represents the highest pulsation frequency achievable by the device. It's specified for brushes that support pulsating cleaning technology (as explained above), as well as for irrigators equipped with a jet pulsation mode. In the case of flossing systems (as mentioned in the "Type" section), this section typically provides information about the irrigator's pulsation frequency, and details about the toothbrush's pulsation frequency (if applicable) are mentioned separately in a note to this paragraph.

The high frequency of pulsation (40 000/min and more) in toothbrushes provides high efficiency, allowing you to quickly and efficiently deal with dense plaque and even tartar. On the other hand, too intensive processing is also undesirable — for example, with high sensitivity of the teeth. All this is also true for irrigators — except that the operating frequencies in them are noticeably lower, such devices rarely produce more than 2K pulsations per minute.

In view of all this, it does not always make sense to chase the maximum frequency of pulsations — it is worth considering the individual characteristics of the user. And ideally, before choosing a brush or irrigator with pulsation, you should consult a dentist; this will not hurt even with healthy teeth, and even with problems with teeth or gums, it is highly recommended.

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).

The time required to charge the battery from zero to 100% in a device with the appropriate power type (see above). This parameter can vary from 1 – 3 hours in relatively simple and low-power devices to a day in advanced models with capacious batteries. At the same time, the longer the maximum operating time on a charge (see above), the longer, usually, the time required for charging, although there is no hard dependence here.

In general, having fast charging capabilities improves the convenience of a device by reducing interruptions in its operation. However, there is a trade-off to consider: fast charging often means either a smaller battery capacity or a higher price due to the use of specialized technologies to speed up the charging process. When evaluating this parameter, it's essential to think about how you intend to use the device. For instance, if a toothbrush or irrigator is solely used at home by one person and comes with a charging stand, fast charging may not be a critical factor. The device remains consistently charged as it's constantly on the charger, and its battery doesn't deplete significantly during one use. The time between sessions, usually around 8 to 12 hours, is more than enough to maintain a charged battery, even for devices with slower charging. However, if you plan to use the device while traveling, where access to power outlets is sporadic, it's preferable to have minima...l charging time to ensure you can recharge quickly during your trips.