This complete report on Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads will give you information about the various types of brush heads, what each of them has in special, the pros and cons of different kinds of brush heads, and how to select the right Sonicare replacement brush head for your needs.
You’ll also discover
- where to buy these Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads,
- how to pick the specific kind that best suits your requirements, and
- how the brush head really works to keep your dental hygiene good, your teeth white, and your breath fresh.
(In another report, you’ll learn about Oral B toothbrush replacement heads.)
Before diving deeper into the topic of Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads, it is appropriate to state that almost all Sonicare electric toothbrush models are cross-compatible with the diverse range of brush heads.
So it is possible to get a certain model of Sonicare electric toothbrush, and then use different kinds of replacement brush heads based on your specific and changing needs.
Which Are The Best Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads?
The top selling models in Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement head reviews are almost always the same select products:
#1: Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head
#2: Sonicare DiamondClean brush head
#3: Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control brush head
#4: Sonicare G2 Optimal Gum Health brush head
Each of the types of Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads varies in certain features and their mechanism of cleaning action. This is because they are modified to perform tasks better than any other model, or are tailored to match the needs of users with special conditions or constraints.
That’s why it is hard to recommend any one model as the best Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement head.
So this report will attempt to guide you to selecting the right Sonicare brush head by presenting the most relevant aspects of each type.
- Quickly glance through the general features of replacement brush heads.
- Then focus closely on the model or type of Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads that seem right to you.
- Examine the pros and cons of the shortlisted brush heads before choosing your ideal model.
If you cannot find the answers to questions you’re facing, or would like further information about a specific brush head that is not covered in this review, please leave a comment below.
But…
Why Trust Our Recommendations?
At Best Electric Toothbrush Reviews Guides, none of us are dentists or dental health pros. We are just concerned consumers who know how difficult it is to study and analyze the many variables that go into deciding upon an electric toothbrush.
Our electric toothbrush reviews and suggestions about Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads are based on extensive study of listings and reviews. Based on this information, we list and rank the best performing models for your convenience.
No brand or manufacturer has any influence upon our reviews and suggestions. We do earn an affiliate revenue from qualifying purchases from this website (at no added cost to you!). But that will never be the reason why we present one or the other model as a better choice. And we’ll never insist that you buy what isn’t right for you.
So let’s get on with our study of the various Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads.
Top Rated Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads
If any one model of Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads can be listed as the best or hottest sellers, then it’s the Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head. This replacement head is perfect for just about every user. It is an excellent general cleaning and dental hygiene solution that suits multiple needs.
Another popular model is the Philips Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control brush head that is meant to work with Sonicare electric toothbrush models that feature the BrushSync technology.
However, even though these are the best selling Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads by sales figures, this doesn’t mean you’ll be best served by them.
So go through the detailed analysis of various brush heads. Maybe one of them has features that will suit your unique situation better.
Sensitive Teeth : Which Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads Are Good?
People with sensitive teeth and gums have a problem with electric toothbrushes. Maybe you’ve had previous dental surgery or wear braces. Or you might have gum infections (gingivitis).
In such cases, the powerful movements of an electric toothbrush are painful or uncomfortable.
The Sonicare Sensitive brush head is designed for those with sensitive gums and teeth.
Bristles are softer and trimmed uniformly so that they won’t rub against delicate and sensitive gums. The experience of using these Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads is gentle and painless.
And still, it does a great job of removing food particles and debris, getting rid of plaque or stains, and whitening teeth.
Sensitive Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads are compatible with most handles. If your toothbrush includes BrushSync technology, you may prefer to get the Philips Sonicare G2 Optimal Gum Health brush head instead because it has an embedded RFID chip.
Which specific model of replacement brush head you choose isn’t as important if the toothbrush itself offers multiple cleaning modes.
Any of the Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads can be run on Sensitive cleaning mode to be gentler and more comfortable for users with sensitive teeth and gums.
If even these brush heads cause discomfort, it may be best to consult a dentist about the problem. Don’t ignore pain or discomfort because the damage may become worse over time.
Braces : What’s The Best Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Head?
If you wear braces or bands, the process of brushing your teeth is a bit more complicated than without them.
On one hand, you don’t want your teeth to get stained and look dirty. On the other hand, you don’t want to waste a lot of time and effort brushing around the appliances.
Food and grime easily gather in the crevices between teeth and braces. Over time, they lead to cavity formation, teeth staining and bad breath.
Some electric toothbrushes are designed specially for people wearing braces. But with the right brush head, you can avoid the need for them. The popular Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head is one such model.
Not only does it simplify the task of brushing while you wear braces, you’ll also find it a cost effective and robust solution. The brush heads are excellent at removing dental plaque and getting rid of food particles stuck in your braces after meals.
Teeth Whitening : How To Choose A Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Head?
One of the reasons you move to an electric toothbrush is to enjoy better oral hygiene and whiter teeth. Most users dream of a sparkling smile and fresh breath. And with the right Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads this can happen easily.
The best and most effective brush head when it comes to whiter teeth is the DiamondClean brush head model. Even though slightly more expensive than others, it is possible to find good deals on price – especially if you pick up larger multi-head packs.
The Sonicare DiamondClean brush head comes in two sizes – Compact and Standard. The diamond shaped bristle arrangement is designed for excellent cleaning. It is also good at removing stains from teeth and leaving them shining and white.
Once again, the Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head is also a great choice for whitening teeth and removing stains. When you attach it to one of the premium Sonicare electric toothbrushes and run it in ‘Whitening‘ mode, you’ll be surprised at the result.
Brush heads with BrushSync technology embed an RFID chip in the head to notify you about the time for replacement automatically.
Which Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Head Should You Get?
The right Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement head depends on your individual needs and circumstances. All brush heads share some features in common.
Sonicare brush heads clean through a sweeping movement at high speeds of 31,000 strokes per minute. This creates a sonic cleaning effect.
All Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads are good at removing dental plaque and improving dental hygiene and health. They help prevent cavities and keep your teeth sparkling white with good breath.
Types of Replacement Brush Heads
- DiamondClean – These brush heads have bristles arranged in diamond shape for better cleaning and gum massage. They are excellent at whitening teeth also.
- C2 Optimal Plaque Control – These brush heads are seven times more effective at removing dental plaque than a manual brush. They are uniquely designed to reach into all crevices including behind last molar teeth.
- Philips Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control – These heads are great at deep cleaning among all Sonicare heads. They claim at least 4 times greater surface area reached than any other model of replacement brush head.
- G3 Optimal Gum Health – This brush head protects gums. It cushions against the accidental application of too much pressure. It also chooses the right cleaning mode to prevent gum damage.
- ProResults – These Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads deliver very good all-round cleaning results. They also remove dental plaque effectively.
- Sensitive – These brush heads are gentler and deliver a softer, painless experience. They are especially helpful for users with sensitive teeth and gums.
- W2 Optimal White – This Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement head removes stains from teeth more aggressively.
No matter what brush head you choose, the effectiveness at cleaning will depend upon the brushing mode, the duration of cleaning, and how regularly you brush.
Dentists often recommend twice daily brushing, for at least 2 minutes per session.
Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads : All You Need To Know
When you first start to research Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads, you might easily get confused. There are so many different styles and designs.
And you can purchase these heads in packs of one or many pieces.
One thing less to worry about is whether or not a particular brush head will fit the electric toothbrush handle you own. Thankfully the manufacturer has made almost all replacement brush heads cross-compatible.
So you’ll be able to use a head with several different brush handles.
Here are some of the Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads:
Optimal range:
- C2 Optimal Plaque Control
- W2 Optimal White
- G2 Optimal Gum Care
Premium range:
- C3 Premium Plaque Control
- W3 Premium White
- G3 Optimal Gum Health
Sonicare for Kids brush heads
Specific models:
- DiamondClean
- Sensitive
- AdaptiveClean
- Air Floss and Air Floss Pro
All types are available in Standard and Compact sizes.
Standard brush heads resemble a manual toothbrush and can span larger areas in a single sweep. Compact brush heads are small, for users with smaller mouths. It is easier to manipulate and reach into crevices.
Number of Heads in a Pack
Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads come in packages with varying numbers of heads.
Small packs have 2 brush heads. Larger ones with 4, 6 or even 8 brush heads often cost less on a per-head basis.
4-pack packages are most popular among buyers, since they’ll typically last for an entire year. However not all models come in packs of all sizes.
Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads : Brush Sync Technology
BrushSync is an innovation that sets Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads apart.
By implanting an RFID chip into the brush head and synchronizing it with the wireless connectivity module available in most premium Sonicare electric toothbrushes, this feature lets you know whenever it’s time to replace a worn out head.
It also helps you match the brush head to the appropriate brushing mode to deliver greatest cleaning value.
After the brush head has been used for the pre-determined duration, an LED on the brush handle glows to indicate that it’s time for a change.
Usually a new Sonicare toothbrush replacement head lasts for 3 months of regular use. Depending upon how heavily you use the toothbrush, BrushSync will remind you at the ideal time to change.
If you forget to change a worn out head, the cleaning efficacy is reduced. You might also injure your gums due to splaying of bristles.
BrushSync is smart technology that also notifies you whenever you press down too hard. This helps avoid accidental damage to teeth and gums.
Not all brush heads are equipped with the RFID sensor for BrushSync. Also, these brush heads are slightly more expensive than other models.
Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads : Completely Interchangeable
All Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads can be interchanged freely across different toothbrush models. While a certain model may ship with a particular brush head, it doesn’t mean you’re stuck with using only that head.
You can simply snap off the old head and replace it with another of your choice.
Mixing and matching helps you tailor the brushing experience to your needs. The same brush heads can work with a Sonicare DiamondClean or ProtectiveClean or Essence toothbrush.
This means an entire family can use the same brush handle by merely replacing it with a new head. It is however best if you only use authorized Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads for the best results and longevity.
Cleaning Modes and Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads
The diverse types of Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads span the range of brushing modes that the manufacturer offers in its toothbrushes. You have the freedom to choose the right kind of brush head for your needs.
All the heads run in a basic ‘Clean‘ mode in addition to others. These options vary by model, and cover the following cleaning modes:
- White and White+
- Deep Clean and Deep Clean+
- Gum Health and Gum Care
- Sensitive
- Polish and Massage
- Refresh
- Tongue Care
Before you decide on the perfect Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement head to order, make sure that it offers the cleaning mode you’re looking for.
A word of advice: Don’t look to model numbers on Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads for guidance. The numbering system used by Philips is non-intuitive and offers little guidance about the functions of each brush head.
The part number includes 4 to 6 numbers after the letters ‘HX’ but there’s little logical guidance as to what kind of cleaning mode each allows.
Where To Order Philips Sonicare Toothbrush Replacement Heads?
You’ll find replacement toothbrush heads for Sonicare electric toothbrushes at popular retail outlets like Target, Walmart and Walgreens. Most of them have online catalogs you can browse to check on specifications.
But although you may be lucky to stumble upon an occasional special offer or coupon deal, the chances are greater that your neighborhood outlet is out of stock!
That’s why shopping for Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads online makes sense. At an e-commerce portal like Amazon.com you can find all varieties of brush heads to choose from. You’ll have orders shipped right to your doorstep, quickly and conveniently, at no extra cost.
The icing on this cake is that you’ll find regular special offers and package deals that help you save quite a lot of money by ordering online.
When Should You Replace A Brush Head?
Even if your Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads appear normal, they have gone through wear and tear depending upon your use.
Heavier use makes the bristles wear out sooner. Even with typical dentist-recommended 2 minute cleaning, brush heads need to be replaced every 3 months.
If not replaced promptly, you’ll lose cleaning efficiency. What’s more, distorted bristles might damage sensitive gums and cause injuries.
Bristles that are initially closely packed and stiff grow limp and spread apart as they age. This interferes with cleaning effectiveness.
When the blue color of ‘indicator bristles’ fades to white, you can tell it is time for a replacement.
With BrushSync functionality, the RFID sensors track usage and warn you when it is time for a change.
A quick glance at the Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads will confirm this suggestion. If the bristles are packed closely, appear uniform, and all point in the same direction, you’re good to go. But if they are splayed apart, broken or distorted, then change the brush head.
How To Replace Sonicare Brush Heads?
Replacing a worn out Sonicare electric toothbrush head is simple and convenient.
With a little force, pull off the old head from the brush handle. The head will come away with a soft click. A metal prong becomes visible, which links the motor to the brush head.
Now slide the prong into the hole along the axis of the new brush head. Push it firmly into place until you feel it snap with a click. You’ve attached the new brush head and you’re ready to start using it.
There may be a small gap between the brush head and handle even after it is securely attached. So don’t worry about it.
Top selling Philips Sonicare toothbrush replacement heads
#1: Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head
#2: Sonicare DiamondClean brush head
#3: Sonicare C3 Premium Plaque Control brush head
#4: Sonicare G2 Optimal Gum Health brush head