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When it comes down to the ultimate showdown, who will come out on top? On one corner we have Sonicare Airfloss and in the other corner, Waterpik Flosser. Both of these products are designed to make dental hygiene easier and more effective but which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at both their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision.
The dental water jet has been clinically proven to remove more plaque than manual tooth brushing, and has been shown to greatly improve gum health. It’s no wonder many people are switching to a power flosser. If you too are thinking of making the switch, you may find yourself comparing two of the best electric flosser models available today: Sonicare Airfloss and Waterpik Ultra. These two models dominate the electric flosser market and they are considered to be some of the most effective when it comes to fighting plaque and gum disease. But, which one is better?
This guide article explores these two leading brands, including their main differences as well as their strongest selling points, so you can decide for yourself which to go for.
Which One Is Better?
Waterpik Waterflosser Ultra And Waterpik Cordless Plus Combo Pack
Waterpik Ultra electric water flosser is a product of the oral health product manufacturer Waterpik. As the oldest brand, the company has had the longest history on the market. It is, in fact, responsible for introducing the first oral irrigator (in the 60s) – and that’s why the Waterpik become the name for oral irrigators/water flossers/ dental water jets.
Philips Sonicare Flosser
Sonicare Airfloss was developed quite recently by the oral health division of Phillips, a Dutch diversified technology company headquartered in Amsterdam. It came into existence in the year 2000, after Phillips acquired Optative Corporation; but it has since gained tremendous popularity that has seen it become one of the most respected dental care brands. Phillips Sonicare now boasts the best-selling electric toothbrush in the United States.
What Are Their Differences?
We have tested, evaluated and researched the two electric flossers to prepare this comprehensive review. By the time you finish reading in-depth comparison, you would have a good understanding of which model has an edge over the other.
But first, let’s have a look at the differences between the two.
Flossing technology: The main difference between the two lies in the flossing technology. They feature two different deep cleaning technologies. The Waterpik Ultra utilizes a stream of pressurized, pulsating water to deep clean teeth. The water pressure is adjustable through the unit’s ten different settings.
The Sonicare Airfloss, on the other hand, features the Microburst Technology with Auto-Burst – which simply means it delivers pressurized air coupled with micro-droplets of water to deep clean and remove plaque from teeth. The technology allows you to use less water to deep clean teeth fast and effectively without causing a mess.
Flossing modes/Flosser tips or nozzle: The Waterpik comes with 6 color-coded flosser tips, which include: an orthodontic tip for braces and other orthodontics, a plaque seeker tip for plaque removal and dental appliances, 2 classic jet tips, toothbrush tip and pik picket tip for cleaning periodontal pockets and furcations. The Airfloss features a single nozzle, which is replaceable.
Design: Another big difference between the two models is design, specifically the size and shape aspects. The Waterpik is large and bulky. It’s almost similar to those oral irrigators found in dental offices, with large water reservoirs and designed to sit on countertops. The handle with the tip remains constantly attached into the large reservoir via a cord (which delivers the water for flossing).
The Airfloss, on the other hand, features a slim compact design in which the nozzle or tip comes attached to the small reservoir. The unit is rechargeable, cordless and therefore portable.
Battery life: Airfloss comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts 14 days (or 14 uses). But the Waterpik needs to be kept constantly plugged into the power supply to charge the built-in battery. This unit (Waterpik) is designed to be used in the US only.
Price: The Airfloss is a premium oral care product and is, therefore, more expensive (currently retailing at $180 on Amazon); while the Waterpik goes for only $58.
Charging and voltage: The Waterpik Ultra operates on 120V, 60Hz only. But the Sonicare Airfloss has an extended voltage range and can be used on electrical outlets overseas. AirFloss also fits standard Sinicare chargers, so if you have another Sonicare product you can use that charger.
Sonicare Airfloss vs Waterpik Ultra: What Are Their Similarities?
Capabilities: Both Airfloss and Waterpik Ultra have been proven to remove more plaque than manual tooth brushing. They are also quite effective at fighting plaque and gum disease.
Ability to clean dental appliances: Both models can be used on implants, veneers, crowns and orthodontics.
Warranty and guarantee: Both products come with a warranty.
Which Is Better?
Dental water jets are defined more by their flossing technology and capabilities. So in this case Waterpik Ultra will just take the lead with its 6 color-coded tips, which include Plaque Seeker Tip, which ensure maximum plaque removal. On the other hand, Sonicare Airfloss offers probably offers the more powerful and convenient flossing technology – Microburst Technology with Auto-Burst. This technology from Sonicare helps deep clean teeth and your whole mouth in as little as 30 seconds!
From a technical point of view, Phillips Sonicare Airfloss delivers a better charging experience: which is an important consideration when buying any electric oral care product. The charger, compact design and its unmatched portability made things easier for users. It’s a cordless irrigator that uses less water and is, therefore, less messy for users. For the same reason it’s recommended for those that travel frequently. You can easily fit the flosser and the charger in your travel bag and carry it with you. Airfloss is capable of providing protecting your teeth up to 14 days with a single charger; and doesn’t need to be constantly plugged into a liquid reservoir or mains electricity. Its voltage range makes it even more advantageous, since it’s compatible with electrical outlets even outside the USA. So, if you are living outside of USA or planning to go on a trip, you won’t need to buy an adapter – as is the case with Waterpik Ultra. When it comes to design, both the units have their own uniqueness. The Sonicare Airfloss is compact, lightweight and extremely portable, which also makes it very easy to maneuver during use. Whereas Waterpik Ultra is large and bulky; and is designed to sit on countertops.
Simply put: these are two different models with different features and capabilities. So, we feel it’s not fair to compare the two but we’ll still go ahead and give you our verdict.
Our Verdict
When we talk about electric flossers, Phillips Sonicare Airfloss and Waterpik Ultra are two of the best that you’ll ever find. But the two models are quite different in many aspects, from design to flossing technology to retail price. Each unit has its own pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences as well as your budget.
Nonetheless, it’s worth noting that out tests showed that the Waterpik Ultra does a slightly better job of cleaning teeth. We can confidently say that Waterpik ultra is more effective when it comes to reducing bacterial plaque compared to Sonicare Airfloss. Our findings were actually confirmed by most of the reviews and studies that we came across during our research. We also consulted a professional dentist who agreed with our findings, alluding to his experience with patients who have used the two flossers. So, if your main motivation of getting a dental water jet is plaque removal, you will find the Waterpik Ultra model very useful.
But, at the same time, Sonicare Airfloss offers so many advantages that cannot be wished away. It’s portable, easier to use, more energy efficient…and the list goes on. It’s also a very powerful plaque remover in its own right. Many review and users we interviewed would swear to its effectiveness and the fact, that they found the Airfloss to be the best power flosser. Its only downside was the price, which is on the higher side. So if you don’t mind the price and really want a convenient, portable and easy-to-use flosser, then this is it.
A detailed comparison of Sonicare Airfloss and Waterpik Flosser
When it comes to oral hygiene, flossing is just as important as brushing. Traditional flossing has been the go-to for years, but there are now electric flossers that make flossing easier and more efficient. Two popular options on the market are the Sonicare Airfloss and the Waterpik Flosser.
The Sonicare Airfloss uses bursts of air and water droplets to clean between teeth, while the Waterpik Flosser uses a steady stream of water. The Waterpik is better at cleaning larger food particles, and is especially useful for those with braces or bridges. Its larger water reservoir also means you can use it for longer without having to refill. The Sonicare Airfloss, on the other hand, is more gentle on gums and easier to use on-the-go due to its smaller size. It also has a rotating nozzle that makes it easier to reach all parts of the mouth.
Another key difference between the two flossers is the price. The Waterpik Flosser is generally more affordable, but the Sonicare Airfloss comes with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 2 weeks after a full charge. However, replacement tips for the Sonicare Airfloss can be more expensive.
Ultimately, the choice between the Sonicare Airfloss and the Waterpik Flosser comes down to personal preference and individual needs. If you have braces or large food particles, the Waterpik may be the better choice. If you want something more convenient and gentle on the gums, the Sonicare Airfloss is a great option. Either way, incorporating an electric flosser into your oral hygiene routine can make a world of difference in maintaining a healthy and happy mouth.
I have both the airfloss and cordless waterpik. I tried the airfloss a couple of times and hated it. It felt like someone was taking a sharp nail and hammering against my teeth. Gave it to the girlfriend and she thinks it’s fine.
Waterpik runs out of water very fast. Need around 2 reservoirs full of water to clean mouth. Also needs recharging quite often otherwise it loses the power. Oh and it gets quite messy. I still prefer this to the airfloss.
I find the best combination is traditional flossing followed by a waterpik, if you can be bothered.
I’m a great fan of water flossing – I reckon it gets right into the gum line which normal flossing won’t do. Plus it’s quick and easy (even fun, maybe!).
As for flossers – well I’ve been using the Sonicare for over 12 months now. Only problem in that time, I’ve been through 2 machines, now on my third. They keep jamming up, despite using only water.
I’m looking around for a better alternative …..