Burst toothbrush vs Sonicare? You might be wondering how Burst electric toothbrush which has been getting media buzz in the recent past stacks up against mainstream electric toothbrushes like Sonicare. At the outset, they generally seem to have some comparable features. Both brushes have LED indicators to show battery charge and can be rinsed under the tap. Both Burst and Sonicare offer electric toothbrushes with sonic cleaning action and large brush heads, but are there differences to consider when deciding which brand is right for you? Let us explore these below.
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Last update on 2023-06-03 at 02:31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Burst toothbrush vs Sonicare: Key Differences
- The Key difference is that Bust electric toothbrush runs on a subscription-based model whereby you buy the base package which includes the toothbrush, charger, and one brush head for $69.99, and then an additional subscription of $18 per year, whereby Burst will send you fresh heads quarterly. This is unlike the Phillips Sonicare where you buy the toothbrush kit for a set price while renewal of the brush head is done by you. In this case, the Bust offering is better because the decision to buy brush heads is taken out of your hand and passed on to the company for an affordable fee of 6 dollars per brush head (usually every 3 months). In many cases, we don’t remember to buy brush heads after three months especially if you don’t have a toothbrush with the BrushSync technology that reminds you to get new brush heads when the time is due. Using brush heads that have been in use for more than three months compromises your oral hygiene because such brush heads are not as effective in tackling plaque and cleaning gums.
- Burst electric toothbrushes could be considered better because they offer charcoal-infused, anti-microbial brush heads at a lower price point than many Sonicare models. The bristles on the Burst brush heads are infused with binchotan (white charcoal), which can help remove stains and has self-sanitizing properties. However, the effectiveness and abrasiveness of charcoal in dental hygiene products is still up for debate.
- The Burst toothbrush also boasts a long battery life (4 weeks) and comes with a USB-compatible charging base. This is better than most Sonicare models which have a battery life of only two weeks and usually don’t come with USB charging capabilities apart from the very high-end models like Sonicare Prestige 9900. Burst’s brush handle comes with a USB charger and a USB to 2-pin power adapter, allowing it to be charged from a computer or battery bank, while Sonicare’s brush handles can only be charged with the included charging stand.
- Sonicare is better than Bust because it has more than 20 models in the market that cater to different customer needs and budgets while Burst offers one model of toothbrush, which is available in different colors, but technically there is no difference between the colors.
- At the time of writing Sonicare is far better than Bust because it has the ADA seal of approval with numerous studies that prove its efficacy in tackling plaque and reducing gum disease. However both Sonicare and Burst use a sonic cleaning action, which means the bristles sweep side to side at a rapid pace, and a larger brush head that is rectangular or oval in shape. Burst has conducted studies that show the brush is effective at removing plaque and improving gum health, but it has not yet received the American Dental Association’s seal of acceptance, unlike Sonicare.
- Sonicare has better brush heads bristles because they are made of nylon which is usually soft to the gums, unlike the Burst toothbrush which has bristles made of polybutylene terephthalate and infused with charcoal. The Bust bristles are not as soft or flexible as Sonicare nylon bristles and may cause a stabbing sensation at the gum line.
- In comparison to Burst, Sonicare has a more premium design and offers more features such as pressure sensors, multiple cleaning modes, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, both brands offer brush handles in different color options.
- Sonicare is better in the sense that most medium-priced models come with traveling cases, unlike Burst toothbrush which does not come with a travel case (apart from the rose-gold that higher priced).
- Sonicare’s brush heads are more expensive, but the brand offers a 2-year warranty and has additional features such as BrushSync, which tracks the usage of the brush head and reminds users when it’s time to replace it.
Verdict
Ultimately, while Burst may be a more affordable and convenient option for those interested in a subscription toothbrush, Sonicare may be the better choice for those looking for a more premium and effective electric toothbrush. However, Burst’s use of activated charcoal in oral healthcare products is controversial and its benefits are considered limited by many dental professionals. Some believe it is a trend or “fad” and the demand for such products will decline. Additionally, the small amount of charcoal on the bristles of the Burst brush head is unlikely to have a noticeable positive effect on most people. The abrasiveness of charcoal can also be a concern.
Burst Review
The Burst sonic electric toothbrush operates on a subscription model, where users pay a one-time fee for the brush handle and then agree to regular payments for replacement brush heads, which are delivered every 3 months. This set-it-and-forget-it approach means users don’t have to remember to replace the brush head, as it will arrive at their door at predetermined intervals.
To start the subscription, users simply choose their desired color of the brush handle and purchase it online, agreeing to the subscription plan for replacement brush heads during the checkout process. The default interval for replacement brush heads is every 3 months, but this can be adjusted within the user’s online account to be every 1, 2, or 3 months.
The subscription can be amended or canceled at any time, and an online account is provided for managing the subscription. Prices for the brush handle and brush heads vary depending on the color chosen, and a voucher code is available for a 10% discount.
Pros
- It is a set-and-forget subscription that ensures you always have an effective brush head
- It is relatively cheaper in the long run than mainstream electric toothbrushes
- It has comparable features to some high-end toothbrushes at a lower price
Cons
- Some may not like the subscription model
- the brush’s charcoal bristles may offer limited benefits and raise concerns about quality.
Burst Electric Toothbrush Specifications
Burst offers only one model of a sonic electric toothbrush, which comes in three colors: black, white, and rose gold. The rose gold option includes a travel case in the box and is more expensive than the other two options.( Editor’s note:This seems to have changed and currently you can get a travel case with all the colors).
- The toothbrush features a built-in rechargeable battery,
- It has three cleaning modes (whitening, sensitive, and massage),
- a built-in timer and pacer,
- automatic power off.
It also comes with a USB charging stand, a 2-pin USA power brick with a USB port, and documentation.
The toothbrush has a 90-day money-back guarantee and a lifetime warranty for subscribers and has been clinically proven to remove 10 times more plaque than a manual brush and reduce bleeding gums by up to 3 times after 15 days of use.
- The lower half of the Burst brush handle features a diamond-shaped texturing that creates a series of ridges, making it easy to hold onto even when wet.
- The brush handle has a sleek, classy appearance with a circular power button on the upper half of the handle.
- The power button is subtle and blends in with the black body, but has good resistance when pressed.
- There are three built-in cleaning modes that can be selected by pressing the power button, and they are indicated by white lights on the handle.
- The Burst electric toothbrush has a battery life of 4 weeks and only requires 1 hour of charging.
- The brush comes with a color-matched brush head coated with binchotan charcoal from Wakyama, Japan, which is claimed to help remove bacteria.
- The brush head is made with PBT charcoal-infused bristles which some users may find to be a little abrasive on the gums.
- The brush has been clinically proven to remove more plaque and improve gum health, and it also has a tongue cleaner on the back of the brush head.
- The brush has a 2-minute timer and a 30-second pacer, and it automatically turns off when the cleaning cycle is complete.
- It is relatively quiet in use and gives a good overall clean.
- The brush is water resistant, making it suitable for use in the shower.
- It comes with a lifetime warranty if subscribed and a 90-day money-back guarantee.
- The Burst sonic toothbrush has a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last for up to 4 weeks, based on 2 cleanings per day.
- It takes just 1 hour to charge the brush using the supplied USB charging stand and wall adapter.
- The battery icon on the handle will flash red when the power falls below 20%, and turn solid red when charging until the charge is complete.
- This battery life is longer than the average of 2-3 weeks offered by competitors.
Burst operates an ambassador program, which is open to dental professionals only and allows them to refer patients to Burst in exchange for a commission on each sale. This referral system has helped Burst grow rapidly, but some may be skeptical of dental professionals’ recommendations due to the financial incentive involved.
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Dr. Tom Bell has a PhD in Medical Anthropology. He has a keen interest in oral health topics and is the founder of dentalrave. He has been an oral health researcher and electric toothbrush enthusiast for over 10 years. When not talking about dental hygiene and gadgets, Tom likes spending time outdoors hiking.
