A comparison of the Braun Oral-B 3D plaque remover and the Sonicare plus electric toothbrush in removing naturally occurring extrinsic staining.

PURPOSE

To compare the extrinsic stain-removing properties and the safety of the Braun Oral-B 3D Plaque Remover and the Sonicare Plus electric toothbrush.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized, parallel group, investigator-blinded study involved 67 subjects and was conducted over 6 weeks. After recruitment, the subjects received a baseline stain assessment (Lobene stain index) and a soft and hard tissue examination, and were then randomized to use either the Sonicare or the 3D device. All subjects were trained to use both devices, and instructed to brush twice daily with their assigned device for 2 min. The subjects' brushing technique was checked after 2 weeks. After a further 4 weeks, the subjects underwent a final stain assessment and soft and hard tissue examination. A questionnaire was also completed.

RESULTS

At 6 weeks, oral hard and soft tissue examinations revealed no abrasion or damage in either group. Both brushes produced significant (P < 0.001) reductions from baseline in total stain score, stain area and intensity, but group comparisons showed that these reductions were significantly (P < 0.001) greater for the 3D device.