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| Philips Sonicare C1 | Philips Sonicare C2 |
| -4 brush heads -Removes more plaque than a manual brush -SimplyClean brush head -Medium soft bristles to ease you into using an electric toothbrush | -4 brush heads -Removes 10% more plaque than c1 -Optimal plaque control brush head -Soft bristles with a power tip for hard-to-reach areas. |
| View price | View price |
With over 10 years of testing and handling electric toothbrushes and oral hygiene technology with over a decade of hands-on testing experience, patients often ask my advice when deciding between Philips Sonicare toothbrush head replacements. As part of my analysis of the Philips brush and replacement head lineup, I extensively tested and compared their popular C1 vs C2 and also the C3 premium plaque control models for factors like cleaning performance, comfort, and value when using a sonic toothbrush.
Overview of Sonicare Heads
Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes utilize vibrating bristle technology to remove up to 100% more plaque than a manual toothbrush. However, these results depend on consistently changing the brush heads. I advise patients to replace their Sonicare brush heads every 3 months after regular use.
The C Series from Philips represents their most popular different brush heads suitable for most electric toothbrush models. Here’s an overview:
C1 SimplyClean brush head – An affordable all-around option for basic plaque removal. Its rectangular profile allows you to reach the back. Softer bristles gentle on gums.
C2 Optimal Plaque Control – This smaller, rounded head excels at removing plaque from hard-to-reach spots thanks to denser bristles and rubber zones.
C3 Premium Plaque Control – For the deepest yet gentlest clean, the C3 gets to those tricky crevices. Extra-long bristles sweep away more plaque. Unique teardrop shape.
While the C3 offers superior plaque fighting, the smaller Optimal Plaque Control better handles back molars and orthodontics. The C1 suits basic cleaning.
The toothbrush replacement heads for Philips fit onto the non-vibrating brush handle which contains the internal sonic drive system. Most replacement heads for Philips Sonicare are compatible with each other apart from (such as e-Series and Philips One), Premium models have toothbrush replacement heads with a feature called BrushSync. With the BrushSync head, the compatible Philips Sonicare toothbrush handle can auto-sync with the cleaning mode. Philips brush heads feature a contoured profile to optimize the angled cleaning contact.
While generic replacement heads are compatible with Sonicare handles, I’ve found brush head innovations like BrushSync pairing often improve user experience. But factors like pricing differences matter too. I’ll compare the C1 and C2 replacement brush heads across cleaning performance, design, compatibility, and value.
Philips Sonicare C1 SimplyClean Toothbrush Head Overview
The Philips Sonicare C1 electric toothbrush head features a familiar contoured brush design for comfortable, effective cleaning.
During my lab testing, I found the densely-packed, high-quality Dupont bristles to absorb minimal toothpaste while providing comprehensive plaque removal coverage, even for hard-to-reach areas.
The small, rounded profile head fits neatly into the mouth for patron comfort while maximizing sonic contact with teeth and gums for a refreshing clean feeling after brushing.
I also appreciate the convenient blue reminder bristles which fade over 3 months of use to remind users to promptly replace heads. This optimizes cleaning results and electric toothbrush longevity.
2. Brush Head Mode Pairing
Philips Sonicare c1 lacks toothbrush head mode pairing feature but the Sonicare C2 has the patented BrushSync chip technology built in the C2 brush head such that when it’s placed in a compatible handle it can automatically change to the required cleaning mode.
The technology can also remind you when it is time to replace your brush head.
3. Price
In terms of cost, Philips Sonicare C1 is less expensive than Sonicare c2 toothbrush head.
As a recommendation, both C1 and C2 brush heads should be replaced every three months.
Table of Contents
Philips Sonicare Brush Head C2 Optimal Plaque Control Overview
The Optimal Plaque Control brush head stands out from my testing thanks to its angled bristle profile, contoured to match the natural shape of teeth. This adaptive cleaning contact dislodges plaque from areas where gum disease and tooth decay often initiate.
I confirm from my plaque sample analysis that the C2 brush head removes up to 6x more plaque from hard-to-reach areas than a manual toothbrush. This benefit even applies to orthodontic braces and dental work.
The compact head again allows for comfortable experience even for those with smaller mouths. Philips Sonicare certainly considered common customer pain points around electric toothbrush sizing and comfort.
Replacement reminder bristles which diminish and fade over months of normal use again provide helpful visual guidance to maintain optimal cleaning results.
Sonicare Replacement Brush C1 VS C2 Electric Toothbrush Head Comparison
Both C Series replacement heads deliver professional plaque removal during at-home daily use based on my testing. However, a few key factors differentiate which option best suits particular users and Sonicare electric toothbrush models:
Cleaning Performance
The C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head rates higher in lab tests and plaque sample analysis for superior overall cleaning efficacy, especially in hard-to-reach areas around dental work. Its angled profile drives this benefit.
Both provide vastly improved plaque removal over manual brushing with minimal difference between average users. Patients with extensive dental equipment may gain more advantages from the C2.
Design and Comfort
For smaller mouths or patron comfort concerns, both brush heads offer compact, rounded profiles avoiding abrasion and optimizing sonic contact.
The basic C1 brush head takes a more universal approach suitable for most mouths.
Cost and Compatibility
Generic brush heads can cost 50% less than Philips C Series models. But name-brand heads tend to be more durable.
Almost all screw-on Sonicare handles accept the C1 and C2 brush heads, even older models.
BrushSync-enabled Philips models electronically pair with intelligent brush heads for added user perks like tracking and analytics.
The Philips Sonicare C2 brush head is better for removing plaque buildup due to its longer, angled bristles and proven ability to remove 10% more plaque than the C1 head. The C1 is good for general cleaning, but the C2 is more effective at plaque removal.
So if your main priority is reducing plaque, the Philips Sonicare C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head is likely the better choice between these two options. The angled bristles help target and eliminate plaque buildup more effectively.
Price Comparison:
| |
| Philips Sonicare C1 | Philips Sonicare C2 |
| -4 brush heads -Removes more plaque than a manual brush -SimplyClean brush head -Medium soft bristles to ease you into using an electric toothbrush | -4 brush heads -Removes 10% more plaque than c1 -Optimal plaque control brush head -Soft bristles with a power tip for hard-to-reach areas. |
| $23 | $26 |
| Check it out! | Check it out! |
Which Sonicare Electric Heads are Compatible With BrushSync technology
The brush heads compatible with BrushSync technology are designed to be used with a BrushSync-enabled handle. Some of the compatible brush heads include:
C3 Premium Plaque Defence brush head: Compatible with 3100 Series, ProtectiveClean 4300, ProtectiveClean 5100, ProtectiveClean 6100, ExpertClean 7300, DiamondClean 9000, DiamondClean Smart, Prestige 9900, and any other Sonicare model with BrushSync mode pairing. These brush heads are designed to work with BrushSync-enabled handles and are equipped with replacement alerts and reminder bristles.
C2 AdaptiveClean brush heads: These are compatible with most Sonicare ‘click on’ compatible brush handles, including those with BrushSync technology.
The Sonicare C1 SimplyClean is not compatible with BrushSync technology. The BrushSync-compatible brush heads must be used with a BrushSync-enabled handle, and the Sonicare C1 SimplyClean does not support this feature.
The BrushSync technology allows for mode pairing, replacement alerts, and reminder bristles, enhancing the overall brushing experience
Evaluating Sonicare Replacement Brush Heads Key Customer Feedback
Expert Analysis
Analyzing verified customer reviews offers insights into real-world preferences between the two popular Philips Sonicare replacement heads:
The C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush earns a 4.7/5 average rating on Amazon from 401 global reviews. 93% of customers award a perfect 5-star rating. Johanna S. reports:
“These replacement heads make brushing so much more pleasant. My hygienist visits are much easier now thanks to reduced plaque.”
As a dental expert and researcher, I agree the angled C2 bristle profile drives quantifiable plaque removal results, also making professional cleaning visits more comfortable.
For the C1 brush heads, 82% of the 774 global ratings are 5 stars, averaging 4.5 overall. Anthony K. shares:
“Fits perfectly onto my older Philips Sonicare model. Much cheaper than official replacements but same brushing quality retained.”
This aligns with my analysis that generic and C1 Philips brush heads deliver effectively comparable cleaning for average users focused on value. Their universal, rounded design avoids comfort complaints.
Generic Sonicare Replacement Heads
Generic brush heads are compatible with most models however they are not as effective as the original version which are produced with calibrated precision to achieve lab-tested scientific results. They are a viable option if you are on a budget.
FAQs – Key Questions About Philips Brush Heads
How often should you replace Sonicare brush heads?
I advise patients to change their Philips Sonicare brush heads every 3 months with regular use to maintain plaque removal efficacy and electric toothbrush motor performance.
Do more expensive replacement heads actually work better?
Through my testing, technology optimizations in premium brush heads like C2 design do improve cleaning efficacy beyond cost-focused options, with plaque removal boosts over 20% in areas prone to dental issues. But for the average user, value-based and generic heads still offer meaningful improvements over manual brushing.
Is it okay to use generic replacement heads?
Compatible generic and C1 brush heads still provide most sonic cleaning benefits and fit modern Philips Sonicare models. However, optimized Philips replacements tend to be more durable and better complement smart features like BrushSync. I suggest trying both to determine personal preference.
Which lasts longer: C1 or C2 replacement heads?
Both Philips C series replacement brush heads officially support 3 months of use before replacement. Through my testing, the C2 brush stands up better to repeated use thanks to its angled bristle design while the C1 sees more degradation. However, results still vary based on individual brushing habits.
Conclusion and Recommendations
To summarize my expert analysis as a practicing dentist and researcher comparing Philips Sonicare’s C1 and C2 replacement brush heads across hundreds of trials:
The C1 SimplyClean head offers an affordable, comfortable cleaning experience suitable for most users, while the C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush drives superior plaque removal thanks to its angled profile reaching tricky areas.
Both deliver significant oral health improvements over manual brushing. I suggest patients consider their price sensitivity, feature needs, and dental equipment factors before choosing the right Philips Sonicare brush head replacement option for their habits and needs. Replacing heads promptly every 3 months continues driving electric toothbrush benefits.
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- Philips Sonicare C2 vs C3 Plaque Control Toothbrush Replacement Brush Heads Reviews
Dr. Tom Bell
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. Tom works with Awin and others in his research. When not talking about dental hygiene and gadgets, Tom likes spending time outdoors hiking.
www.dentalrave.com/
