In short: Oral-B brush heads differ primarily in bristle arrangement, bristle stiffness, and head shape – as well as the attachment system. According to Oral-B, iO brush heads only fit iO handpieces, while all other Oral-B heads fit the handpieces of the Vitality, Pro, Smart, and Genius series. Which head is right for you depends on your teeth and gums; when in doubt, ask at your dental practice.
First, the attachment system: iO or classic?
Before comparing heads, check your handpiece. Oral-B distinguishes between two systems: Only iO replacement brushes fit iO handpieces. The other Oral-B brush heads fit the Vitality, Pro, Smart, and Genius handpieces. You can find the model name on the handpiece or on the packaging.
An overview of the brush heads
The descriptions in the table are based on the overview provided by Oral-B (as of October 2026).
| Brush head | Design according to Oral-B | Intended for |
|---|---|---|
| CrossAction | angled bristles that reach between teeth; rounded bristles | thorough daily cleaning |
| Precision Clean | round head that cleans tooth by tooth | gentle, thorough cleaning – according to Oral-B, good for beginners |
| Sensitive | extra-soft bristles | sensitive gums |
| Sensi UltraThin | round head with ultra-thin bristles | extra gentle cleaning |
| 3DWhite | head that, according to Oral-B, removes surface stains | anyone concerned about surface stains |
| Deep Clean | MicroPulse bristles | cleaning between teeth |
| Ortho Care | designed for cleaning around braces | braces wearers |
| Interspace | head for interdental spaces | braces as well as cleaning under bridges, crowns, and implants |
| Kids | small brush head for small mouths | children |
| iO brush heads | own attachment system; bristles that fade in color when a replacement is due | iO handpieces only |
Most Oral-B heads also feature indicator bristles that change color after a few months to serve as a reminder to replace them.
Which head is right for you?
- Without special requirements: a standard round head. For instance, Oral-B describes the Precision Clean as well-suited for first-time users.
- Sensitive gums: softer bristles – such as the Sensitive or Sensi UltraThin from Oral-B.
- Braces, bridges, crowns, or implants: special heads like Ortho Care or Interspace. It is best to get advice on this from your dental practice.
- Children: small children's heads.
- iO toothbrush: exclusively iO heads.
Oral-B itself advises: if you are unsure, ask your dentist. The best brush is the one you enjoy using every day.
And our brush heads?
Our brush heads are standard heads from a third-party supplier – they are not original Oral-B products and not special heads for braces, children, or iO. They have rounded DuPont bristles and, according to the product specifications, fit classic round Oral-B handpieces, including Vitality (Precision Clean and Dual Clean), Professional Care (also SmartSeries), Pro Health, Advance Power, Triumph, 3D Excel, Sensitive Clean, and Interclean. They are not suitable for iO and Pulsonic. Each head has a colored ring so that every family member can recognize their own.
They are available in an 8-pack and a 16-pack. Which pack is right for your household can be found in our guide Brush heads for Oral-B. Shipping within Germany is free, and delivery time is generally 1–3 working days.
When the head should be replaced
According to Oral-B, dentists recommend replacing the brush head every three months because the bristles fray over time and then clean less thoroughly. If the bristles are visibly frayed before then, the head should be replaced sooner.
Frequently asked questions
Do all Oral-B brush heads fit every Oral-B toothbrush?
No. According to Oral-B, iO heads only fit iO handpieces; the other Oral-B heads fit Vitality, Pro, Smart, and Genius models. For our heads, the model list on the product page applies.
Which Oral-B brush head is the best?
There is no single "best" one – the heads are built for different needs, such as sensitive gums, braces, or children. When in doubt, your dental practice can help.
Are your brush heads original products?
No. Our brush heads come from a third-party supplier and are not original Oral-B products.
Where do old brush heads go?
Into the general waste. The Bodenseekreis district, for example, explicitly lists toothbrushes as general waste. More on this in our guide Disposing of razor blades, shaver heads, and brush heads.
Sources: Oral-B – The best replacement brush head for your needs and Oral-B – Brush heads with questions and answers (As of: October 2026).
Note: Oral-B, iO, CrossAction, Precision Clean, 3DWhite, Sensi UltraThin, Ortho Care, and the other names mentioned are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here solely for description. Our brush heads are replacement products from a third-party supplier and are not original Oral-B products.