Hey, it’s Jon from Electric Teeth here.
The AirFloss and power flosser are 2 Philips Sonicare products that shoot water into the
mouth to clean the spaces between the teeth.
Whislt similar they are quite different.
Now to be honest, I am not going to go into every intricate difference between these models,
because truth be told, there isn’t all that much point.
The AirFloss and AirFloss Pro have now been discontinued by Philips and are no longer
produced or sold.
At the time of recording and for some time after, there may well be some stock still
being sold through, but it won’t be replenished.
This said,I know many have or do own the AirFloss devices and would like to know how the power
flosser compares.
The most significant difference between the two is the way the water flows from the device.
The AirFloss was never technically a water flosser, the power flosser range of devices
are.
The AirFloss combined air with water to create a powerful burst that would blast plaque and
debris from the teeth and gums.
AirFloss never did nor was it designed to provide a constant stream or flow of water
like the power flossers do.
I have always found the approach used by AirFloss to be much more convenient.
It is quicker and less messy.
The device is also smaller and more portable than the cordless water flosser models.
Both products I beleive were designed the same end goal in mind.
That is to help you create a more consistent habit of cleaning the spaces between the teeth,
and doing so effectively.
I am not privy to why Philips have chosen to ditch the AirFloss in preference for their
new power flosser line up.
Some may sight reliability, some may suggest clinical effectiveness.
In my opinion, one of the likely reasons Philips have made this decision is to better compete
with other brands like Waterpik, who are the market leader for water flossers.
It is highly likely that the power flossers are a more logical and easier alternative
product for dental professionals to recommend.
I can’t say for sure, but the power flossers may be considered more effective clinically.
Because the power flossers provide an almost constant stream of water, this can be directed
along the gumline rather than just between the teeth, like the AirFloss.
By following the gumline, the water can reach and clean under the gingival margin, an area
where bacteria resides.
Although I know AirFloss was proven to remove 99.9% of biofilm and both have achieve the
American Dental Associations seal of acceptance.
There are a few different models within the power flosser range.
There are multiple countertop units, that have large water tanks and have to be connected
to mains power.
There is then the cordless model which is powered by a rechargeable battery inside the
flosser.
We have videos about them all on this channel.
Click the link in the top right corner to view them.
By the very nature of a constant water stream, these units have much larger water tanks.
Where the AirFloss held just a few mililiters, the Cordless 3000 holds 250ml and the countertop
units 550 or 600ml, subject to model.
The AirFloss could offer 1, 2 or 3 bursts, of water and air.
The power flossers offer a pretty much constant stream of water, but they have different modes
whereby the water may pulse, at different rates or pressures.
There is then the ability to select between different water pressures or intensities.
You have up to 10 different levels to choose from on the countertop models and 3 on the
cordless.
Just like AirFloss, there is a nozzle that has to be used.
There are 3 different styles, unlike the 1 style with AirFloss.
One nozzle in particular, the Quad Stream tip is innoviatve in that is pushes the water
out in an X shape, rather than the normal jet fashion.
This results in a larger surface area covered and cleaned each time.
AirFloss nozzles are not interchangeable with the power flosser or vice versa in case you
wondered.
For those with an AirFloss, I wouldn’t look at switching unless you really need to or
are advised to by your dental professional.
I hope that gives a good overview of the key differences between them.
Any questions, leave them below.