By succeeding the Genius range, Oral-B wanted to mark a turning point with its iO series, announced as the most advanced ever designed by the brand. New magnetic motor, real-time connected tracking, color screen and premium accessories: on paper, everything comes together to make it an absolute benchmark in the world of electric toothbrushes.
To test these promises, we got our hands on the flagship model, the Oral-B iO 9. From the very first use, the impression is that of a product designed as a concentrate of technology. The round head combines oscillations, rotations, and micro-vibrations for a cleaning process presented as gentler and more effective. A smart pressure sensor with a light ring, seven brushing modes, a built-in timer, and tracking via the mobile app complete the experience.
We also noticed the little extras that distinguish this model from its predecessor, the iO 8 : a Power 2 Go rechargeable travel case, a magnetic fast charger, as well as a complete kit including an iO Ultimate Clean and a storage stand.
Finally, it should be remembered that the iO 9 is part of a wide range, which extends to the recent iO 10 , and which offers its models in multiple colors. In such a competitive market, Oral-B offers here a range that aims to be complete and motivating, where the on-board technology makes it increasingly difficult to excuse approximate brushing.
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Unboxing the Oral-B iO 9
From the moment you take the Oral-B iO 9 out of its box, you realize this is no ordinary toothbrush. Technology is everywhere: integrated sensors, real-time tracking, interactive guidance, comprehensive reporting via the iOS/Android app... every detail has been designed to transform everyday gestures into a connected experience.
Opening the box is smooth, and from the very first moment, the premium feeling is felt. We discover:
The toothbrush itself , with its neat design and pleasant to hold.
The ingenious carrying case , which also acts as an induction charger on the go.
The main charging base , allowing fast and secure wireless power at home.
The included brush head , interchangeable for hygiene and wear, is compatible with all models in the iO range.
Each accessory reinforces the feeling that you're holding a technological product in your hands, designed to optimize brushing. The attention to detail, from the quality of the materials to the integration of features, reminds us that we're dealing with a true concentration of innovation in the field of oral hygiene.
Oral-B iO 9: when brushing becomes a pleasure
Oral-B iO 9 toothbrush introduces a hybrid approach that combines the benefits of oscillating-rotating models and sonic technologies. Specifically, the round head alternates between rapid rotations and micro-vibrations, generated by a linear magnetic motor. The energy is transmitted to the tips of the bristles, ensuring a consistent movement and a deep cleaning sensation.
During our testing of the Oral-B iO 9, getting started was simple: just two buttons are enough to configure the initial settings. You can customize the color of the light ring located at the base of the brush head, choose a default brushing mode from the seven available (standard, gentle, gum care, whitening, intensive, extra-gentle, tongue cleaning), and adjust the built-in timer. During use, you can still switch between modes with a simple press.
As is often the case with the brand's connected models, the Oral-B iO 9 toothbrush can be used alone or in tandem with the mobile app. Equipped with an accelerometer, it lights up as soon as you pick it up and displays a small welcome message on its color screen. The timer starts as soon as it is switched on, accompanied by a light circle that progresses over time. At the end of brushing, the brush provides fun visual feedback: a smile if the session was successful, a pout if you missed any areas.
A particularly interesting point is the pressure control system. With a manual brush, we often tend to press too hard, which can cause bleeding gums. The Oral-B iO 9 corrects this problem with a smart light ring that changes color depending on the force applied: green when the pressure is ideal, red when it's too strong, and white when it's not enough. This instant visual feedback prevents excess pressure, protects the gums, and ensures effective cleaning at the same time.
The brushing experience is not only effective but also enjoyable. You truly feel like your mouth is clean and healthy after every use. Even better, brushing your teeth with such a sophisticated brush becomes a real pleasure. At first, it's almost fun to follow the instructions and see your progress, but very quickly this playful approach turns into a natural routine, far from being a chore.
As with other high-end models, however, we note the classic formation of a saliva-toothpaste mixture which can run down the handle, a slight inconvenience which requires you to briefly interrupt brushing.
The Oral-B app, recently redesigned based on user feedback, is designed to be clearer and more fun. At the end of each session, it provides a detailed report: total time, surface coverage, duration of excessive pressure, overall score. It even offers some personalized tips, reminds you to brush your tongue, and signals when it's time to change your brush head (every three months on average).
Finally, the included holder allows you to store up to three brush heads, which is convenient for varying the tips or sharing the brush between multiple users. The only thing that's lacking is the lack of a smartphone holder, as the combined use of the app and the brush optimizes the experience.
Real-time connected brushing test
During our testing of the Oral-B iO 9 toothbrush, we particularly appreciated the dedicated app, which accompanies live brushing. A 3D representation of the jaw is displayed on the screen: the outside of the teeth is symbolized by an outer line, the chewing surface by a central line, and the inside by an internal line. As you move the brush head, the app instantly indicates whether the area is properly covered or not.
The pressure sensor system fits seamlessly into this experience. If you press too hard, the brush's light ring turns red and the app displays an alert. In our case, this resulted in a few "Compression Detected" reminders, proving that the tracking is accurate and responsive.
At the end of the session, a complete assessment is provided: total duration, areas covered, time spent under excessive pressure, and overall score. During one of our brushing sessions, we obtained an 88/100, probably due to applying a little too much pressure in certain areas. The app goes further by providing personalized tips, such as "Brush more gently next time" or questions about possible bleeding gums.
This real-time feedback transforms the act of brushing your teeth into an interactive and motivating experience, where each session becomes an opportunity to improve your technique.
The Oral-B app: detailed monitoring and analysis
The Oral-B iO 9 toothbrush experience isn't just about the handle and brush head; a big part of the appeal lies in the companion app. From the moment you start brushing, it provides precise real-time tracking, showing you which areas are being properly covered and which require more attention.
Beyond instant tracking, the app acts as a veritable logbook for your oral hygiene. You can view how long each brush head has been used and know exactly when to replace it, access the complete history of sessions, and even track your average performance score. In our case, we obtained an average score of 92/100 , with precise details: full coverage of the internal, external, and chewing surfaces, as well as a report on the areas where the pressure was too strong and for how long.
The app goes even further by encouraging the adoption of complete routines: tongue cleaning, flossing, and mouthwash. Oral-B doesn't just time brushing, but guides the user in a comprehensive approach to oral hygiene.
The real highlight, however, is reporting. The app distinguishes between two types of tracking:
Unguided brushing : limited to total time and pressure applied.
Guided brushing : much richer, with an overall effectiveness score, exact duration, coverage by area (often close to 100%), and clear indications on the quality of the gesture. During our tests, for example, we obtained a score of 97/100 for a session of 3 minutes and 8 seconds , with controlled pressure and almost all areas validated.
This gamification system makes the experience surprisingly motivating. What could remain a simple daily routine then transforms into a kind of personal challenge, where you naturally seek to improve your score with each brushing.
Charging: at home or on the go
The Oral-B iO 9 fully embraces its status as a high-tech toothbrush, right down to its charging management. At home, nothing could be simpler: simply place the handle on its base and the battery will be charged by induction. The screen then displays the level in real time, and a full charge takes around 3 hours, a quick turnaround time considering the battery life offered (nearly 2 weeks of daily use).
But it's especially when traveling that the brand came up with the most ingenious idea. The carrying case also acts as a charger. Simply insert the brush and its brush head for charging, again by induction. An external LED confirms the operation, avoiding any unpleasant surprises when using it. This two-in-one system combines practicality and safety, while limiting the need to carry multiple accessories.
Unfortunately, charging is not done via a classic USB-C cable, but with a proprietary charger provided by the brand. That said, the carrying case remains practical and secure for charging the brush on the go, even if we would have appreciated compatibility with the universal chargers already used for smartphones or tablets .
- Hybrid technology: combines oscillations, rotations and micro-vibrations for deep cleaning
- Real-time tracking: the app maps the mouth in 3D and guides brushing by zone
- Smart pressure sensor: protects gums and prevents excess pressure
- Fun experience: brushing becomes enjoyable and motivating, the minutes pass quickly
- Convenient charging: induction base at home + carrying case that recharges the brush while traveling
- Personalization: choice of light ring color and selection of brushing modes
- Complete application: history, statistics, personalized advice and gamification
- Pleasure of use: really improves oral hygiene compared to a manual brush
- High price: €202, which is still an investment for a toothbrush
- Non-standard USB-C charging: requires the brand's proprietary charger
- A classic minor annoyance: a mixture of saliva and toothpaste that can run down the handle while brushing.
- Application dependency: User must continue to monitor reporting to get the most out of the features
Conclusion and our opinion
The Oral-B iO 9 clearly doesn't play in the same league as conventional toothbrushes. Priced at €202 , it's aimed primarily at tech-savvy users who want to combine oral hygiene with a connected experience. Those who want to track their brushing in real time, analyze their performance, and benefit from comprehensive reporting will find it particularly appealing.
The brush stands out for its thoughtful design and smart features. Between the hybrid head, magnetic motor, pressure sensor, and companion app, Oral-B has successfully transformed an everyday gesture into a personalized and motivating experience. The pleasure of use is real: brushing becomes more precise, more pleasant, and, above all, less mechanical than with a traditional brush.
Personally, I highly recommend this toothbrush. It's a clear improvement in dental hygiene compared to a manual brush, and the fun aspect makes daily use fun. It's easy to get into the game, and the recommended minutes go by surprisingly quickly.
While the price is still substantial for a toothbrush, the product's quality and ingenuity justify the investment for those seeking the ultimate in hygiene. The Oral-B iO 9 combines educational and mechanical benefits, encouraging effective and regular brushing. The only question is the app's long-term reliability: will the user continue to track their stats day after day?
In short, the iO 9 is not just a toothbrush: it is a concentrate of technology that places oral hygiene at the top, combining performance, personalization and pleasure of use.
Oral-B iO Series 9 Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What makes the Oral-B iO Series 9 different from other electric brushes? | It combines Oral-B's famous dentist-inspired round brush head with new iO magnetic technology that delivers gentle yet powerful micro-vibrations. It also features Artificial Intelligence (AI) brushing recognition and 3D tooth tracking via the app. |
| How does the smart pressure sensor work? | The smart pressure sensor uses a colored light on the brush handle to indicate the pressure being applied: green for optimal pressure, red if you're pressing too hard (to protect gums and enamel), and white if you're not applying enough pressure. |
| How many brushing modes does the iO Series 9 offer? | The iO Series 9 generally offers 7 smart brushing modes for personalized cleaning, such as Daily Clean, Whitening, Gum Care, Sensitive, Super Sensitive, Intense and Tongue Clean. |
| Is it connected to an app? And what is the app for? | Yes, it connects to the Oral-B app via Bluetooth. The app uses AI and 3D tracking to map the surface of each tooth and guide you in real time to ensure complete coverage of all areas of your mouth (inner, outer, and upper surfaces of teeth). |
| How long does it take to charge? | Charging time is generally fast thanks to its magnetic charger. For the iO 9 series, a full charge takes approximately 3 hours. |
| What is the battery life? | Battery life varies depending on use, but tests often indicate a battery life of around 9 to 14 days based on two daily two-minute brushings. |
| When should the brush head be replaced? | It is recommended to replace the brush head every 3 months or sooner if the bristles become frayed or show signs of wear, to ensure optimal cleaning performance. |
| Does the iO Series 9 use the same brush heads as older Oral-B brushes? | No. The Oral-B iO requires specific Oral-B iO replacement brush heads (e.g. Ultimate Clean or Gentle Care) and is not compatible with older generation Oral-B round brush heads. |
| Is the brush handle waterproof? | Yes, the handle is designed to be water-resistant, allowing it to be rinsed under running water. However, it is essential to avoid submerging it in water and to ensure it is dry before charging. |
| Can the battery be replaced? | No. The battery is integrated into the handle and sealed to ensure water resistance. Removing the battery by the user will destroy the device and void the warranty. |