Is a sonic toothbrush better than manual for plaque removal?

Most research shows sonic toothbrushes do remove plaque a bit better than manual ones, though honestly a lot of it comes down to technique and how long you actually spend brushing. If you're someone who tends to rush through it or has trouble reaching certain spots, a sonic one probably gives you an edge.

Don't assume a fancier brush fixes lazy technique - that's the trap most people fall into. The studies showing sonic wins are often modest improvements, and they tend to come from people who were already doing okay with manuals. Where sonic genuinely helps is consistency: if you're someone who rushes or has trouble reaching back molars, the vibration does some of the work for you. But if you're already thorough with a manual brush and spending two minutes properly, the difference is probably negligible enough that it's not worth the cost.