Most Helpful Customer Reviews
347 of 376 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Works great, but it is way over priced for the features, April 16, 2008
This review is from: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush (Health and Beauty)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I want to stress that this brush works superbly. My 3 stars are for the value/bang for your buck aspect of this product.
I have used three other electric brushes besides this one. One was a very early model Sonicare, the other two were Braun Oral-B models. ALL of them worked great. The three other brushes I've used have all had excellent durability. And I never had a single cavity with any of them.
There are really just two major differences between these two brands. Brauns tend to have smaller heads and they have a kind of rotating pulsing motion. Sonicare models have more of a vibration motion and, in my experience, tend to tickle a bit more. Your mileage may vary. In my experience, Braun brush heads also tend to be a little cheaper.
All the electric toothbrush makers make claims about being the "best." However, as one major dental site commented, "There are currently no studies that we are aware of that compare objectively electric toothbrushes. The choice is really a personal one." If you look at multiple objective dental sources you'll find the same kind of advice - choose according to your own preference, not the PR spin of the companies making the brushes.
This specific model has 3 cleaning modes, 2 "routine" modes, 2 minute timer, a quad pacer (30 seconds per quarter of your mouth), and a few other lesser features. The thing is, all of these exist on many other brushes, many of them about $50 (or more) cheaper than this one. If you're looking for just a good electric brush then I can't recommend this model. For about $50 less you can get, for example, the Braun 8850 . . . or the Sonicare e5500, to name just two. They both have most of the exact same features as this model.
For the exact same money you can get the Oral-B Triumph 9900 with Smart Guide. That model tells you, graphically, when you're brushing too hard (which causes major permanent gum damage) and when you need to replace the brush head. Those are the kind of extras I'd be willing to pay for. All the extra modes and timers I find to be a bit useless.
Pros: This Sonicare model works and works well
Cons: It's over priced for the features. There are better choices on the market.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
155 of 166 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
What an electric toothbrush should be, March 26, 2008
This review is from: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush (Health and Beauty)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
This is my second attempt at having an electric toothbrush. The first attempt was with an Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush. That was a terrible experience that left me with headaches after using it and teeth that didn't feel clean. (it's nw in a box in my closet collecting dust).
On the other hand this Phillips Sonicare Flexcare toothbrush is a great experience. The brush head is nice and compact, but still covers the entre tooth surface being cleaned. It provides a nice pause to remind you to switch quadrants of your mouth. It has three different modes to use. One for normal cleaning, one for sensitive teeth/gums and one that massages the gums.
There are also two other settings. MaxCare which is slightly longer than the normal setting and incorporates both regular and massage into each quadrant and GoCare which is a quick hit brushing when you are in a rush.
This package comes with everything you would expect. The toothbrush with one cleaning head (I would have liked to see one additional one included). It comes with a deluxe charging stand (I really like that you can wind the cord up inside the stand to get rid of some of the cords in the bathroom). A nice travel case (I wish it would have been more sturdy - it's basically a pouch). Three additional color rings to help know who's brush head is who's. (with the absence of more brush heads this addition is a little confusing).
The actual experience of brushing is great. Where the Ultreo was akin to torture for me, this was more like a spa for the teeth and gums. The head is small to where there is no jamming it into the back of your mouth, it leaves my mouth feeling fresh and almost like I just got done at the dentist. I usually brush my teeth twice a day, however, I have found myself wondering if I should brush more, just so I can use this toothbrush (sound corny I know - but it's the tooth! ok bad pun, sorry).
Like I said this is my second run at an electric toothbrush ad I am glad I tried again. This is what an experience with an electric toothbrush should be. I really enjoy this product and will be suggesting it to many people.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
decent brush, but only recommended if money is no conern to you, April 15, 2008
This review is from: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush (Health and Beauty)
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I have used many rechargeable toothbrushes in the recent years - many different models of Oral B and very recently the latest WaterPik Sensonic. This is actually the first time I'm using a Philips SonicCare. Here are my impressions/opinions:
Pro
- Brush body is light and highly portable. Many competitor models that offer comparable brush speed/features tend to be bulkier.
- Decent clean and polish. The model claims to be better than competitors, I have no way of verifying this claim myself. However, I find the brushing result to be at least as good as higher-end Oral-B and the WaterPik Sensonic.
- Essential timers - 2-minute brushing timer and 30-second quad timers. All other models have them, it is good these essential features are left untouched.
- Portable, all-voltage charger that's perfect for international travelers. While we are on the subject, folks who tend to travel internationally and are shopping around for a power toothbrush, should pay particular attention to this minor detail. Many models do not have international charger.
Con
- Too many useless modes. Speed setting is good, but I feel Philips has taken this too far and came up with a list of different "cleaning modes". Basically, all these modes are nothing but pre-programmed sequence of speed/time settings. Most other models have one button where you can toggle between the speed modes. Realistically, that's all I need. I don't need these cheap, cheesy, and completely useless simple IC logics.
- Price. Perhaps due to all the cleaning modes, this brush is priced at 130+. IMHO, there are equally good models you can buy for much less.
- Only one brushhead included in the package. Come on, for around 140 a pop, you can't throw in at least a pair of brushheads?
Conclusion
Decent, but overpriced.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
|