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300 of 307 found the following review helpful:
Goodbye Oral-B, you were good, but not this good Oct 29, 2007
By T.J.
I have been a very happy Oral-B (Braun) user for about the last 4 years. During that time I've gone through 2 of their higher-end brushes. I've never been one to bad-mouth Sonicare, because it's a good brush, but I just preferred the smaller size of the Oral-B, along with the pop-off brush heads. Now however, Sonicare has changed that with their new model, the Flexcare.
I purchased this model because it was recommended by a dentist who said that the new Flexcare is not just a new style of brush, but that it actually has a greatly improved brushing technology. So, I bought a brush online and proceeded to try it out. Wow.
After having used the Flexcare, it doesn't even seem possible to compare it to my old Oral-B (which is only a year old.) This brush actually seems 20 years more advanced, and that is not an exaggeration. It has a bit of a high-pitch to it which doesn't bother me, but the real story is in the vibration. The brush seems to work exponentially better with 80% less vibration; it's a dream to use. I actually get sad after it auto-shuts off after the brushing cycle, something that I wish it didn't do. Also, and perhaps most important, is that it feels like it cleans my teeth better than my Oral-B. After using the Flexcare for awhile, I went back to my old Oral-B, just to compare... As soon as I turned it on, I couldn't believe that I loved it so much, it felt like, and sounded like an antique in comparison.
The different brushing modes on the Flexcare are really nice, but there is a small problem with all your options. One thing I'd like to be able to do is to "program" the brush to do the 3-minute brushing mode every time by default (this mode does the brushing action and also the massage action.) However, whenever you place the brush back on the charger, it automatically resets back to the 2-minute brushing mode. Programming the brush for the mode that you like every time you pick it up is not hard, but it's really annoying. Sonicare: please fix this in later models.
This brush comes with 2 chargers, one for home (with the sanitizer) and a travel one (without a sanitizer.) It also comes with a brush head cover, and a travel pouch to put the wand in. These accessories will make traveling with my brush much more enjoyable. I've never understood why more electric toothbrush makers don't include or even make these accessories.
The pop-off brush heads (as compared to sonicare's old screw on heads) are fantastic and much better than the Oral-B pop-off ones. On my Oral-B I had to remove the brush head to wash out the gunk after brushing, but because the Sonicare brush heads are longer, very, very litle gunk gets in them. That was a pleasant surprise. Although, removing and attaching the brush head on the Flexcare wand requires a lot more force, which I don't like.
The U.V. sanitizer is a nice gadget, but who knows how useful it really is? In fact, there may even be some long-term immune system dangers by killing every bacteria/virus in sight, just like using anti-bacterial soap, but this is not the forum for that. I used the UV Sanitizer a few times, but I don't use it at all anymore because of what I believe to be a very real problem with all the anti-bacterial products out there these days. Although, based on the few times I did use it, I could see where its utilization on a daily basis would be cumbersome. If you brush twice a day, it becomes too much of a bother to remove the brush head every time and put it in the sanitizer. The brush head needs to be aligned perfectly in the sanitizer and the door closed and snapped gently. If you have big hands, putting the brush head into the sanitizer is more awkward, especially if you're using the large brush head (FYI: the brush heads come in 2 sizes, small and large, and one of each is included in the package.)
It's nice to see that Sonicare has FINALLY ditched the NiCad batteries and went to Li-ion batteries; what took so long? This change means that the brush will now run longer on a single charge, and won't develop a memory by leaving it on the charging stand. It's also the reason that the brush handle is now smaller which makes it more manageable.
As much as I love this brush, I do realize that the price Sonicare has marketed it at is exceedingly high. If I were to buy it again, I would save $20 and get the one without the U.V. sanitizer. Other than the high price and a little nitpicking on the brushing modes, I really couldn't be more pleased with this brush. Oral-B has a LONG way to go to catch up to this Sonicare model.
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Update 29 November 07
The brush still continues to amaze me and I LOVE using it everyday. I've stopped using the charging station with the UV Sanitizer and I now only use the "travel charger" for everyday use at home. One nice benefit in changing to the very, very small travel charger was that I freed up some space on my bathroom counter, and the brush is easier to set down and pickup without the sanitizer being in the way. I can't understand one reviewer who said the brush doesn't sit right or balance well on the stand. Also, I have sensitive teeth and use a sensitive toothpaste, and the brushes' actions have not bothered me at all. I'd buy this brush again in a heartbeat.
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Update 17 Nov 11
I've had this brush for just over 4 years and it has performed admirably, until today that is. Today it just died, completely dead. There must be something wrong with the brush because this should not have happened in only 4 years. I also don't keep it on the charging stand and only charge it when it needs it. It is very annoying to say the least. I will be buying another because I do love it, but at nearly a hundred bucks, I'm not happy about it at all... I've since adjusted my rating down a star because of this. I hope that you have better luck. By the way, my old old Braun brush that I talk about in this review? Yeah, it still works... just saying...
432 of 448 found the following review helpful:
Noisy but works extremely well Sep 13, 2007
By Christo
"CJK"
I have used sonicare products for years and have progressively moved up the product line. This new Flexcare model is as they say, lighter, sleeker, smaller, but they did not mention its also louder than any other model. I did a side by side comparison using my older elite 7300 and the new flexcare model is much louder and raspier than the older unit. I called Sonicare today and they confirmed that the flexcare model is louder, but has less vibrations in the hand. Big deal. I expected it to be much quieter.
My dislike with the previous Sonicare models was the large screw-on brush head that always got a gunky build up inside of it.
No more,the brush head is completely new and similar to the Oral-B type. The brush head now just snaps on. So say goodbye to the gunky,icky build up in the brush head and handle on the previous models
Bottom line, it's a fantastic product but a little noisier!
UPDATE 05/01/2009: the extra noise I first encountered has gone away. Maybe Sonic care redesigned the brush heads? or maybe the brush just broke in?
Update 06/23?2009, My unit failed the other day, just stopped working. Thankfully this unit has a two year warranty. Called Philips and they are sending out a brand new one free of charge. Yes!
Update 02FEB2010: the replacement unit just broke. Unit fails to turn on, and works intermittently. I think it's a switch problem. All of a sudden while I was sitting in my den ,the unit started up by itself, scared the you know what out of me..!!!@#$%^@!
345 of 375 found the following review helpful:
 I swear to brush the tooth, the whole tooth, and all around the tooth Sep 29, 2007
By Amanda Richards
First use:
It was a dark and stormy night.
Okay, it actually wasn't stormy, and it wasn't technically "night", seeing that it was two in the morning, but it WAS very, very dark. Not a creature was stirring, not even my Logitech VX Nano Cordless Laser Mouse, when I crept to the bathroom to try out my new toothbrush. I had read all the instructions twice, and having waited the minimum two hour charging period, I was ready.
Fearlessly, I pushed the shiny button until a green light appeared beside the Max Care routine. None of that sissy "sensitive" or "one minute" stuff for me - I wanted it all!! With a steady hand, I wet the bristles and applied some toothpaste, then confidently pressed the green button......
..... and nearly jumped out of my skin.
It was noisier than I thought it would have been, or maybe it was all in my head, as no-one else seemed to have heard the sonic whine, even in the wee hours of the morning. Starting with the bottom teeth, I gently moved the brush head in the back and forth motion as directed. It tingled with a sensation that was strange and a little uncomfortable. After 45 seconds of "clean" and "massage", the Quadpacer signal indicated it was time for a change of location, as it did faithfully three more times.
Observations:
1. The tingling will take some getting used to. According to the booklet, the power will increase after this for 13 more brushings, by which time I will have grown to love the sensation.
2. Toothpaste is flying everywhere. I try closing my mouth, but then I can't brush the front teeth properly. It's running down my chin too.
3. The standard brush head feels big in my mouth, I think I'll try the compact head next time.
4. My teeth really feel clean afterwards. They actually feel "dentist clean". Maybe this gadget works after all.
5. I'll let the charging process continue and play with it some more tomorrow.
Second use:
The brush is now fully charged.
I switched over to the compact head, set it to "Clean" mode and turned it on. It didn't seem so loud any more, and the tingling wasn't that bad. I was able to maneuver the compact head a lot better, and not so much toothpaste escaped. When using the brushing modes, the toothbrush turns itself off at the end of the brushing cycle. I had just begun to enjoy myself, so I started it again, this time switching to Sensitive mode and Massage mode. Way cool.
Conclusions:
Pros -
1. This toothbrush gives you "dentist clean" with every brushing
2. There are five options for personalized brushing - 3 modes and 2 routines
3. It breaks you in gently to the new sensation
4. You have a choice of two brushing heads with caps
5. It's easy to set up and easy to use
6. There's a gauge to tell you when it needs recharging
7. It comes with a small charger for when you're traveling, and a case for the toothbrush
8. It has a UV sanitizer to zap any germs that dare to live on your brushing head, and may possibly be used to clean some models of the Oral B brushing heads you may be using in other toothbrushes. NOTE: The manual says you should only clean Sonicare ProResults brush heads in the sanitizer, but the Sonicare website lists four types of brushes that can be cleaned. I don't know which is correct.
9. The base of the sanitizer/charger has a groove where you can tuck away some of the power cord so it doesn't dangle in loops from the point.
10. It looks professional
Cons -
1. It takes some getting used to, particularly if you have sensitive teeth
2. This is basically a one person model, especially if you want to use both brushing heads yourself, but it comes with color code rings, so that if two people are sharing, you can code the brushing heads and store them in the UV sanitizer.
3. The standard brush is a bit big for smaller mouths
4. Replacements for the compact brush aren't yet available for sale, and heads need to be changed every 3 months.
5. The toothbrush doesn't fit firmly into the charger base, and I had to check to make sure I put it on correctly. The toothbrush doesn't balance well standing up with the brush head and cap attached.
6. It's a bit pricey, but worth it in the long run when you consider the cost of regular professional cleaning
Overall, I'm very happy with this toothbrush, and look forward to using it for a long time to come.
Rated: 4.5 stars
Amanda Richards, September 29, 2007
73 of 78 found the following review helpful:
Easy to use and outstanding results! Oct 08, 2007
By Krishna M. Sadasivam
"pcweenies dot com cartoonist"
I have to admit that I was quite a bit skeptical about the Philips Sonicare Toothbrush. I've used electronic toothbrushes (all battery operated) in the past, and never saw a compelling difference between using them versus the traditional 'manual' toothbrush.
So, trepiditiously, I tried the Sonicare....
The device itself was easy to install (you'll have to wait two hours after initially charging the unit before you can use it). The toothbrush comes with a handy gauge that indicates its charge. Using the Sonicare was extremely easy - there's a button on the back of the toothbrush unit that you have to press in order to activate the brush. One thing I quickly learned is to not turn the toothbrush 'on' with toothpaste before putting it in your mouth - doing so will result in your toothpaste lining the base of your sink instead of your mouth.
The unit isn't overly noisy, at least to me. Brushing was easy, unobtrusive, and fairly comfortable overall. The smaller toothbrush head makes it easy to clean those hard-to-reach places - leaving my teeth and gums shiny and my breath fresh. One thing I like in particular with the Sonicare is that you do not have to apply any force while brushing. (The common cause for gums to recede is usually due to over-brushing). You simply move the toothbrush around, and the brush vibrations take care of the rest.
There are 5 brushing modes you can choose from, including one for sensitive teeth. The package also includes a travel charger and a UV sanitizer, which kills any germs which may live on your toothbrush.
For most people, this unit is overkill - but it is well thought out and works well for its intended function. I personally enjoy using mine and would recommend it without reservation.
Update: my Philips Sonicare died last week. I called Customer Service up. They sent a new one out in 3 days (with no cost to me) and provided return shipping to send the old unit back. Excellent customer service!
63 of 67 found the following review helpful:
 These were great before Philips. Oct 21, 2009
By vsp
I owned an old Sonicare for many years. It was a great product.
After five years, I purchased a new one. This was after Philips bought the company. It failed in a year. They replaced it, but with another model, which they said at the time was better. The replacement has now failed after a few months. They refuse to replace it again.
What's interesting is that I had inadvertently called the professional customer service line (for dentists and the like) a few minutes before that call. There I was told the replacement model they sent me had a known history of failures and they would replace it with an improved version. We started to get the replacement information and he found out I was a retail customer. He said he couldn't do it and gave me a different number where, he said, they would take care of it. A that line (retail customer service) they told me that there was no problem with the unit and they would not replace it. This despite the fact that it was only nine months old and had a documented history of failures. When I told them what I had been told by the other guy, the response was that he was wrong, that no one at Philips would ever say that. But the fact remains that my junk replacement unit failed and the guy I spoke with knew exactly what I was talking about and could describe the failure. There is no doubt that Philips knew full well they were sending me a junk product that they were clearing out of their warehouse because they had to get rid of them.
Clearly, there is one company line for dentists who shill these things and get freebies for their staffs, and another company line for consumers who actually buy them. Buy Philips Sonicare products at your own risk.
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