A great alternative to the name brand
I have (and love) an Oral B electric toothbrush. It's the kind that spins the head, it's older, it only gets a day out of a charge, and someday it will die. This toothbrush came up in my Vines queue, and I thought I'd try it as a possible replacement - with my old brush (purchases in 2011), it's just a matter of time. In the meantime, I thought I could use this as a travel toothbrush as I travel extensively for business.<br /><br />First, though, the issue of the vibrating toothbrush (this kind) versus the spinny kind (my old brush); They both seem fine, but it seems like the spinny one is more rigorous. It just happened that I was at the dentist last week for a cleaning and checkup, so I asked. First of all, my dentist and hygienist both said the fact that I am brushing extensively is obvious, so an attaboy there. Second, my dentist explained that the studies he has read say there is no difference whatsoever between the two types, so pick the one you like. Finally, he said the biggest benefit is the timer that lets you know when 30 seconds are up so you brush each quadrant of your mouth for 30 seconds, and your total mouth for 2 minutes. In fact, he said, if you used a regular toothbrush for two minutes it would likely be as good as either of these types. The problem is that the average person (according to my dentist) when told to brush for 2 minutes without a timer brushes for 37 seconds. Enlightening!<br /><br />So I tried this brush, and it's great. The default settings work just fine for me, but you can dial back the intensity. Remember, I'm used to an electric toothbrush, but you may need to acclimate. It holds a charge for as long as I've tried it (4 days), but I'm not sure that's an issue; the charging base is tiny so you can take it with you if you travel or use it as a holder when home. I like that the unit shuts off after 2 minutes; if you want to brush longer, have at it; just hit the on button again.<br /><br />Another thing I was concerned with was the replacement heads; my initial thought was that I would have preferred the option of buying heads locally, so I went to my local drug store and bought a couple of different heads to see if they would fit. While they looked similar, none fit, so unless you find one I didn't you have to buy them on Amazon. That being said, a 2-pack of store-brand replacement heads cost $16, while a "HIEIE Electric Toothbrush Replacement Brush Heads Refill, 4 Count" only costs $10.99. This negated my objection; if you're concerned these may not be available someday, stock up, they're cheap!<br /><br />I also like the carrying case, although it would have been nice if the brush heads snapped in a little tighter (they rattle around) and if there was a place to store the little charger base "puck". And, if you want a good laugh, take a look at the owner's manual - it's full of typos and bad translations. Things like "Battery can not be replaced by self, can only be replaced by authorized by our Maintenance Center or Manufactory professional person. Nonprofessionals are prohibited to remove the product". Do yourself a favor and read the manual. It's short, and it's a hoot!<br /><br />In summary, it appears to be well made, works well, is dentist approved (my dentist, at least), is inexpensive, comes with a nifty case, and replacement heads are reasonable (I just ordered some). I recommend this and could see buying another one to have a home one and travel one. Highly recommended.
Rating: 5 stars