Review (5/5): Provides fast yet effective results; ionic feature intriguing
Edit: Oct. 10, 2014
BEWARE there are NO replacement brushes available for this model (EW-DL82-W)! I searched everywhere and ended up calling the Panasonic Parts Department. A call center rep told me that they DO NOT have replacement brushes! Unbelievable! But she said Amazon had them (which I knew was not true because I'd searched it already). She said the replacement part ID was "WEW0929". I confirmed the ID and that there were no spaces, dashes etc. This part ID does not exist on Amazon, making this is an expensive, disposable toothbrush.
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I've been testing the Panasonic "Sonic Vibration" Ionic toothbrush for about a month. What impressed me right away is the size of the unit... much smaller (about 30 percent) than my previous rechargeable toothbrush of another brand.
I was intrigued by the "ionic" feature, though didn't see it explained in any of the literature that came with the toothbrush. I researched the generic topic of ionic toothbrushes and learned that they emit a flow of positive ions that reverse the surface of the teeth from negative to positive polarity, pulling plaque towards the negatively charged toothbrush head.
I haven't been to the dentist yet for my 6-month cleaning but will be eager to see if I get any compliments on the low plaque levels. I'll update this review afterward.
In a nutshell...
Pros:
* Compact size; 30 percent smaller than the other 2 rechargeable toothbrushes I've used in the past few years
* Case is great for travel
* Ionic feature (in theory) removes more plaque
* Timer feature helps you learn the proper pace from start to finish
* Easy to use; elegantly designed
* The 4-brushing modes ensures the right speed for the desired effect
* Included gum-care brushes
* Brush is going strong after 1 month - no signs of it needing to be replaced
Cons:
* Designed (in my opinion) for one person - not really family friendly as claimed. It's sort of gross removing the brush (wet) and it takes a little effort to remove.
* Difficult to find (so far) replacement brushes
Overall this is the best electric toothbrush I've ever used. Two thumbs up!