Review (4/5): Cleaner Teeth = Happier Dentist Visits
The Oral B Vitality Dual Clean toothbrush performs like many of the $100+ power brushes but at a fraction of the cost. I started using mine about a month before my most recent dentist visit and noticed a definite improvement in my brushing results, both above and below the gumline.
Brushing with the Dual Clean takes a little getting used to. First, it's a different technique than regular brushes - you simply glide the brush along your teeth and gums rather than scrubbing back and forth. The fast pulsation of the head takes care of that for you. Once you get use to this new technique, it makes for a very comfortable brushing experience; however, I did experience some minor bleeding for the first few days of use. Second, the power of the motor means that the vibration is intense until you get accustomed to it. I experienced this as a severe tickling sensation in my nose and palate for the first week or so of use. It also includes a simple timer that momentarily revs the motor to notify you when you've brushed for the prescribed two minutes.
This package includes a handle, a charging base and a cleaning head, so it's ready to use out of the box. It runs on a rechargeable battery, so there's no need to keep feeding it AAAs. On the downside, this makes the handle rather bulky, although its rubberized grip makes it easy to manage.
Over the long run, the Dual Clean has proven to be well-constructed, having survived being packed away for several trips (battery life is good enough that you won't even need to bring the charger unless you plan on being away at least a week). Maintenance is simple - both the handle and head are easy to keep clean by simply rinsing after each use. Unfortunately, the initial value that this unit offers is diminished by the relatively high cost for replacement heads.
Overall, the Vitality Dual Clean does an excellent job of cleaning your entire mouth - my dentist said as much. It's also dependable and very affordable, making it a great buy. The sensation of a power toothbrush may not suit everyone's tastes, but at this price, it's easy to see for yourself.
PROS
* Exceptionally clean teeth and gums
* Value priced package with everything you need to start
CONS
* Some may find the bulky head and handle uncomfortable
* Replacement heads are expensive