Review (5/5): Water seal and battery experience
I have been using this brush now since Approximately November 1, 2010. I use it every night but not in the mornings and am totally pleased with it. Two thoughts might be helpful for those reading about problems with the water seal on the bottom of the handle and battery usage.
1)I was flabbergasted once I started using the brush by the comments of those who had trouble with the water seal. I suspect there are two types of brush users. Those like myself who keep their lips closed while brushing and therefore have no water drip down the brush whatsoever. And then I suppose there must be people who brush their teeth with their moth open and the brush handle pointed down and let water and saliva and paste drool down the handle. I suppose it would be possible to get moisture to the bottom cap of the battery compartment is you did this regularly and perhaps some moisture could get in. Or perhaps if you rinsed the brush but also rinsed the whole handle you could get moisture in.
So if when you brush your entire handle does not regularly get wet, then this complaint about the water seal will have no effect on you.
2) My experience with battery usage has been that the two AA batteries supplied with the unit lasted from 11/2/2010 until 1/16/2011 being used once a night for two minutes. Two rechargeable NiMH batteries are still going strong as of today 3/6/2011 with the same usage rate.
The brush head is still in fine condition and not splayed out.
I hope this helps folks trying to decide on this unit. Seems ridiculous to pay for a more expensive model that is virtually the same but with unneeded "features"
ADDED COMMENTS AS OF 6/5/2012: My and my wife's brushes are still going strong with no signs of fatigue, breakdown, or water seal problems. We continue to use NiMH rechargeable batteries and get months of use out of a charge. I just came back from my dentist today and they have noticed an obvious improvement in my gum health. I will be ordering another one to use in another bathroom which will be more convenient for morning brushing before leaving for work. Great product and great price savings over the unnecessary added "features" of th higher priced models!