Review (3/5): Mediocre effort to create a cheap sonic brush, better options available
This product attempts to bring sonic toothbrush technology to the sub-$20 price bracket. It does not entirely suceed, and though nicely designed, it is not very effective at its job.
The Sonic toothbrush as invented by Philips uses a high speed pulsing (> 30,000 rpm) to use fluid below the gumline to help vibrate dirt and plack off the teeth. This process is gentle, effective, and leaves the teeth feeling and looking very clean. I've used these brushes and they are great.
The downside to this marvel is that Philips charges roughly $80-$130 for their Sonicare brushes. Oral B has their own latecomer Sonic Complete model (which costs about $100) and a number of lower cost designs that use a more conventional oscillating mechanical head to clean teeth.
The problem here is the corners Oral B cut to bring you a $20 sonic brush. The brush vibrates at a much lower speed (20,000 rpm) and though it uses the same brush head as the more expensive Sonic Complete, it does not clean teeth anywhere near as well as a faster sonic brush. The 1/3 speed difference evidently is very significant in the ability of the brush to get the ol chompers clean.
If you want a sonic brush, spend more money than this. If you want a cheaper brush that is fairly effective at cleaning your teeth, try the Oral B Vitality Dual Action ($18) or the Oral B Cross Action Power Max ($12).
The dual power head action of these designs, though not sonic, is a reasonable compromise in getting teeth clean while also keeping price low. The Vitality Sonic just spins its wheels without doing much.
The design and function of the Vitality Sonic is ergonomic and reasonably high quality, but for a low cost cleaning solution, buy something else, and if you want the high-tech sonic experience, then spend more.