We've noticed over the years that almost everyone with healthy gums had a power toothbrush. While it's no substitute for flossing, anything that gives you better results with less effort is worth it. Our office is now carrying the Sonicare Elite and Xtreme power toothbrush models.
We decided to carry both models to make sure everyone had something to fit their budget, especially these days. Unlike OralB, every Sonicare is roughly just as powerful from the top to the bottom of the lineup.
The Xtreme model is hands down my favorite "budget" model. If you're using a $5-10 "spin" toothbrush, this is in a whole other league:
Pros:
- full speed of higher end Sonicare models
- two minute timer
- affordable - only $30
- just swap the batteries when it's dead
- fatter handle - seniors and kids love it
Cons:
- a little bit louder
- lacks 30 second quad-pacer
- AA batteries aren't as environmentally friendly, and can add up
- not waterproof - don't take it in the shower
The Sonicare Elite model is a model currently carried only in dentist's offices. It's most comparable to the Essence model that retails for $90 at your local big box mart.
Compared to the $30 Xtreme, the Elite adds:
- Quad pacer - every 30 seconds it beeps you to move to the next section of your mouth, which helps you spread your brushing more evenly
- rechargeable battery - more convenient, and gentler on the environment, also
- waterproof - you CAN take it in the shower
- rubberized non-slip handle
- two selectable speeds
Compared to the $90 Essence, the Elite adds:
- rubberized non-slip handle
- two selectable speeds
Our office will offer the Elite for $90, with a $10 mail in rebate from Philips. Your net cost for the Sonicare Elite is $80, plus any applicable taxes. And unlike our OralB products, if you're not satisfied, contact Philips, return your Sonicare, and they'll mail you a refund check.
We've always carried the Oral B lineup, but it was time to shake things up a bit. The better brand recognition, more flexible return policy, more hygienic design (don't have to clean out the gunk as often), more consistent performance, longer battery life and better budget options were among the reasons that we decided to switch brands.
We will continue to carry brush refills for the Oral B system until our stock depletes. If you purchased a Triumph or 8000 series from us, they are still great products, and I continue to use both Oral B and Sonicare products in my own home.
Thorough brushing and flossing greatly reduce your chances of getting tooth decay and gum disease. I got into this business to keep people healthy. Giving you the tools and know how to accomplish these goals is our purpose. With the right technique, you can achieve equally good results with a manual toothbrush. But like a stick shift transmission, it's only smooth and effective when you concentrate. Electric toothbrushes are like an automatic transmission; they help do the job for you, and often better than you would do otherwise. Regardless of whether you use electric power, hand power, or will power to brush those teeth, we wish you the best for your oral health.