Amazon.com Customer Reviews
don't need extra features of higher models - Review written on November 12, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
I had never used a power toothbrush before so I could only go by others' recommendations to pick one out. My dentist warned me of my receding gum line and recommended Sonicare to be gentler on my gums and to help slow down any more loss of gum tissue. I debated for awhile about getting one of the higher up models, but then cost won out, and I got this one.
Actually, I don't think you really need the extra features of the higher models. I thought the quad timer would be nice, but that's based on brushing your teeth 4 sections at a time. Actually, the 4 they recommend is awkward, I would prefer 6, so I'm glad I didn't pay for that option.
And I thought getting more ergonomic might be better, but I have no problems with this one. In fact, I'm very impressed with the angled head and how much better I can reach around the back of the back molars.
A better battery indicator might have been nice, because I don't want to just keep it plugged in all the time - we only have one outlet in that bathroom. But it says it is supposed to stay charged for a full 2 weeks. So I've just been planning to plug it in every weekend (that way if I forget one weekend, it should still stay charged well enough for me). So like I said, I don't think I really needed any of the extra features of the higher models.
The brush head seems kind of small after having used regular toothbrushes for so long, but you don't actually have to brush with this tooth brush. Just gently move the brush across your teeth. So I'm happy with how it works.
My only complaints have nothing to do with how it works. But it does sound a bit like a giant mosquito! And you learn quickly to not bump your teeth with the brush handle - it sounds really loud, and the vibration can be startling if you bump your teeth.
But I've only had it for a few weeks. We'll see how it lasts.
Now I actually LIKE brushing - Review written on October 27, 2008
Rating: 5 out of 5
I bought this about a month ago to replace my terrible Oral-B Vitality which had died after less than a year. (You get what you pay for.) My boyfriend has been a Sonicare fan for a few years, and I decided to give it a try since he has very white teeth and never uses whitening products.
The difference is AMAZING. The toothbrush ramps up the intensity over the first 12 uses to prevent you from having a freak-out over the buzzing, but you'll be glad it gets up to its full power because it's a great feeling. Your teeth will actually FEEL and look brighter, and this is with regular toothpaste and no whitening strips or whatever. On a mildly gross note, when I floss post-Sonicare, I am impressed at the serious reduction in debris.
I understand that the brush heads and the product itself seem a bit steep, but I strongly encourage you to at least try this if you currently are frustrated by the inability of your teeth to look cleaner. The product feels solid in your hands and looks great - this isn't a cheap thing that just hums over your teeth. This really gives you a good scrubbing. Battery charge lasts for a long time, but you will see a drop in intensity after a few days without brushing, though it's by no mean debilitating.
I don't think most people really need the more expensive model. The pricier models have different bells and whistles but I think all you really need is the 2-minute timer, which this model (Essence 5300) certainly has. You'll be surprised at how fast 2 minutes goes by when you brush with this toothbrush. (Try brushing 2 minutes by hand. I bet you can't take the boredom.)
packaging is terrible - Review written on October 06, 2008
Rating: 1 out of 5
1 customer found this review helpful, 5 did not.
I'm disappointed I've used Sonicare for about 15 years. My latest one lasted about 3 years and then pooped out when the gree on-off button's seal failed and allowed rinse water to enter and ruin the works. So I ordered a new one- a e5000.
This unit arrived in a clear, form-fitting polycarbonate bubble, fully welded to create a hermetic and utterly impenetrable package. There is no way "in" except to take a very sharp knife and try to cut this tough material open without damaging the products within. The package, once cut, is razor-sharp. Much force is required to cut the tough plastic. I URGE CUSTOMERS WHO INJURE THEMSELVES DOING THIS TO SUE PHILIPS FOR NEGLIGENCE. I struggled hard to open it....and I'm a burly Engineer!
They clearly are trying to make a package that, once opened, can never be
reclosed...thereby reducing returns. Its downright foolish and stupid.
As for the product within...yes, it works OK. this model lacks the
interval "timing" that all previous models I've used had...and there is a bright green LED that blinks off and on all night making my nightime bathroom seem like some rented room above an old bar room, with its neon sign outside blinking. I may change to another brand next time
Planned Obsolescence - Review written on September 27, 2008
Rating: 1 out of 5
7 customers found this review helpful.
Here are two things Phillips will not tell you about their Sonicare toothbrushes and heads.
1) The collar that holds the toothbrush to the handle will disintegrate in a couple of months. That's what prompted this review, because they would not replace mine after it fell apart two weeks after purchasing a replacement.
They manufacturer these things to disintegrate so you will continue to buy replacements - planned obsolescence. However, I suspect their China supplier is skimping on the plastic specifications and they fall apart in weeks instead of months. (Do you think China would really do that?)
2) UNPLUG your base until you need to charge the toothbrush. If you charge it up overnight, then unplug the base, the toothbrush will work for four brushings per day for about a month. Then, when it signals or stops, plug the base in to charge it.
This method will allow your toothbrush to work for five years or longer. If you keep the base plugged in all the time, these NiCad batteries develop memory and will stop functioning after 18 to 24 months.
A bonus, if you travel a lot as I do, you don't have to pack the charger. Just make sure it's topped off and you're good for a month's vacation.