Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Similar to many people here, my dentist suggested that I start using a Sonicare. I bought the Advance model about four years ago and used it anywhere from 2-4 times a day. My dentist noticed the difference right away and recommended that I continue to use it.
I typically get about 12 days between charges, so I've gotten into the habit of charging it on the 10th and 20th of the month. About a year ago I went on a trip and it died two days into the trip. I later noted that my Sonicare had just turned three and had undergone less than 100 charge cycles. A good set of rechargeable batteries should last anywhere from 300-900 charge cycles, but the Sonicare is using a unique wireless charging system that may or may not have a detrimental impact on the batteries.
In an attempt to prevent another item from being sent to a landfill, I contacted Sonicare, told them that my batteries appeared to be dead and asked to have them replaced. I offered to pay for shipping and cost of the batteries, but they advised that they don't provide that service, but would be willing to sell me a new one at a discount. I thanked them but declined.
Since the warranty expired, I took a Dremel tool to the Sonicare and opened it up. To my delight, I noted that the batteries employed by the unit were two standard, albeit unbranded AA NiCad cells. I removed and replaced them with two 600mah Sanyo cells, closed the handle and sealed it shut with silicone. It's been over a year now and my Sonicare is working as well as it did the day I bought it. For the gear heads out there, the Sonicare consumes about 1.3 watt hours and lasts about 14 days between charges when used twice a day. This equates to about 56 minutes of total run time, which means that the original batteries installed in the Sonicare were ~600 mah. I considered replacing the batteries with 2000mah NiMH cells, but opted against this option as the cells would probably self-discharge before I depleted the cells from normal use.
I disagree with another reviewer and do not believe the Sonicare should use Li-Ion or Li-Poly cells. Li-Ion and Li-Poly cells require sophisticated charging and discharging circuitry. They also last fewer recharging cycles than NiCads. Conversely, NiCads take a lot of abuse and in an application of this size, they provide more than enough storage capacity. For the bean counters, NiCads are cheap to source. However, the cadmium in NiCads is highly toxic and not exactly the most environmentally friendly option for batteries. Compared to NiCads, Nickel Metals would be a better environmental choice but would provide little performance benefit.
I like the Sonicare, but I don't approve of the idea of buying things and having to replace them because it was designed last a finite period and not be user serviceable. I would have given this item 5 stars had it been designed to allow the user the option to easily replace the batteries when they died as well as a having some sort of reclamation process for the $12 replacement heads.
Updated to add: I just bought a new brush head over the weekend and they're up to $20 now for a single and $30 for a pair.(2 October, 2006)
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Model HX 4101. Naturally whiter teeth. Superior plaque removal. Healthier gums. Not all power toothbrushes are created equal. Only Sonicare combines 31,000 brush strokes per minute and extra-wide sweeping motion to create dynamic fluid cleaning action. Inspired by the sonic technology used in dental offices. Sonicare's unique dynamic fluid action gently and effectively reaches deep between teeth and below the gum line. Naturally Whiter Teeth: Clinically proven to significantly reduce coffee, tea, and tobacco stains for naturally whiter teeth in just 28 days. Superior Plaque Removal: Clinically proven to remove significantly more plaque than a manual toothbrush; Safe for use with braces, dental work, implants, and sensitive teeth. Improves Gum Health: Clinically proven to reverse gingivitis and help shrink periodontal pockets. All Sonicare Models Feature: Patented Sonic Technology - Creates high speed bristle motion and dynamic fluid cleansing action. Smartimer - 2-Minute timer helps ensure dental professional recommended brushing time. Easy-Start - Gently increases brushing power over first 12 uses. Helping you get accustomed to electric tooth brushing. Extra Soft Bristles - Extra-soft, end-rounded bristles are gentle on teeth and gums. Used by More Dental Professionals: Sonicare is the brand personally used by more U.S. dental professionals than any other power toothbrush. Full charge lasts for up to 2 weeks of normal brushing. Advance 4100 Includes [Previously named Personal 4100 (PS)]: 1 Sonicare Toothbrush with Brush Head (Standard Size); 1 Charger Base with Easy-Wrap Cord. UL Listed Personal hygiene appliance. 2 Year Warranty.
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