What To Look For
All powered toothbrushes operate on battery power. The less expensive models rely on AA batteries as their energy source, while the more expensive models sit on recharging bases that keep them continually powered up.
Powered toothbrushes come in two varieties, both of which have proved to be effective at cleaning teeth and removing plaque. Sonic toothbrushes have a single brush head that vibrates quickly from side to side. The spinning variety features heads that rotate very fast in one direction then reverse to the opposite direction. Spinning brushes may also have pulsating bristles. The best choice here is whichever type is the most comfortable for you.
Common Pitfalls
Before purchasing a powered toothbrush, calculate the future cost to maintain it. Those that are powered by AA batteries will require purchase of replacement batteries or a battery recharging unit to keep the device working. All toothbrushes will require purchase of a replacement brush head every three months.
Prior to spending extra money for a more expensive toothbrush with extra features, calculate whether you actually need or will use those features in the future.
Where To Buy
All powered toothbrushes are widely available at mass retailers, drugstores and warehouse discount stores, such as Costco. Be sure to check the store's policy on returns in case you discover your new toothbrush isn't comfortable to use, has too large a brush head or is difficult to manipulate. Some of the more expensive models offer a money-back guarantee.
Cost
Powered toothbrushes range in cost from $15 to $140. According to Consumer Reports, the best electric toothbrush is the spinning Oral-B Triumph Professional Care 9400, which retails for about $130, as of August 2010. This toothbrush features three brushing speeds and a pulsating brush head, and received the highest ratings for comfort, plaque removal and ease of use. The best sonic toothbrush is the five speed Philips Sonicare FlexCare R910, which generally retails for $140, as of August 2010. Consumer Reports named the battery-operated Arm & Hammer Pro Clean Sonic Toothbrush a best buy for its excellent cleaning ability and low $15 price, as of August 2010.
Comparison Shopping
Most of the powered toothbrushes include a timer that signals or turns the toothbrush off after two minutes to ensure you are devoting the dentist-recommended amount of brushing time to your teeth. The more expensive models sound four additional alarms, known as quadpacers, every 30 seconds to signal you to begin brushing another of the four quadrants of your mouth to encourage you to devote equal brushing time to all your teeth.
References
- "Consumer Reports" magazine; Toothbrushes to Make You Smile; March 2010
