The batteries on my old Sonicare Elite (E-series) died on me, so I decided to get a new one. The R710 has several incremental upgrades which are worth the difference in price.
First and foremost, like the FlexCare line, it uses the ProResults head. This alone is worth the price difference. They snap in easily, they cost less, and the handle traps much less gunk than before. Sold. I'm still waiting to see how long they last, my guess is about the same.
In addition to the regular cleaning cycle, the R710 has a second cycle designed to scrub away stains. It's selected by pushing the power button twice. In this mode, the 5th (last) interval of the normal cycle is pulsed in a way that's supposed to break up stains on your visible teeth. Note that after this interval, the brush stops. If you still want to brush your tongue or concentrate on hard-to-reach areas, you'll have to push the power button again.
The R710 now also comes with a Li-ion battery, meaning a noticeable decrease in weight as well an increase in battery life. The charger is about half the size of the Elite's, but it doesn't have anywhere to wrap the cord like the deluxe charger on the Flexcare. It comes with a little plate that holds two extra heads though. The charge indicator is a simple LED. If it's blinking, it's below 50%; if it's solid, then it's above. Maybe not as informative or fun to watch as the Elite or FlexCare, but it does the job.
In short, if you want a good basic Sonicare, this is the one to get. It has all the great redesigned features of the FlexCare but less of the (IMO gimmicky) extra routines and modes. If you have sensitive teeth, check out the R732. For an extra $20, it also comes with a few extra accessories like a case and deluxe charger.
UPDATE (1/5/2011): My Sonicare failed a few days before the 2-year warranty expired. It powered on, but the action gradually weakened over a week, until the brush head no longer moved at all.
Following a short call, Philips promptly sent out a new HX6730 handle along with a return mailer for the defective unit. Great support, as long as you're within the warranty period.
My husband & I have been using the HealthyWhite for a little over a week now and we both agree that it gives our teeth the best brushing we've ever had at home.
Our new dentist and the dental hygienist recommended Sonicare to us both as we both have some gum recession and sensitivity. Rather than just go right out and purchase the first Sonicare we saw on the shelf, we decided to look at the available options.
The other big player in the power toothbrush game is Oral B. There are several others as well, but reviews were difficult to find so the choice eventually came down to Sonicare or Oral B. Also considering that power toothbrushes run on the pricey side (for us anyway), I insisted on doing research.
My research included: Visiting both the Sonicare and Oral B websites and reading about all the different models; reading online reviews, including Amazon reviews, for each of the different models; and a lengthy discussion with our dental hygienist.
The companies' websites were useful for general information. For me, though, the Amazon and other online reviews, were much more helpful in pointing out problems/successes with both Sonicare and Oral B power toothbrushes.
I actually looked at reviews for each Sonicare and Oral B models. After reading the reviews for the lower priced (and apparently older? Sonicare models), like the Essence, I determined that I did NOT want to purchase any of those models. The primary reason: The design of these brushes apparently allows water/toothpaste to seep into part of the brush handle in such a way that mold forms.
With the HealthyWhite and the Flexcare, Sonicare solved this problem, but I was very skeptical about spending nearly $100 (or more!) for a toothbrush.
The Oral B apparently does not suffer from the design flaw of the lower priced Sonicare models and I was actually all set to go ahead with one of the lower priced Oral B models, until I spoke with the dental hygienist.
Following that conversation, I concluded that even if I purchased an Oral B for my own dental needs, we would still need to purchase a Sonicare for my husband, whose needs exceed mine a bit.
For us then it made sense to buy one brush handle and just purchase another brush head.
Although I had read about the difference between sonic dental technology (which Sonicare uses) and oscillating/rotating technology (that Oral B uses), it didn't really make sense to me until my conversation with the hygienist.
The way it was basically explained to me as follows (Sorry if this is a bit graphic):
Sonic technology mixes the toothpaste with your own saliva. The "sonic" part of the technology not only reaches the surface of the teeth but into spaces that no traditional brushing mechanism can reach, even getting in and around the gums.
The Oral B apparently uses the more "traditional" brushing technology and only cleans the area that the bristles of the brush themselves can reach.
This changed my mind, especially in light of my husband's dental needs. At that point, it made more sense to buy one of the newer Sonicare models.
When I first used the Sonicare I expected it to be very loud based on reviews I had read. In my opinion it is quieter than my hairdryer, the noise of which does not bother me. It did take both of us a few days to get used to the feeling of the brush on our teeth.
The Quadpacer technology is helpful, as is the timing mechanism that all Sonicare brushes have, but not really essential in my case: I prefer the longer "Clean and white" cycle and sometimes find that that is not long enough for me.
Some criticize the auto shutoff, but the easy solution to that is just to turn the brush back on. I can always turn it off if I don't want to go through another 2 minutes.
I was a little surprised that the charger is so light and that the brush handle does not fit securely onto the charger: It just rests on the charger and could easily be knocked off. The charger does have room to hold 2 other brushheads.
I have not had any problems with the brushhead popping off the handle when I am brushing my teeth. I do have to be careful about keeping my mouth closed when I am brushing as well as remembering to not start the brush until it's in my mouth.
Overall, though we are very happy with our Sonicare and we really hope it results in better dental appointments. If it does, then it is well worth it despite the higher price tag. My issue with the auto shutoff and the charger do not outweigh the benefits of this brush.
I would recommend this toothbrush, but before doing so I would first recommend talking to your dentist/hygienist and doing your own research. Everyone's dental needs are unique and this brush (or any Sonicare) may not be the right fit for all.
Also, for those of you who do buy a Sonicare, if you register the brush with Sonicare (either online or with the card that comes in the package),the company will send coupons for additional products. I have not yet registered our brush so I don't know how well this works or what kind of coupons Sonicare sends. - Electric Toothbrush - Toothbrush - Sonic Toothbrushes - Power Toothbrush'
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