Braun Oral-B Pulsonic Smart Series Rechargeable Toothbrush with Smart Guide

The Oral-B Pulsonic is a wonderful addition to the rechargeable electric/sonic toothbrush market. It is more slender, more quiet than the Philips Sonicare Flexcare Rechargeable Sonic Toothbrush I own, although it doesn't have as many features. Both clean equally well; you'll notice whiter teeth within a few days of use. Choosing between the two will be a matter of personal preference for most consumers.

The ultra-slender handle of the Pulsonic feels close to a regular toothbrush, particularly if you're used to the heftier ones on the market, making it easy to maneuver the brush around the mouth. The fine vibrations barely travel down the handle --unlike all of other rechargeables I've used, including an older Oral-B model-- and thus minimize annoyance. The included "Precision Tip" brush head is great for cleaning between teeth, although people with sensitive gums may find it too much. (Note: these sonic toothbrushes maintain and improve gum health, so what may be uncomfortable during the first two weeks may not be a problem later.)

This brush has two speeds: "clean" and "sensitive." Although the instructions say that the sensitive speed is for tongue and gums, it's also a great speed for gradually introducing sonic cleaning before you step up to full speed vibrations. Like the Sonicare, the vibrations briefly change tempo when it's time to move to another area of the mouth. The brush pulses twice when two full minutes have passed since turning on the unit.

The Oral-B addresses some complaints I have about the Sonicare. One, it comes with a charger stand that can be mounted on the wall, allowing you to choose whether you want it on or off the counter. Two, the charger has a well for the body, making it difficult to knock it over by accident. The handle may not fit tightly into the well, but it definitely stays put. (The stand also has room for two brush heads.) Three, when you've finished all four quadrants, the toothbrush does not shut off automatically, making it much easier to brush your tongue or to spend a little extra time on a specific area after the two minutes is up.

That's not to say that the Oral-B doesn't have drawbacks. To get to the sensitive mode, you have to click through the regular mode, which means that either you'll have a brief time with the faster vibrations or you'll run the risk of splattering toothpaste. Likewise, if you are on the regular cleaning mode, you have to press the button twice to turn it off -- once to get to sensitive mode and another to shut it off. The Sonicare allows you to choose the mode with a separate button, and the mode will "stick" time after time unless you change it. (Also, the Sonicare has five different modes, including a regimen that include gum massaging and one that allows for four-quadrant quick brushing.) The instructions for the Oral-B also suggest circular movement around the tooth, thus demanding more work from the user. It's not clear whether this type of motion is really necessary or whether it's simply Oral-B technique; I'm not even sure my hygienist will know. In any case, I followed the instructions, and while I did get teeth as clean as I do with the Sonicare, I disliked the extra movement. Also, Oral-B doesn't offer different-size brush heads, although I wouldn't be surprised if they offered them in the future.

All in all, I really like the Pulsonic Power, although right now I prefer the Sonicare because of its extra features and the way it fits into my hand. However, the Pulsonic Power beats the Sonicare hands down for quietness, small size, and its charger stand. This is truly a next-generation sonic toothbrush that, despite its lack of extra features, may set a new standard.

This is our first electric toothbrush and I have to say, what a difference from manual brushing!

The box contains the handle and three brush heads, the charger unit (with a two-pin plug), a handy travel case and the "SmartGuide". The SmartGuide is a nice little gadget that not only tells the time and doubles as a neat bathroom clock (with sticky pad for wall attachment) but also guides you on where and how long to brush your teeth.

The novelty of the SmartGuide will probably wear off after a while for adults (the brush itself vibrates when it is time to move zones in your mouth and when the 2:00 recommended time is up, but it's great for children and even has a "smiley face" to tell you when you've brushed long enough.

I found the standard setting fine to start with but now use the "polishing" setting. The "sensitive" mode is particularly nice if you have sensitive gums.

Toothbrush timer provides a useful indicator of time spent brushing and generates an awareness of how well one is doing time wise.

A good brushing with this toothbrush does leave your teeth feeling like you have just paid a visit to the hygienist.

I am very pleased with the product, so much better than a cheap electric toothbrush.