The multiple cleaning modes have been reported as one thing enjoyed by the Philips Sonicare electric toothbrushes users. For instance, many models have Clean mode for thorough brushing, Sensitive mode for sensitive cleaning, and the Massage mode for gum stimulating brushing.
Besides, another thing that has been asserted as one of the main reasons for the satisfaction of Philips’s electric toothbrushes is its handle ergonomics. Many of them are equipped with an intelligent design making them easy to hold, even if your hands are wet.
Anothe
r important feature of Philips’s toothbrushes is the patented Sonic cleaning action, which increases its cleaning efficiency to promote overall mouth health. Because of this innovation, the gap between the teeth and the gum line is cleaned thoroughly, which results in the prevention of the buildup of plaque.
There are also electric toothbrushes from Philips that are made specifically for kids. It is easy to operate so that kids will always be motivated to practice proper oral hygiene. To add, it has brushes and functions that are ideal for the sensitive teeth of your child and their special needs.
Sonicare For Kids
This is the Philips toothbrush model designed for kids aged from 4 to 10.
The latest model of Sonicare For Kids has Bluetooth connectivity and several features that make brushing more fun. Kids toothbrush also has specially designed smaller sized brush heads.
id="HealthyWhite_and_HealthyWhite">HealthyWhite and HealthyWhite+
At one point, you might get confused because there were several HealthyWhite toothbrushes available in stores – HealthyWhite HX6732, HealthyWhite HX6711, regular HealthyWhite, and even HealthyWhite Premium edition.
Now, this model is being phased out. There is only one model available – the HealthyWhite+ 5 Series.
id="FlexCare_Platinum_and_Platinum_Connected">FlexCare Platinum and Platinum Connected
Like the HeathyWhite series, the Sonicare Flexcare was an extensive model line with models like Flexcare, Flexcare Plus, and Flexcare Whitening Edition.
Then the Sonicare DiamondClean product line took over the higher end of the Sonicare model line. There are only 2 variations of the Flexcare Platinum model out there in 2020 – regular and Connected.
nicare ProtectiveClean is one of the recently launched model lines.
There are 3 models in the product line, starting with the affordable ProtectiveClean 4100 with 1 brushing mode and going up to the ProtectiveClean 6500 with 3 modes and 3 intensities, BrushSync brush head technology, and bundled charging travel case.
You will not find Bluetooth connectivity in any of the ProtectiveClean models.
There are two models in the product line, the ExpertClean 7500 and ExpertClean 7300.
The ch
eaper ExpertClean 7300 has a limited set of features compared to the 7500 model and is available in select markets where demand for more affordable models is higher.
The ExpertClean has Bluetooth connectivity, multiple brushing modes, and can sync with the brush heads using BrushSync technology.
A couple of important notes about the old Philips electric toothbrush models:
Elite is an old model. It is still available but only as a double pack of 2 toothbrushes.
Xtreme and PowerUp are battery-powered brushes, which means they are not rechargeable.
FlexCare
Sonicare Powerup
The Philips Sonicare Powerup HX3631/06 is the only model using rechargeable batteries you can replace yourself.
It is worth mentioning that this model uses a unique brush head HX3012/66 that is currently carried by a few retailers.
The br
ush itself is cheap, but you should stock up on replacement brushes.
id="FlexCare_and_FlexCare_Plus">FlexCare and FlexCare Plus
Before the Sonicare Diamondclean was launched, the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Plus was the most feature-rich toothbrush in the manufacturer’s portfolio.
Now the FlexCare and FlexCare+ models have been discontinued.
Here is a list of Philips Sonicare technologies that are built into the current toothbrush lineup.
Advanced Sonic Technology
Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush cleans your teeth in a way a manual toothbrush cannot keep up with. The Sonicare patented sonic technology uses high-frequency brush movement and amplitude to create a unique brushing action.
The toothbrush bristle tip has a velocity of 31,000 strokes per minute, which results in thorough disruption and removal of plaque and biofilm.
The br
ush sweeps back and forth and allows you to clean even hard-to-reach areas in the back of your mouth. The dynamic cleaning action forces the mixture of toothpaste and water deep into areas between the teeth and along the gum line. The liquid is directed around and between teeth and along the gum line where plaque and bacteria flourish.
31,000 vs 62,000
When you check out the specifications of different Sonicare toothbrushes, you will notice that some models provide up to 31,000 brush strokes per minute. Other models, especially newer models, provide up to 62,000 brush movements per minute.
Are the new models twice more powerful?
The an
swer is no. 31,000 brush strokes are exactly the same as 62,000 brush movements per minute – search stroke consists of two movements, up and down.
Pressure Sensor
The function of the pressure sensor is to prevent you from brushing too hard and damaging your teeth.
The pr
essure sensor is built in more advanced Sonicare toothbrushes – the latest Flexcare Platinum, ProtectiveClean, ExpertClean, and DiamondClean models.
The Sonicare pressure sensor works by providing you feedback to reduce the excessive pressure on your teeth. How does the feedback work? When you are pressing too strong, the brush will change the speed of vibration, and the brushing will feel different.
If you use your Philips toothbrush with the Sonicare app, the app will also warn you about the excessive brushing pressure.
When y
ou get the new Sonicare unit, the pressure sensor is already activated, but it is possible to deactivate it if you do not think this feature is useful.
Location Sensor
When using the smart Bluetooth connected models and the smartphone app, the app tracks the brush location in your mouth and makes sure you spend equal time brushing different parts of your mouth.
Then the application will let you know if you are neglecting any location.
id="Scrubbing_Sensor">Scrubbing Sensor
When you use your Sonicare toothbrush, you should let the brush do its job instead of scrubbing your teeth like you used to with the manual toothbrush.
Several app-connected models have the Scrubbing Sensor feature that reminds you to use less motion while brushing.
Smartimer
The Smartimer is a brushing timer that starts a countdown when you power on your toothbrush and switches it off when the two minutes of brushing time have elapsed.
The mo
re advanced models have modes that last 2.5 or even 3 minutes, but the Smartimer works the same way.
QuadPacer and BrushPacer
The Pacer feature is an interval timer that informs you when it is time to move on the next section of your teeth. When it is time, the brush changes its vibration for a split second (‘pauses‘) and then goes on.
The majority of Sonicare models have QuadPacer that splits the brushing time into 4 equal parts. That way, you will spend 30 seconds on each quadrant of your mouth if you have selected a 2-minute brushing mode.
There
are a few newer models with BrushPacer that splits brushing time into 6 parts. Using this feature, you will spend 20 seconds on each of the 6 parts of your mouth. This can become a bit overwhelming, but the good news is that models with BrushPacer also have a smartphone app that makes things easier to track.
Do all Sonicare models have the interval timer? No, the cheapest Essence and Series 2 models do not have the Quadpacer feature.
id="Brushing_Modes">Brushing Modes
Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are equipped with up to 5 different brushing modes to serve all your dental care needs. As a rule, the cheaper models have only one or two modes, but more expensive units will offer a selection of 4 or even 5 modes and several brushing intensities (explained right below).
Now let’s take a look at the modes.
Clean mode is built in all and every Sonicare model. It is a 2-minute mode that will provide a thorough and complete cleaning. If this is the mode of your choice, it will work best with C series brush heads. The manufacturer recommends a C2 Optimal Plaque Control brush head.
White mode provides extra 30 seconds of brushing time (total time 2 minutes 30 seconds) that will let you achieve extra clean and polished front teeth. If this is your focus, you should use a W2 Optimal White brush head.
White mode+ is a bit extended White mode and offers extra 40 seconds for cleaning front teeth (2 minutes and 40 seconds of brushing time).
Gum caremode adds extra 60 seconds (total time 3 minutes) to massage and stimulate your gums if improving circulation is your goal. The G2 Optimal Gum care brush head will do it best.
Gum Health mode is similar to Gum care mode but with an additional 80 seconds for massaging your gums.
Sensitive mode is an extra gentle two-minute mode for brushing sensitive teeth and gums with lower vibration frequency. This mode is built in older models that do not have the brushing intensity selection option. Philips Sonicare provides Sensitive replacement heads that will make brushing even more comfortable.
Deep Clean mode is another 3-minute mode that alternates cleaning and massaging action to achieve an exceptionally clean outcome.
Deep Clean+ mode is similar to Deep Clean mode but lasts for full 3 minutes or only 2 minutes if the toothbrush is connected to the app.
Polish mode (not related to Poland in any way) is a quick 1-minute mode you can use for extra cleaning session of your front teeth.
Tongue Care mode works with Tongue Care brush head and is designed for cleaning your tongue for 20 seconds.
Why the similar mode names with and without ‘+’? I am sure it is just a marketing play to add new and improved Plus modes to the newer Sonicare models.
id="Brushing_Intensities">Brushing Intensities
Several toothbrush models let you select the most comfortable brushing intensity from 3 available intensity levels – Low, Medium, and High.
Usually, the recommended intensity that is switched on automatically is High intensity. If it is too much for you, you can select Medium or Low intensity to make your brushing experience more comfortable.
It is very likely that after repeatedly using the toothbrush in Low or Medium intensity mode, you will be able to tolerate brushing with a higher intensity level.
id="Bluetooth_Connection">Bluetooth Connection
Select advanced Philips Sonicare toothbrush models use the Bluetooth connection to transfer your brushing data to the Sonicare smartphone app.
Which models have the Bluetooth feature? The Sonicare ExpertClean, Sonicare DiamondClean Smart models, and the Sonicare For Kids Connected model.
Sonicare App
Sonicare App (available for Android and Apple smartphones) provides you feedback about your oral care habits and offers interactive features to improve your brushing routine.
Each S
onicare model comes with a bit different App version, but you can expect these features regardless of version:
your brushing progress report
guide to improving your brushing habits
excessive pressure and scrubbing alerts
highlights of any trouble zones in a 3D mouth map
reminders to pay more attention to trouble areas
your brushing historical data
your oral health goals and personalized recommendations
BrushSync Brush Head Recognition and Mode Pairing
When you attach BrushSync compatible replacement head to the toothbrush handle with BrushSync Mode Pairing feature, the toothbrush will automatically switch to the mode that works best with that brush head:
C3 Premium Plaque Control – Clean mode
W3 Premium White – White or White+ mode
G3 Premium Gum Care – Gum Health or Gum Care mode
Or you can manually select another brushing mode if it better fits your needs.
id="BrushSync_Brush_Head_Replacement_Reminder">BrushSync Brush Head Replacement Reminder
Whether you are using a manual toothbrush or an electric one, manufacturers and dentists keep reminding you that you have to change the brush (or brush head) every 3 months. The bristles wear out, bacteria and debris accumulate on the brush head, and your toothbrush does not work as well as it should.
I am one of these obsessive people who have set up a recurring event in my to-do app (I use Todoist) that reminds me to replace my Philips Sonicare brush head every 3 months.
The latest Philips Sonicare smart toothbrushes will do this for you. No, they will not add a reminder in your calendar (hey, Philips people! Wouldnt it be a great new feature?). The toothbrush will keep an eye on the total brushing time and the pressure you apply and decide if the brush head is still good. When it is time for replacement, the brush will let you know by blinking the amber LED located in the lower part of the toothbrush handle.
Which
toothbrush models have this feature? The BrushSync brush head replacement reminder is built-in Philips Sonicare ProtectiveClean, ExpertClean, and DiamondClean models.
You also have to use a BrushSync compatible brush head for this feature to work. C2, C3, G2, G3, W, W2, and W3 are a few compatible brush heads.
Long Life Li-Ion Battery
Less and less Sonicare models have NiMH batteries as Philips is switching to Lithium-Ion battery technology.
When I
update this review at the end of 2020, only the cheapest Essence and DailyClean models are coming with the NiMH batteries. All other models have new, more powerful Li-Ion power elements.
What are the pros and cons of Li-Ion batteries? Let’s start with the only disadvantage I could figure out – they are more expensive.
What about the advantages in comparison to NiMH technology? The Lithium-Ion battery has several advantages, including:
faster charging (up to 24 hours vs up to 48 hours)
longer battery life (up to 3 weeks vs up to 2 weeks)
lighter weight and smaller size
Charging Glass
The charging glass accessory is unique to the Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Classic and Smart series toothbrushes.
This charging solution consists of a water glass that sits on top of a wireless charger puck. You can use the glass for rinsing your teeth after brushing and then place your DiamondClean toothbrush in the glass, where it will get recharged before the next brushing session.
Travel Case
Philips Sonicare toothbrushes come with several types of Sonicare travel cases:
soft case (came with cheap Sonicare Essence 5600)
regular travel case
deluxe travel case
charging travel case
The most prominent feature of the charging case that often comes with more expensive DiamondClean and ExpertClean models is…you guessed it – the charging feature. If you connect the charging case to the wall outlet or computer (using the supplied USB cable), the toothbrush will get recharged inside the case.
To make sure you will get the case with your toothbrush, you should carefully check the product page before placing the order if that is something you care about. There are differences even between different models of the same series, so you should make sure you get the one with the bundled case.
Can you buy the travel case separately? Yes, the toothbrush travel cases are sold separately, and you can choose between different brands and features.
id="EasyStart_Mode">EasyStart Mode
EasyStart mode is designed for people new to the Philips Sonicare toothbrushes.
When you start using your Sonicare brush after purchasing, it will initially use only a fraction of its power and gradually increase the power output over the first 14 brushing sessions.
This way, you will have a chance to get used to the sensations of using an electric toothbrush that can be quite overwhelming.
id="UV_Sanitizers">UV Sanitizers
Did you know that bacteria and viruses can build up on your toothbrush if you cannot dry it completely? When you flush the toilet, your toothbrush can also catch some of the bacteria, particularly when exposed to air.
These are the reasons why it would be great to have a device that could help your toothbrush get rid of these impurities.
That is why Philips is bundling some of its models with UV Sanitizer – a device that uses advanced UV technology to sanitize your brush head and eliminate up to 99% of bacteria and viruses, including E Coli, S. Mutans, and Herpes Simplex.
With a
simple push of a button, the toothbrush will go through a 10-minute cycle to dry the brush head down to the bristles and make sure that it makes all bacteria ineffective.
According to Philips, the UV bulb lasts about 1800 hours, which means it should be changed once in 2-3 years. The bulb is available for order on the Philips website and on Amazon.
Warranty
A two-year warranty covers Philips Sonicare toothbrushes.
Accord
ing to the user manual supplied with the toothbrush, “Philips warrants its products for two years after the date of purchase. Defects due to faulty materials and workmanship will be repaired or replaced at Philips’ expense provided that convincing proof of purchase in the qualifying period is provided.”
The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, damage caused by misuse and neglect, brush heads, and damage caused by the use of unauthorized replacement parts (including brush heads).
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is Philips Sonicare newest model?
Philip
s Sonicare ExpertClean 7500 is the latest Philips toothbrush.
Is Philips Sonicare safe to use on braces?
Yes, all Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are safe to use on braces.
Is Philips Sonicare safe to use on dental restorations?
Yes, all Philips Sonicare toothbrushes are safe to use on dental restorations like veneers, crowns, and fillings.
Can you take a Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush in carry-on luggage?
Yes, according to the TSA Twitter account, you can pack your electric toothbrush in your carry-on bag.
Absolutely, electric toothbrushes are good to go in carry-on bags. Safe travels!
Visit your local Philip Sonicare website to find more information about products, user manuals, and documentation, check out answers to Frequently asked questions, and more!
This is the Philips toothbrush model designed for kids aged from 4 to 10.
If you have seen the 
Sonicare Essence+ is an updated version of the Essence 5600.
The Philips Sonicare 2 Series Plaque Control toothbrush is an entry-level dental care tool with one brushing mode and no extra accessories.
The Philips Sonicare 3 Series Gum Health electric toothbrush is a slightly more advanced variation of the 2 Series model.
Philips Sonicare EasyClean was launched in Summer 2011. It looked like the manufacturer designed this brush as a replacement for Sonicare Essence.
Like the HeathyWhite series, the Sonicare Flexcare was an extensive model line with models like Flexcare, Flexcare Plus, and Flexcare Whitening Edition.
Philips Sonicare DiamondClean is currently top of a line toothbrush model.
The Philips Sonicare Powerup HX3631/06 is the only model using rechargeable batteries you can replace yourself.
Before the Sonicare Diamondclean was launched, the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Plus was the most feature-rich toothbrush in the manufacturer’s portfolio.
Philips Sonicare electric toothbrush cleans your teeth in a way a manual toothbrush cannot keep up with. The Sonicare patented sonic technology uses high-frequency brush movement and amplitude to create a unique brushing action.
When you use your Sonicare toothbrush, you should let the brush do its job instead of scrubbing your teeth like you used to with the manual toothbrush.
Several toothbrush models let you select the most comfortable brushing intensity from 3 available intensity levels – Low, Medium, and High.