One review by itself is good information, but for it to bear efficacy, the same reviewer should review multiple products. To this end, I have decided to review all electric toothbrushes that I own, some for roughly 5 years. Please see all other reviews on DentalCompare.com for the Ultreo, Sonicare Elite, and Sonicare Intelliclean.
I have been using the Oral B Sonic Complete for nearly 3 years, and it is going as strong as the day I received it. Oral B makes some of the best toothbrushes, both electric and manual and this sonic version is no exception. Nearly the smallest toothbrush body that I own, it is much lighter than other comparable brushes, perfect for your patients with manual dexterity issues.
The Brush Head
The brush head resembles a manual Oral B head in size and design. It is really a quality design of simplicity and efficiency with its cross-angled bristles. The toothbrush comes with handy colored rings that identify brush heads incase you share the handle with spouses or among siblings. Of course, since this is an Oral B toothbrush, the bristles fade to let you know when to change the head. The bristles in the middle wear much heavier than the sides do. Also, being a dentist, I wish Oral B would make a softer and smaller option as I feel that the best toothbrush is the softest toothbrush, and a smaller head gives better access to areas that need it most.
The Handle
The handle is very light and comfortable, even in my large hands. As I mentioned above, the Oral B Sonic Complete is nearly the smallest toothbrush body, but I feel one of the most comfortable to hold due to its minimal heft and rubberized areas to keep angulations correct without undo effort. A single button operates the sonic motor with 3 speeds, clean, soft, and massage. Basically, a normal setting, a lower setting, and a controlled on/off of the lower setting that is actually quite relaxing. If you have patients that are not able to tolerate the vibration of a sonic toothbrush, they can start on the lower setting and work into the normal setting after some time.
The Battery and Charger Plate
The battery is Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) and is meant to provide many years of service. A full charge lasts roughly two weeks, or around 28 uses. Some users have complained about a slow charging time, I have never noticed, nor have had need to notice this. When not in use, I store it on its handy charger with inset storage for extra brush heads. I have taken it on extended vacations and have run out of “juice.” Of course, I am not your typical twice a day, 2 minutes each time type of person. My estimate would say that the given 28 cycles per charge seems accurate, even after 3 years. As far as I know, there is no way for the owner to replace the battery if needed. This must be sent in to the manufacturer for replacement. There is, however, a handy 1-800 number on the side of the brush next to the recycle symbol and the Ni-Cd symbol, reminding the owner to call that number for replacement and recycling of the battery.
Efficacy
According to reviews by Oral B, the Sonic Complete is preferred slightly in tests over Sonicare Elite. They also claim greater reduction in plaque, and also a tooth brushing experience that is similar to manual brushing. Tests that are not of an independent agency should always be taken with a large grain of salt as numbers can be used to prove any angle of a situation. In my personal opinion, the Sonic Complete does remove plaque and gives me a sense of clean as well as any other toothbrush I own. It is a bit more fun as I have 3 settings to choose from after my first 2 minutes are finished!
Comfort
The Oral B Sonic Complete is a very comfortable toothbrush to use, with less overall vibration compared to similar sonic brushes. The slower speed and massage modes are quite useful in the initial break-in period of the brush for patients that may need it, along with massaging to dorsum of the tongue.
The Conclusion
Overall, I believe that Oral B made an excellent product with more benefits to patients than downfalls. With small areas of improvement such as a smaller brush head and softer bristles, this toothbrush would have no competition to top my list of recommendations for patients due to its size and variability in motor speeds. I have not yet found the perfect toothbrush for all of my patients, and I prefer to tailor my recommendations to the individual. I know that one toothbrush may be excellent for one person, but another toothbrush may be perfect for another. And again I know that for some people, the proper technique taught will be the best solution with a manual toothbrush. Whatever your situation, I urge you to custom tailor your recommendations to your own patients, and I hope that the Oral B Sonic Complete finds its way into some of your recommendations. I know it does in mine.
Review Synopsis
Product
Oral B Sonic Complete Power Toothbrush
The Good
Solid design, long lasting.
The Bad
User cannot replace battery.
The Bottom Line
Excellent benefit to a patients hygiene routine.