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Philips Sonicare Elite e7300 Power Toothbrush
Philips Sonicare Elite e7300 Power Toothbrush DetailsManufacturer: Philips Sonicare Brand: Philips Release Date: 2003-03-19 Model: 7300 Product features: - Sonicare brush cleans with next-generation sonic technology
- Powerfully yet gently cleans hard-to-reach areas
- Elite Series handle with 1 brush head, charger base, and deluxe travel case
- 2-minute Smartimer and 30-second Quadpacer interval timer
- Features dual speed control and deluxe recharge gauge
Accessories:
Customer Reviews of Philips Sonicare Elite e7300 Power ToothbrushCustomer Review: Good, but mold a definite problem Summary: 3 Stars
I have owned my Elite model for about 6 months now. Previous to that, I was the owner of the "original" Sonicare toothbrush for about 7 years, which used the standard heads rather than the angled "elite" brush heads. I replaced it only because the non-user-replaceable battery finally gave up the ghost.
In general, all the sonicare models do an outstanding job of keeping teeth cleaned, if used properly. I like the sonic action better than rotary or slower-speed mechanical motion. The sonicare keeps my teeth feeling polished. The timer also forces me to brush for a full 2 minutes - 30 seconds for each quadrant of my mouth.
As such, I am not going to spend a lot of time commenting on the effectiveness of the sonicare approach in general (which I think is excellent) or in comparing it to other brands. Instead, I'm going to focus here strictly on comparing the new Elite model to the previous model which used so-called "standard" sonicare brush heads rather than "elite" brush heads.
First, let's talk about the relatively few things I like about the new model:
* battery indicator - shows when charging (which old one had) and shows how much charge remains (which old one did not have)
* styling - mine is blue/white and looks attractive with its rubberized side grips. However, I have a sneaking suspicion the rubber is going to fade and look old more quickly than my older model which was entirely white plastic except for a single small on/off button.
* charger - the new charger has open sides, unlike the old model which was a sealed "well" that would trap water and give rise to gunk build up. The new design seems like it will stay cleaner and inhibit model or mildew...at least on the charger base itself
* angled brush head - the angle of the "elite" design makes it easier to clean behind your teeth and is used even in most non-electric toothbrushes today.
Unfortuately, that is about it in terms of improvements. The big black mark (and I do mean black literally) is that there is a significant problem with mold build-up on this design.
* BLACK MOLD - On my old model, I never had a mold problem - ever. Also, the mold problem is not a factor of my environment. I live in Nevada. Humidity is the least of our worries and my house runs conistently drier than normal, particularly in the winter when it is cold and there is very little moisture in the air and the forced-air furnace is running. Many people have to use humidifiers (I don't use one) to keep the house comfortable.
On my old model, I never removed the brush heads except to change them and perhaps once a month to clean the built-up toothpaste that accumulated around the collar that secured the head to the handle. I can honestly say that in 6+ years, there was never a hint of a mold problem.
On the new model, however, I began to see the appearance of black mold within 2-4 weeks of purchase. I think it may actually have to do with a rubber seal that is now placed around the base of the brush stem. Water can seep in and remain trapped more easily than on the old model which had no opening at that location. A sanitizer won't help, either, because the location where the mold is growing is not likely to be exposed to the UV light in the charger. It focuses on the brush stem and bristles, while the mold is in a sort of "cavern" that the light won't reach. In my opinion, the new model is a poor design and the company is going to have a significant problem until they redesign the brush heads and eliminate this rubber seal entirely, reverting back to a completely encapsulated design.
* Handle - my old handle was constructed entirely of plastic, with no rubberized sides. Admittedly, the new sides make it easier to grip. However, I don't ever recall dropping my old handle because it was overly slippery and my old handle sayed nice and clean because it was entirely of smooth plastic. After 6+ years the white had discolored to an unattractive dull yellow, but it had the important advantage of being able to keep clean. Any white plastic is bound to discolor over time.
The new design looks attractive now, with its accenting blue rubber sides; however, that rubber is very likely going to fade and discolor relatively quickly, unlike the previous model which took a very long time before it started to look shabby. Also, toothpaste sticks to the rubber more readily than to the smooth plastic of the old model, making it slightly more difficult to keep clean. Not a big deal, but worth noting.
* Handle seal - the handle's cover has a very small gap around the circumference, right below the threads where the brush head attaches. This is an obvious location for moisture ingression, since when you stand the toothbrush upright, water will drip down to the little "ledge" formed in this location and pool there. The gap isn't large, but is visible to the naked eye. If I can see it, so can water molecules. In time, I suspect this will spell a problem for the internals.
All in all, the new model is more attractive, has a battery indicator, and the angled brush head is slightly easier to use. However, I'm afraid these modest improvements do not eclipse the serious problem noted above; namely, mold growth.
I never used to have to take my brush head off, except when toothpaste built up and actually started to inhibit the sonic vibration of the brush head. Now, I've taken to removing the brush head after every use to allow everything to air dry properly. It's a bigger hassle and I'm not confident it will alleviate the mold growth. After all, I think most people are like me and want to focus on maintaining their TEETH - not their toothbrush.
And, I'm not real keen about having black mold 3 inches from my mouth, even if it is trapped inside the "guts" of the brush head and not on the brushes/stem itself.
Description of Philips Sonicare Elite e7300 Power ToothbrushThe new Sonicare Elite Series rechargable power toothbrush has new Superior Cleaning Technology that directs powerful cleaning action into hard-to-reach areas for 20% better plaque removal between teeth. Sonicare Elite improves gum health by reversing gingivitis and shrinking periodontal pockets. Whiter teeth and healthier gums in 28 days guaranteed! Powered with next-generation sonic technology, the Elite 7300 cleans teeth with dentist precision. A tapered brush head with extra-soft, contour-fit bristles sits atop a slim, angled neck--improving reach to hard-to-brush areas. The 7300 features the Smartimer, which shuts off the brush automatically after two minutes, as well as the Quadpacer interval timer, which beeps every 30 seconds, allotting each quadrant of the mouth equal brushing time. The 7300 includes one Elite series brush head, a charger base with dual-color recharge indicator, and a deluxe travel case. A two-year warranty covers the charger and ergonomically designed Elite handle against defects. --Ann Bieri Take your oral health to the next level with the Sonicare Elite 7300. With the power of sonic technology and a number of exclusive cleaning features, the Elite 7300 is a great investment in your total health. Plus, with a two-year warranty, you can be sure that the Elite 7300 is made to last. 
Sonicare technology generates 31,000 bristle sweeps per minute. Laboratory studies show that it removes harmful plaque bacteria up to 4 mm beyond the bristle tips -- even below the gum-line. | 
The Elite brushes have a tapered, lightweight handle, angled neck and advanced brush head design, making brushing more effective and enjoyable. | 
Bacteria colonies before exposure to Sonicare. | 
After Sonicare exposure at 4 mm distance, demonstrating Sonicare's "beyond the bristles" performance. | Design The Elite's brushes have a tapered, lightweight handle, angled neck and advanced brush head design, making brushing more effective and enjoyable. The design also allows you to spend time on hard-to-reach areas and trouble spots without risking enamel wear. The Elite features a slim, angled neck, contour-fit, extra gentle bristles and a unique ergonomic, lightweight handle. Sonic Technology Inspired by the technologies of much more expensive dental equipment, Sonicare creates dynamic fluid cleaning action. It works like tiny, but powerful sonic waves, dislodging plaque that isn't normally reachable by a manual brush, or the oscillating or rotating movement of other power brushes. In fact, dynamic fluid cleaning action can actually make it easier to clean plaque below the gum-line. The bristles on a Sonicare play an important part as well. Their high-velocity movement creates the dynamic fluid cleaning action, while allowing for direct contact with each tooth. Sonicare's bristles are also designed to be extra gentle on teeth and gums. Smartimer Smartimer is the automatic shut-off feature in your Sonicare brush that helps encourage you to brush for two minutes, which is the dental professional recommended brushing time. It's simple -- after two minutes, your Sonicare shuts off. If at any time during brushing you momentarily stop the brush to rinse or apply more toothpaste, the Smartimer pauses its timing so that you can pick up where you left off. Although two minutes is recommended for optimal results, you can always stop or restart the brush at any time by pressing the power button. Whenever the handle is placed in the charger, the Smartimer automatically resets to ensure a full brushing cycle the next time you use it. The Smartimer also automatically resets itself if you stop your Sonicare toothbrush for longer than 45 seconds. Easy-start Because the sensation created by Sonicare's dynamic fluid action is unique, Sonicare has a feature that lets your gums get accustomed to it over the first 12 to 14 uses. All Sonicare models come with the Easy-start feature activated, which helps you adjust to brushing with Sonicare. The Easy-start feature is active on your brush if you hear 2 beeps immediately after turning on your Sonicare. Once you reach optimal brushing power, you will no longer hear the double beeping at the beginning of your brushing routine. Quadpacer Quadpacer makes sure that you brush all four quadrants of your mouth evenly and thoroughly. At 30-second intervals (30, 60 and 90 seconds for a 2-minute brushing cycle), you will hear a short beep and a pause in brushing action. This is your signal to move to the next section of your mouth. Quadpacer makes it easy to clean all areas of the mouth equally well. Recharge Gauge If your Sonicare features a Recharge Indicator, and the handle is placed into the charger, the charge indicator LED will blink green as the battery charges. When the battery reaches full charge, the charge indicator LED will glow steady green until the handle is removed from the charger base. When your Sonicare is turned on or off, the charge indicator LED will blink yellow if the battery charge is low. You will also be notified, via three rapid beeps, that you have three or fewer brushings remaining. Dual Speed Control This feature lets you set the brushing power to work with your needs. Choose normal speed for optimal plaque removal and reduced speed for gentle cleaning of sensitive areas. What's in the Box Sonicare Elite toothbrush with one brush head, charger base with easy-wrap cord, brush head holder, and compact travel case.
Power Toothbrushes
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