Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

******************************************** See my updates following the original review - the short of it, now two years after purchase I'm still very happy with the DiamondClean toothbrush! Also, some reviewers/users complain about not being able to select the mode without the toothbrush 'spraying all over.' This is NOT an issue if you read the manual and it's very simple to select the mode you want. ******************************************** The latest update 4/2014 -- am currently using and testing both the Diamond Clean Standard Replacement and the InterCare Standard Replacement Brushes. The InterCare Standard Replacement Brush Heads are very similar to the DiamondClean in type, but they offer deeper cleaning in interdental spaces/gaps than do the standard DiamondClean Brush. Right now I am switching back and forth between these two brushes to see if one works better than the other for me. Although I just started doing my 'trial', I believe that for me, the Intercare brushes may work better. **** ORIGINAL REVIEW **** I upgraded to this unit after my previous SoniCare brush failed to hold a charge after 10 years of use. I was very happy with how using a SoniCare brush improved my gum's health, so for me it was a 'no brainer' and I knew I would replace the old SoniCare with a new one from them. When making my buying decision, I was trying to decide between the DiamondClean and the Philips Sonicare HX6972/10 FlexCare Plus Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush. I was interested more in function and practical features than I was in design, or the USB charging capabilities. One of the features of the FlexCare Plus brush that I was very interested in was the UV sanitizing feature. Before making my purchase, I read as many reviews as I could, I visited a local store that carried both the FlexCare Plus and the DiamondCare, and I also asked my periodontist for his recommendation. From my store visit, I was leaning towards the FlexCare Plus model because of the UV cleaning option and the fact that there was a separate On/Off button. My periodontist said that he didn't believe the UV feature would make much difference, and that it would be just as good to periodically soak the brush head in Listerine or similar product. In other words, he said he didn't think it was 'worth paying extra for' the UV sanitizing feature. Instead, he suggested I go with the model I preferred based on price and any other features I wanted. I finally decided on the DiamondClean model based on its having a better performing brush. I have to admit that I was concerned with two things about this model: no On/Off switch, and a smooth surface which I wondered if it would be slippery when wet. Now, after over a month of use, I can report that I am very, very pleased with my decision. First, the cleaning ability of this brush far surpasses the older unit it replaced. Second, the surface is not slippery when wet and it actually feels very comfortable in the hand. Lastly, the issue I was concerned about the most -- not having an On/Off switch and having to cycle through all five settings whenever one uses it -- is a non-issue. As you will see in some of the other online reviews, some users complain that the DiamondCare's lack of an On/Off switch causes as situation such as what this reviewer wrote: "You select the mode you want by pressing a *single* button multiple times. So, if you want "sensitive", you need to put the brush head into your mouth, and press the button five times. You can't do that while looking at the display, because the handle will turn on on the first button press, and splatter the toothpaste all over the place in "clean" mode, while you're progressing slowly to the mode you actually want. " In actual use the DiamondCare is not saddled with the problem if one follows the procedure in the owner's manual. The way it works is like this: after one choses the mode one wants to use -- by pushing the button to cycle among the various modes (i.e., Sensitive, Whitening, Cleaning, Gum Care) -- the DiamondCare operates in that mode for the completion of the cycle. The next time one uses the brush, simply put your toothpaste on the brush, press the On/Off/function combo button, and the DiamondCare starts up in the same mode you selected last time. If one needs to interrupt your brushing, simply push the function button and the brush remains in 'pause' for 30 seconds. When you push the button again it starts up where it left off in terms of mode and timer. In short, I simply can't believe how clean my mouth feels after each use. My gums are looking great and I'm looking forward to many years of satisfaction from my DiamondCare brush. **** UPDATE -- 4 months after purchase **** After over 4 months of use I am pleased to say that I am still very happy with my SoniCare brush. A full charge lasts for about 3 weeks. I don't keep the unit constantly charging, but instead give it an overnight charge after the status light turns amber for a couple of days. **** UPDATE -- 1 YEAR LATER **** Still very happy with the Sonicare DiamondClean. It is easy to use, clean, and you don't have to worry about getting it moderately wet. Maintains a charge for at least three weeks. *** UPDATE -- 2 YEARS after purchase **** Toothbrush is still working well. I have never used the USB charging feature, but I do like the nice case for travel. Because the case itself can charge the toothbrush with a USB cable, one need not be concerned about how much their toothbrush is charged before a trip. I charge my toothbrush using the included charger base that goes under the also included charging glass, which is where my DiamondClean toothbrush resides between uses. This is nice because it helps protect your brush from being knocked off the counter or shelf in your bathroom.