Electric Toothbrush Review : What we think of the Philips Sonicare FlexCare R910 sonic toothbrush (HX6911/02).

The FlexCare R910 offers a number of different brushing modes and routines. In our mind, the most important of these brushing settings is this FlexCare's Clean mode. In this mode the brush will deliver Sonicare's hallmark, patented 31,000-brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action. This is the mode in which we feel that most users should strive to use their Sonicare because it is the setting at which most Sonicare's will produce their greatest brushing efficiency (at least in terms of cleaning efficiency per minute).

The FlexCare R910 also has two other operating modes. The first of these is a reduced-power Sensitive mode. This setting produces a less efficient brushing action (that's why we favor the use of the Clean mode) but it may be needed for people who have trouble tolerating the vigorous brushing action of their Sonicare when set to full power.

The other FlexCare R910 operating mode is the Massage setting. This is not a brushing mode but instead a setting that is intended to provide gum tissue stimulation. While we can vaguely see a use for this setting, we wouldn't buy the FlexCare R910 over a less expensive Sonicare model just because it did offer this Massage mode.

The FlexCare line of brushes also features some more elaborate brushing actions that Sonicare has termed brushing routines. One of these is the Max Care. When this routine is selected the brush will operate in Clean mode for thirty seconds followed by fifteen seconds of Massage mode. This cycle is repeated four times, for a total operating time of three minutes. We will state that we love the idea that someone would use their toothbrush for three minutes. Our opinion would be, however, that anyone doing so might be better served (especially in terms of dental plaque removal) by brushing in the above mentioned Clean mode alone for the entire duration.

The FlexCare R910 sonic toothbrush also offers what is termed the Go Care routine. This setting provides an abbreviated brushing session that simply consists of the toothbrush generating the Clean mode action for a duration of one minute, and then turning off.

The availability of this mode on the FlexCare disappointed us somewhat. We personally feel that by offering this routine Sonicare has implied that brushing for one minute is acceptable. To the contrary, our opinion would be that very few members of the general population can effectively clean their teeth in sixty seconds. We feel we must state that a person needs to understand that proper oral health can only be maintained by way of regular, thorough plaque removal.

At this point we feel we should recap this section of our FlexCare review, so you get an idea of what we are thinking when we look at the higher-end Sonicare models. The FlexCare R910 offers two brushing routines, neither of which we anticipate that we would use (for the reasons given above). It also offers a Massage mode, which once again we don't think we would find ourselves taking advantage of. It does offer a Sensitive mode, just like many other Sonicare models do. We can see a need for this setting but would hope that most people won't have to use it. And the FlexCare R910 offers a Clean mode (the full-power, 31,000-brush-strokes-per-second brushing action), which is the mode we favor but other less expensive Sonicare models offer a similar setting.

» The FlexCare R910 electric toothbrush utilizes ProResults brush heads.

The FlexCare R910 utilizes Sonicare's newer-design ProResults brush heads and these brush heads do offer some advantages over the older-styled e-series heads used with lower-end Sonicare models. For one thing, the bristled portion of the brush head has an improved design which, at least in theory, does provide for more brushing efficiency.

Probably more important for most users, the ProResults brush heads offer some convenience advantages. As an example, ProResults brushes snap in place onto the FlexCare's body. In comparison, e-series brush heads have a screw-on design. This makes the ProResults-style brush heads easier to switch out between users and to clean around. This can be a consideration especially if more than one person will be using the brush.

Replacement ProResults heads are a little cheaper than the e-series. Philips Sonicare's current recommendation is that both types of brush heads should be replaced every three months.

» Other considerations about the Sonicare FlexCare R910.

The FlexCare R910 electric toothbrush features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. A lithium-ion batter offers advantages over the NiCad-type battery found in older-design Sonicares (less pronounced memory effect or idle charge loss, superior energy-to-weight ratio).

Probably more important to the toothbrush user, the incorporation of a lithium-ion battery in the FlexCare's design allows it to be smaller and lighter than all other Sonicare models. This allows using a FlexCare to be more toothbrush-like, as opposed to seeming like you are brushing with an apparatus.

The mechanical changes built into the FlexCare line includes a vibration canceling design. This means that the toothbrush will impart less operational vibration to the user than other Sonicare models. All combined these size, weight and vibration considerations may make the use of the FlexCare line of brushes much more acceptable to some users such as children, the elderly or people who are physically debilitated.

For the traveler, the FlexCare R910 has a multi-voltage charger that can be separated out and used as a compact travel charger. (While the charger can be used with a range of voltage imputs, you will have to separately purchase plug adapters so you can physically plug your charger into whatever type of outlet encounter.) It also comes with a travel case. ProResults brush heads come with protective caps.

The FlexCare R910 electric toothbrush: Model-specific problems.

We have seen postings where Sonicare owners reporting that the ProResults brush heads used with their toothbrush come on when it is operating. This does not seem to be a widespread problem with FlexCares but instead something that can occur with isolated units.

We did take notice of the fact that even though the FlexCare represents a design change from previous generations of Sonicares it still is not possible to replace its battery. The need to discard an otherwise functional (expensive) electric toothbrush just because its battery has failed seems to be a glaring oversight.

FlexCare R910 sonic toothbrush review conclusions.

While we are of the opinion that the FlexCare line of Sonicare toothbrushes, just like other Sonicare electrics, are good quality products, we're not really fans of the FlexCare line. This opinion is simply founded on the belief that other lower-end Sonicare models can offer a better purchase value (see our comments above in regards to brushing modes and routines). However, if having an all-the-bells-and-whistles toothbrush is important to you, the FlexCare R910 offers a way of purchasing one without having to buy an accompanying UV sanitizer (the FlexCare RS930).

In defense of the Sonicare FlexCare R910, we can say that it might be looked upon very favorably in the sense that it has certain attributes that some lower-end Sonicare models may not offer. Among these are the use of snap-in-place ProResults brush heads and a design that is smaller, lighter and imparts less vibration to the user. The multi-voltage compact charger setup of the FlexCare may make it attractive to travelers.