Electric Toothbrush Review : What we think of the Philips Sonicare Xtreme e3000 sonic toothbrush (HX3551/02).

The Xtreme e3000 has a single brushing speed, which is Sonicare's hallmark, patented 31,000-brush-strokes-per-minute brushing action. To some this limitation might seem to be a disadvantage. We don't really see it that way.

We usually aren't very big fans of the more elaborate brushing modes and routines that higher-end Sonicare toothbrushes offer. We don't see the giant benefit that they provide. Typically with most Sonicare toothbrushes' their most efficient brushing mode will be their 31,000-brush-strokes-per-minute setting (at least in terms of "brushing efficiency per minute"). So why buy the higher-priced Sonicare toothbrush model if a less expensive one offers the brushing mode you will be using? That's our opinion on the matter and that's why we like the Xtreme.

It is true, in some instances, for some people, the Xtreme e3000's lack of brushing options might prove to be a disadvantage. Specifically, the Xtreme does not offer the gentler Sensitive setting that many other Sonicare sonic toothbrush models do. The majority of sonic toothbrush users will probably never use this option. But for those who have trouble tolerating the vigorousness of a Sonicare at full power (the elderly, children, people with especially sensitive teeth) this feature (despite the fact that it produces a less efficient brushing action) may be needed. If so, the Xtreme would not be the best toothbrush choice for them.

We will also mention that the Xtreme e3000 also does not feature Sonicare's Easy-start option. (This feature gradually increases the power of a Sonicare toothbrush over a set number of brushings, so to slowly introduce the new brush user to the Sonicare experience.) However, the presence or absence of this feature wouldn't make or break our decision to buy a particular Sonicare model. The Xtreme e3000 does have Sonicare's Smartimer feature (a two-minute brushing timer).

» The Xtreme e3000 utilizes Sonicare e-series brush heads.

The Xtreme e3000 uses Sonicare's older-styled e-series brush heads. In theory, the design of the Sonicare's newer ProResults brush heads offers improved cleaning efficiency. It seems to us, however, that this advantage could easily be compensated for by just brushing for a few extra moments with an e-series Sonicare.

The screw-on nature of the e-series brush heads is not as convenient as the snap-in-place design of the ProResults. But if your Sonicare is not shared (meaning brush heads are changed infrequently) this screw-on feature of the e-series brushes may not offer much of a disadvantage. It can be said that the stems of the ProResults brush heads don't tend to trap as much gunk.

E-series replacement brush heads are moderately more expensive than the newer Sonicare ProResults brush heads. The current recommendation from Sonicare seems to be all that all styles of brush heads should be replaced on a three-month basis. We will mention that the owner's manual for another line of e-series toothbrushes (the Essence line) used to state that a six-month interval was appropriate. It's a favorable point that e-series brush heads come in both Standard and Mini sizes.

» The Xtreme e3000 runs on disposable AA batteries.

The Xtreme e3000 is the only Sonicare toothbrush that runs on off-the-shelf disposable batteries (size AA). And this creates some advantages, as well as disadvantages, for this sonic brush.

As an advantage, the replaceable nature of the Xtreme's batteries is an attractive feature in light of the fact that with other Sonicare models the battery is not replaceable and therefore battery failure equates to toothbrush death. As a disadvantage, however, evidently there are some concerns associated with the design of the Xtreme's battery compartment and the possibility of dampness causing internal corrosion (see below).

The fact that this brush runs on disposable AA batteries will add to its cost of ownership over time. Philips Sonicare suggests that in order to maintain optimal brushing efficiency, the batteries in a Xtreme should be replaced every six weeks. As a cost-cutting measure, however, we have read reports where some people are using rechargeable AA batteries with their Sonicare Xtreme.

The fact that the Xtreme runs on readily available AA batteries makes it a very convenient travel brush (although for some reason Sonicare has chosen not to include a travel case with it). Because there is no need for recharging, the Xtreme e3000 needs no charging unit (and associated electrical cord) that often clutters up a sink or vanity.

» Is the Xtreme sonic toothbrush the only Sonicare that kids should use?

In their advertising for the Xtreme, Sonicare sometimes places emphasis on the fact that it is a good sonic toothbrush for kids and is safe to use with braces. We have seen the abstracts of studies that Philips Sonicare has placed on their website that document the Xtreme e3000's suitability for children as young as 7 years. We also find web pages on their site that state that their other sonic toothbrushes can be used with children as young as 8 years (after discussing matter's with their child's dentist first). The owner's manuals for the FlexCare, HealthyWhite and Essence product lines describe how they can be used with braces. As a result, we would have to draw the conclusion that, yes, the Sonicare Xtreme is a good brush for children, but so are many of the other Sonicare models.

The Xtreme e3000: Model-specific problems.

The main criticism that we read about the Sonicare Xtreme e3000 has to do with the possibility of the premature death of this toothbrush due to the fact that moisture has gotten into its battery compartment and caused corrosion. This seems to be an isolated rather than universal problem. This problem may very well be due to the owner's brushing and/or toothbrush-care behavior.

Unlike other Sonicare models, because the Sonicare Xtreme runs on disposable batteries it must have an accessible battery compartment. On the Xtreme, the battery compartment is located at the butt end (base) of the brush and accessed by way of a pull-off cap. Some owners have reported that they feel that the access to this compartment can, at least under some conditions, allow moisture to enter. And as a result, corrosion and subsequent failure of their toothbrush has take place.

As a solution for this problem, some user's have reported that if an owner just takes a little care (both when using their toothbrush and also while cleaning it after use) so to minimize the amount of moisture that accumulates near or passes by the battery compartment portion of their brush, the corrosion problem can be avoided.

Xtreme e3000 sonic toothbrush review conclusions.

Like we stated initially, overall, we like the Sonicare Xtreme e300 sonic toothbrush. If the idea of using replaceable batteries appeals to you (and you'll take the time to maintain your brush in a fashion that minimizes the chance that you will develop the corrosion problems mentioned above). And if you don't feel that you require those characteristics and functions that more fully-featured Sonicare models do offer (we feel that most brushers don't). The Sonicare Xtreme e3000 provides a way of owning a true Sonicare toothbrush, at a minimal cost.