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Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews:
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 Taking the 90-day trial challenge after forever using Oral-B Triumph 9000
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By artist on January 21, 2014
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My review is based on my experience with the Oral-B Triumph electric toothbrush and having no prior experience with Sonicare. I have used Oral-B Triumph toothbrushes only as is pertains to electric toothbrushes. My current Triumph is the 9000 series. It's at least three-four years old. I love my Oral-B Triumph toothbrush but having replaced three of them already due to the life of rechargeable battery significantly getting in the way of my enjoyment of the product, I wanted to try the competition, Sonicare, this time around. And with a 90-day trial that comes with Sonicare products, I have nothing to lose.
I was immediately drawn to the DiamondClean model when I saw it at Bed, Bath and Beyond (BBB) and Best Buy, where I actually first saw it. Doing a little more digging amongst reviews on Amazon, I still couldn't determine if this was a good buy. However, the reviews certainly didn't deter me from trying the DiamondClean. What helped immensely was that BBB offers those 20% off coupons and during the month of January 2014, they are also providing a $30 mail-in rebate. On top of the Sonicare 90-day trial, these two conditions helped me give this DiamondClean Black edition a try.
WHY AM I DOING THE 90-DAY TRIAL?
My current Triumph has a built-in LCD screen in the handle, where you could see the smiley face after brushing for at least 2 minutes. The new Oral-B Triumph handle devices seem to have done away with this screen and now rely on a separate little LCD device that you can place in sight of where you do your brushing. I am all for less is more so I didn't care to have an extra device to use with my toothbrush other than a charger. This was the reason why I didn't opt for the Sonicare Flexcare Plus Platinum, which offered a UV disinfecting contraption for toothbrush heads that also served as a charging station. I just don't have space for bulky items in my bathroom. Also, my current Triumph is not holding a charge long enough and past experience is telling me it will be time to replace.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS IN FIRST 4 DAYS
Here are my first impressions with use during my first 4 days of my 90-day trial:
1. DIAMONDCLEAN Brush Head does an great job at reaching way in the back with minimal effort! I have all four of my wisdom teeth, which have never given me a problem, but they are a challenge to keep clean. This is definitely a huge plus in favor of the Sonicare DiamondClean device. (NOTE: apparently, you can use DiamondClean toothbrush heads with other Sonicare electric toothbrush models, so it may not be necessary to purchase the DiamondClean device). I simply can not get this "reach" with my Oral-B Floss Brush Head. It's definitely the diamond-shape of the Sonicare brush head that helps.
2. The feel of the DiamondClean handle is much lighter, comfortable, and compact than the Oral-B Triumph. Although the Oral-B Triumph does feel more solid and certainly could have more of an advantage of survival a fall and still working. The DiamondClean does feel more hollow and delicate.
3. My DiamondClean Black edition set came with two DiamondClean toothbrush heads; both the same size. Many reviewers of the standard white DiamondClean device indicated they got a normal size and then a smaller, compact head. I also read in reviews that multi-person use was challenged by not being able to distinguish the toothbrush heads. With Oral-B giving you colored rings for their toothbrush heads, the DiamondClean toothbrush heads do come with pre-printed symbols such as circles, triangles, and squares that are visible right below the Sonicare branding closer to the base of the toothbrush head. Thus, it would be easy to identify multiple toothbrush heads for different users if you want to use just one handle.
With that said, my Sonicare toothbrush handle gets messy while I brush my teeth, with that liquidy, goopy toothpaste/saliva drool that can easily run out of your mouth while brushing. So always stay near your sink, and always make sure people clean the handle after each use, if you are planning to use one handle for multiple people use.
4. One of the major complaints, if not the most mentioned, is about the Sonicare DiamondClean handle and its lack of allowing one to preset a brushing mode before you start brushing. There are five modes with the Sonicare DiamondClean: Clean, White, Polish, Gum Care, and Sensitive. In comparison, my Oral-B Triumph has four modes: Clean, Soft, Massage, and Polish. With my Oral-B, you just had to learn the different modes by using them while already actively brushing in your mouth and selecting the mode as you are brushing. There is no way to pre-select the mode before adding toothpaste with my current Oral-B Triumph which is exactly the same with the Sonicare DiamondClean device. This doesn't bother me. I just will have to learn how many presses from Clean (the initial mode) to make while already brushing to get to the other modes. I have been able to try the Gum Care and Sensitive modes already and they offer a different brushing experience.
The Gum Care mode adds an extra minute to the 2-minutes timer so that you can devote exclusively to your gums.
5. Two-minutes and it's OFF!
What I don't like about the Sonicare DiamonClean model is that it is precisely set to stop at 2 minutes for the Clean and Sensitive modes. You get 2:30 minutes for White mode and 1 minute for Polish mode. Yes, the DiamondClean does have a slight, quick pause to alert you that 30 seconds have passed and for you to move to the next quadrant in your mouth (30 seconds for each quadrant at four quadrants=2 minutes for a complete toothbrushing!) so you can do your best to brush in all quadrants of your mouth. This is the same technology in the Oral-B Triumph that I am used to, so no new innovation here. Where the Oral-B Triumph wins, at least for me, is that if I chose to spend a little more time brushing without interruption and the Triumph tells me the total time I've devoted to brushing. The Sonicare DiamondClean device doesn't give you an account of the total time you have spent brushing other than when 2 minutes are up (or depending on the mode you are using) and only then the device shuts off.
Although my Oral-B Triumph rewards me with a smiley face and an awesome clean with a minimal of 2 minutes brushing, the Sonicare DiamondClean just shuts off! LOL. I know a smiley face may not make a difference in brushing your teeth, but for some, a smiley face could make a world of a difference in wanting to brush teeth.
6. Up to 3 weeks on a single charge!
The Sonicare DiamondClean claims to need a recharge in between 3 weeks of use. It's like owning a diesel and having a tank of fuel last longer in between fill-ups. My Oral-B Triumph at most would last a shy two-weeks but quickly diminished to one-week over a year's time and then it simply needs to be recharged every three days. The one before it, simply would not go beyond a day before needing to be charged.
Since I have only had this device for 4 days, I am looking forward to actually proving if this will last 3 weeks between charges. Keep in mind, this is if you only use it twice a day. I do anticipate some days using the device more to take advantage of the polish and white modes.
7. Charging Glass and Travel Case
I am not too crazy about the glass charger system than comes with the Sonicare DiamondClean set. It has a nice look but I don't see using it other than to recharge the device. I don't anticipate drinking out of it! With minimal space in my bathroom, I guess I can store the glass charger system until I need to take it out again. Yet, that's an extra chore to do. I understand there is a much simpler charger that you can get for the DiamondClean handle that won't take up space. With my Oral-B Triumph, I have an very compact and simple to use charger for the handle, which is easy to store by hanging it on a wall-hook behind my bathroom door.
There's an interesting travel case that I prefer with the Sonicare, over the Oral-B travel case, that integrates technology and ease so you can charge the handle while inside the travel case. You can use the USB port of your laptop or an outlet in the wall to recharge from the travel case.
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BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CLEAN????
The most crucial aspect of this review though is how clean does the Sonicare DiamondClean make my teeth, gums, and mouth in contrast to the Oral-B Triumph. Another reason many of us make such an investment in these expensive toothbrushes is to help in promoting overall body health by having cleaner teeth! With an optimal clean mouth and happy teeth and gums, one helps diminish the possibility of infections and diseases in other parts of the body.
So, in four days, can I tell a difference in how clean my teeth feel when compared to using my Oral-B Triumph with Floss-Head (as there are different toothbrush heads you can purchase to use with your Oral-B devices, the Floss head is my preferred)? In my brief experience, there is certainly a different "clean" feel going on. Whether it is better or not in comparison, I need a bit more time. Especially since the Sonicare has a 14-brushings (that must last at least 1 minute long) "EASY START" program built-in to the device, which you can override. What this means is that the power the toothbrush initially starts you off with is a fraction of its full power, which in 14-brushes will be 100% powerful. I am wondering how much powerful can this thing get - as it feels pretty powerful already!
There are pros and cons to either switching to Sonicare's DiamondClean or sticking with Oral-B's Triumph brand and everyone will have their own personal experience. The Sonicare seems to be somewhat quieter than the Oral-B but it does certainly have its distinct sound/feel while brushing teeth - more along the lines of a smooth, vibrating drill at the dentist's office. It's a feeling I can get use to.
ABOUT THE BLACK edition
By purchasing the Black edition, you get minimal information on the product packaging in comparison to the standard white edition, where there's lots of information about what the device can do. There's also little to no literature in the box as well! So, instructions are right to the point while wasting no further paper. Also, as mentioned above, the Black edition that I have came with TWO DiamondClean brush heads (not one normal and one compact as perhaps comes with the standard white device), each having its own identifier: one has a circle and another has a triangle. So if you have another person right away that you want to share your handle with, you have two distinct brush heads to use immediately.
I do find the black handle and brush head together to look quite sophisticated. Otherwise, I would have not had any issues purchasing the standard white edition. I don't feel that the handle is slippery, even when wet but I would hate to think about the possible damage it could incur if dropped by accident on the floor. I hope not to find out.
***
WARRANTY and 90-DAY TRIAL
Overall, the Black edition (and standard white edition) come with a 2 year warranty from Philips Sonicare. There is a special limited time only where you can extend the 2 year warranty with an extra 6 months by registering your product NOW. Many reviewers have taken advantage of using this warranty for handle replacements. This is probably my biggest concern in purchasing a Sonicare - many long time consumers of the Sonicare line have indicated that product life and dependability have decreased and they are very unhappy with that respect. I have never had an issue with my Oral-B Triumph handles before, with the only exception that they eventually do have an expiration date due to the rechargeable battery simply no longer charging.
***
WHY THREE STARS
1. The Sonicare DiamondClean device does feel hollow and lighter which may not handle or survive accidental droppings. This is not a solid feeling handle like the Oral-B Triumph.
2. The Sonicare DiamondClean shuts off in 2 minutes (or depending on what mode you are using). Therefore, if you want to continue brushing, you will be interrupted and then have to press the ON button again. The Oral-B Triumph offers an uninterrupted brushing experience along with a precise account of the time you spent brushing.
3. The Sonicare DiamondClean charging system leaves a bit to be desired in terms of space. Sure the glass idea looks beautiful, but I prefer function over form in this aspect.
4. The price of a Sonicare DiamondClean set is about $100 more (if you have no discounts applied to the MSRP of $219) than a Oral-B Triumph set.
5. Reviewers on Amazon.com have had dependability/functionality issues with the Sonicare DiamondClean device, more than I would have liked to have read about.
Even with all these reasons, I still want to give this Sonicare DiamondClean a 90-day try out. There are definitely good things about it over the Oral-B Triumph but many of them are a trade-off. I will find out in 86 days if I will actually make the switch or not.
Happy brushing!
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32 of 33 people found the above review helpful.
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 Great when it works, which isn't very often.
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By S. Chen on July 22, 2013
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first let me start by saying that i used to love sonicares. i've owned every generation, and until the flexcare generation, each one has served me loyally for years until the batteries were just too old or the buttons would literally wear off.
unfortunately, starting with the flexcare generation, while you gain a slimmer handle, a MUCH better removable tip that is much easier to clean or prevent gunk, and more powerful motors, what you lost is reliability. in the two years i had my flexcare, i had to replace it SIX times under warranty. usually it's because the shaft inside would snap, so while the handle would buzz, the tip would no longer vibrate. i also had the battery fail to charge, as well as a weak motor.
it was enormously frustrating, but at least customer service would replace the unit each time after 20 minutes with them on chat.
with the diamondclean, the handle and tips got even better...when it works... but unfortunately it is breaking just as often, with the same issues as with the flexcare: broken shafts, weak motors, and dead batteries. i purchased the diamondclean on 3/25/12, and am currently on my SIXTH replacement handle (7/22/13). and unfortunately now philips requires you to provide original receipt after the second replacement handle, otherwise they won't send them any more. so even if you registered your purchase with them when you first bought the diamondclean, they suddenly refuse to acknowledge it, adding frustration to an already annoying issue.
so after a ton of years of being an incredibly loyal sonicare user, i'm just fed up. even though i have a new replacement handle in the mail to me as i write this, i ordered an oral b toothbrush as well, because i know it's just a matter of time until the sonicare breaks again, and i'm tired of having to deal with them.
each time the customer service rep will make it seem like it's your fault that the handle is broken, by asking things like whether you've dropped it or used it to joust with a tyranosaurus. that way they can deny your claim. while i've never done either of those (t-rexes are more scared of manual toothbrushes), i suspect that what is actually causing the issue (other than overly brittle metal shafts, obviously) is having a relatively small jaw. if the head jams up by your jaw/gums/cheek as it's trying to vibrate 30K times per second, either your face, or the shaft, have to give.
i guess if you think about it that way, i'm glad that the sonicare keeps breaking... =/
42 of 48 people found the above review helpful.
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 Beautiful.. but can I afford to buy a new one every year or two?
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By Steven J. Rickard on June 06, 2013
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I used my first Sonicare toothbrush for nearly a decade before it finally stopped working. I loved that toothbrush. I noticed--and so did my dentist--a dramatic improvement in the cleanliness of my teeth. So, of course I purchased the top-of-the-line model to replace it.
14 months later, I'm trying to decide if I should shell out more cash for this brush, or buy another model or brand. I have to agree with the other negative reviews on this site. Despite the fact that my teeth still get Sonicare clean, there are some major design flaws with this brush. I was hoping by the time I had to replace it, they would've been addressed, but my brush broke this morning and this model has not yet been redesigned.
Yes, it's beautiful. But as other reviewers have pointed out, it's more than a little annoying that you can't turn on the brush, or cycle through cleaning modes, without having it in your mouth already. It starts vibrating as soon as you push the button, and if it's not in your mouth, you're going to shower your face and bathroom with a fine mist of toothpaste. I got adept at putting the brush in my mouth, angling it so that I could see the lights in the mirror, and pressing the button until I reached the cleaning mode I wanted. Should I really have to do that with a top-of-the-line toothbrush? The brush can't be turned off until it has been running for 10 seconds, so it's not even possible to select the mode, turn it off, apply toothpaste and turn it on again.
The brush remembers the last cleaning mode used, which is also frustrating. If I knew that I had to press the button three times as soon as I turned it on to get to, say, "whitening mode," then that would make a little more sense. As it is, if I used whitening mode the last time, I have to press the button several times to get it back into cleaning mode.
I'm surprised someone approved this ridiculous design. Would it destroy the aesthetics of this brush so much if there were two simple buttons, one for "power" and one for "cleaning mode?" I appreciate the beautiful design, but I would rather have an ugly toothbrush and beautiful teeth. I don't buy a toothbrush as a piece of art to display in my bathroom. In the case of this brush, design has taken priority over functionality.
This morning, as I was going through my usual routine of squinting in the mirror with the brush in my mouth, ready to hit the button several times to get into "clean" mode, the brush slipped out of my hand and fell about three feet into the sink. Now it no longer works. I'm not a careless person -- but sometimes a toothbrush falls, especially when I've got to do minor gymnastics every morning just to use it. It didn't fall far, and it didn't fall hard, but now the brush head no longer vibrates.
I'm going to research other brands. I'm really disappointed in Phillips for not having designed this very expensive tool with more care for their customers. If it's re-designed so that function takes priority, and with better materials, then I'll buy a new one. If I decide that Sonicare is still the best brush for cleaning, I'll buy a different model. This supposedly top-of-the-line brush is anything but. After over a decade of using Sonicare, I'm seriously considering purchasing the highly-rated Oral-B Professional toothbrush at nearly half the price.
Update: March 27, 2014
After doing my research, I had to (somewhat reluctantly) admit to myself that Sonicare still seems like the best way to take care of my teeth. So, I purchased the Flexcare model, which still uses the Diamond Clean brush heads, isn't as sleek, but has TWO buttons -- a power button, and a mode-selection button. It also comes in a multi-pack, which at a "big box" store was cheaper than buying a single brush. The two brushes I now own were still less than half the price of the DiamondClean, and my teeth get just as clean. Hopefully it'll last at least twice as long.
26 of 28 people found the above review helpful.
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Sonicare Diamond Clean
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By Ann on February 25, 2013
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I am a dental professional with more than 20 years experience. I have recommended sonicare brushes for many years and will continue to do so because they are powerful and clean well, however, I cannot recommend this brush based on my personal experience. First, I purchased the brush at a professional discount so I only paid $60 for this item. Here is why I do not like this brush:
1. The brush head separates while using the toothbrush and I've seen this in other reviews. Anyone who paid $200.00 for a brush should expect a better quality. When I contacted sonicare they would not take back the brush because it was past 30 days, but could offer a 2 yr. warranty. I do not want a brush that does not work well so this would make no sense, They also advised I try a new brush head (additional expense) which I have done and it did not resolve the problem.
2. The brush head itself wears too quickly. It starts to flare within a month and once a brush flares it needs to be replaced. Brush head replacements are expensive. It also does not access all areas of my teeth as well as their older brush head models.
3. It does not clean my teeth as well as the older models. I have a problem with tartar build up on my lower front teeth and got my teeth cleaned every 3 months until I started using sonicare. I no longer had the buildup and even with 6 month cleanings there was no tartar build-up. With this sonicare I can see the build-up again and have to spend time scaling my teeth myself every few weeks.
4. I do not see the need for all of the different speed choices and truly question the efficacy of this. Neither have I seen any journal articles comparing the different brushes which included this model.
I will continue to use sonicare, however, I will throw this one out and purchase one of the older, less expensive models which for me last longer and do a better job cleaning.
However, to be completely fair I need to also tell you that two co-workers bought theirs at the same time I bought mine and they like their brushes and are having no problem with them. I think it depends on the individual mouth, not all are easily accessible although I believe mine is. They may not build tartar as I do. If you do decide to try this brush I would brush 3 or more x/day for the first 30 days just to see how it is working for you and if it is holding up. If everything goes well great, if not, immediately (within the 30 days) contact sonicare and return
it for a refund. Also, amazon offers warranties by square trade which I believe are very good, but then after spending this much for a toothbrush, do you really want to spend more to warranty a toothbrush?
127 of 127 people found the above review helpful.
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 THE APPLE ELECTRIC TOOTHBRUSH
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By Charles Nordlander on April 21, 2012
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UPDATE 5/2014: After two years of use, the power button on the handle had become so unresponsive to operate, that it required a very forceful two-thumb push to turn on my toothbrush. I contacted Philips via their website, using their online assistant, and a replacement handle was shipped to me the same day. I simply had to return mine in the same box as the replacement, and Philips paid the return shipping. How easy was that?! My two year warranty had actually expired one month prior (isn't that always the way it goes?) but it turns out that because I registered my toothbrush--which I didn't even remember doing--the warranty got extended by an additional six months. Great customer service, Philips!
ORIGINAL REVIEW: Funny, i don't remember reading that Jonny Ive was moonlighting over at Philips. But this is their second new dental product in a row--the first being the AirFloss--that might lead you to think that Sonicare design was now being done by Apple. And I mean that in the most complimentary way. This is, without question, the most modern and elegantly designed electric toothbrush on the market today, and I can only compare holding it to the feeling you get when you hold an Apple product. But is it worth the premium price being charged for it?
THE ANSWER IS YES, IF...
1) You have money to splurge a bit and value great design very highly. The ceramic feel of the power handle (though not actually ceramic), the hidden areas that illuminate to indicate mode and battery status, the brilliance of a travel case that both closes magnetically and charges the power handle via USB cable from your computer or the included USB power adapter--the whole package has just been thought through with incredible attention to detail. There's even an alternative to the one feature I didn't like, which was the charging glass--it looked too big and clunky in photos, which is exactly how it looks when you actually see it. Plus, do we really need to mimic the old, unsanitary practice of standing wet toothbrushes up in a glass to store them? Fortunately, there's a much smaller and more elegant charging stand included that can be used instead of the glass. You never see that in photos of this toothbrush, and I was very pleased.
2) You don't care if the premium price buys you no functional or performance advantage of any type over cheaper models in the Sonicare line. You know you're paying for the design, and you're fine with it. (Yes, I agree that the DiamondClean brush heads ARE a notable improvement, but they can be used on other, less expensive Sonicare models. See below.)
THE ANSWER IS NO, IF...
1) You expect a premium price to buy you better functionality and performance over less expensive models. The DiamondClean toothbrush doesn't, trust me. Ignore most of the five star review hype that you read about this brush ("Cleanest Teeth EVER!") and focus on these facts:
a) The power handle, which is the heart of any electric toothbrush, is just the FlexCare+ handle with a different skin on it. Specs are identical and--if you go to a store and hold them side by side--you'll see that size, shape and weight are the same. Only the elegant, ceramic-like skin on the DiamondClean model, with it's hidden lights, is different.
b) While the DiamondClean brushes DO clean somewhat better than older Sonicare brush heads, you can use DiamondClean brushes on some of the older, cheaper Sonicare models like FlexCare. Since the power handles are essentially no different, the cleaning you get will be the same.
2) It drives you crazy to pay more and actually get less for your money. As others have pointed out, the DiamondClean doesn't have the UV sanitizer of the less expensive FlexCare models. And I just saw a Costco special that included two Sonicare power handles, two chargers, two travel cases, plus four brush heads that included two DiamondClean ones... all for $120.
3) Design just isn't that important to you.
The value of great design is very much a personal decision. While I decided that the DiamondClean was worth it for me, it might not be for you, depending on your priorities. But either way, I thank you for taking the time to read my review. and I hope you found it "helpful" in making your purchasing decision!
UPDATES: The longer you use a product, the better you get to know it. The section below contains more on the pros and cons I've experienced since I wrote the above review after extended use of the DiamondClean:
PROS: 1) The ceramic-like power handle, which I thought might get slippery during usage when wet, actually maintains a nice grip to it.
CONS: 1) No vent holes in the travel case, made worse by its form-fitting plastic interior. So if you pack the brush head while damp--which often happens when traveling--it stays damp, in a dark, tightly enclosed space--the perfect conditions for promoting bacteria and mold growth. 2) When a second family member recently joined me in using the DiamondClean, I suddenly realized that there's no storage for multiple brush heads. (Except in the travel case.) Plus, there's no system for color-coding the heads for different family members. Bottom line: you have to store multiple brush heads in a medicine cabinet or elsewhere and somehow color code them yourself.
1 of 1 people found the above review helpful.
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 Very good product leaves your teeth and mouth sparkling.
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By ReneB on March 12, 2012
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********************************************
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.
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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.
127 of 127 people found the above review helpful.
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