Sonicare Xtreme e3000 Electric Toothbrush

Suggested Retail Price: $34.99

Rating: 5/10

Advantages

• Safe for use with braces
• Very cheap
• Two-minute timer signals recommended brushing time
• Limited 2 year warranty   

Disadvantages

• Easily damaged by excessive water
• No charger support; runs on batteries only
• Few extra features
• Can feel ticklish for some people until they adjust to the high speed

Included Accessories

• 2 AA Batteries
• Brush head protective cover
• Owner's manual

Review

The Sonicare Xtreme e3000 stands out from all other Sonicare electric toothbrushes in that it is designed specifically for teens and preteens with braces, though of course it's suitable for use by adults too.  Unfortunately, it also stands out because it is much lower in quality than all of the other Sonicare electric toothbrush models.

Almost every electric toothbrush uses a base charger for power, but the Xtreme e3000 uses 2 AA batteries instead.  This is nice in that it takes up less space, and can easily be packed for travel.  However, the batteries usually run out of power at around 80 to 100 uses, so expect to be replacing them fairly often.  But by far the biggest problem with using battery power in this electric toothbrush is that water can easily enter the battery compartment, and this will quickly corrode the metal sections.  Once this happens, the Sonicare Xtreme e3000 will cease to function.  It appears that many of these toothbrushes have a problem with the battery cap, where it does not seal tightly enough.  Some people will be lucky and will either go a long time without having this problem, or may never have it at all, but if you buy this electric toothbrush you are taking a great risk.

While it is unreliable, it's not a bad model as long as it functions.  Most people who buy it do so for their children who have braces.  And indeed, the contoured brush head makes it safe and easy to use for anyone with braces.  Also, it's still a powerful electric toothbrush, even though it's targeted at kids.  Yet it's still gentle to use, and is good for removing plaque and promoting gum health.

As far as extra features go, the Xtreme e3000 doesn't have many.  The two-minute timer that signals the dentist recommended brushing time is as fancy as it gets.  It doesn't beep every 30 seconds like many models, nor does it have more than one mode or power setting.

Although it's a good idea from Sonicare to have an electric toothbrush that is aimed at kids, it's a shame that they didn't make a more reliable brush.  A lot of people are still willing to gamble on it because the price is so low, but realize if you buy this model you have to buy a new electric toothbrush very soon.