Product test
Oscillation, vibration and ultrasound – can the Laifen Wave really do it all?
by Stefanie Lechthaler
My first time using a sonic toothbrush
4/11/2024
Translation: Elicia Payne
As a long-time user of an Oral-B electric toothbrush, this is the first time I’m testing a rechargeable sonic toothbrush from Philips Sonicare: the Series 7100. Read on to hear about my experience and my thoughts on the model.
So I was happy when Philips asked me if I’d like to try out one of their new models, because I really wanted to learn more about this new and different technology. In return, I received the Philips Sonicare Series 7100 in a set of two (double pack). Toothbrushes with sonic technology are supposed to be particularly suitable for people with more sensitive gums. When in use, they’re more similar to the familiar brushing method of a manual toothbrush.
Here, you can read my previous article where I went into detail about the different technology used by various brands :
What’s inside the box and design
As the name suggests, the double pack of the Series 7100 includes the double version of the single model. One of the sonic toothbrushes is black, the other is white. In addition to the handpiece, the scope of delivery includes a brush head, charger, USB-A cable and travel charging case. The brush head also comes with a protective cover on it.
In my opinion, the toothbrush has a timeless design. Although, to charge it, I need an additional adapter for the plug in my bathroom. This is something the manufacturer could have thought of too, as far as I’m concerned. The travel charging case is very practical. I like the look of it. It’s also small and handy. However, I can’t close the case if I have the protective cover on the brush head. A shame, I really like using a protective cover like this usually.
Technical details, application and cleaning
According to Philips, the improved magnet system is at the core of the new Series 7100. It’s designed to optimise the performance of the sonic waves and ensure a consistently high frequency of up to 62,000 brush head movements per minute. At least that’s what the manufacturer’s promising. I can’t compare with the previous models. But as a previous Oral-B user, I can compare the two technologies: sonic or rotational.
I had a strange feeling the first time I used it. At times it almost felt like it was tickling my mouth. Simply put, I wasn’t used to the soft brush. But I quickly got used to it. Now and again, I switched back to my old toothbrush and it felt a lot rougher.
I can say for myself that I’ve taken a liking to the new technology and can clearly see why it’s suitable for users with sensitive gums. It also feels like the toothbrush gives my teeth a good clean.
According to the manufacturer, the battery lasts 21 days. After unpacking and using it since 4 October, I’ve only had to charge my toothbrush once. In other words, an entire month has passed. I find it easy to clean the toothbrush and the brush head. Speaking of brush head, I want to give this another special mention, because in the past, I had to buy something like this separately and I’d spend a long time looking for one that would fit well.
12 cleaning modes – I’m overwhelmed
I worked my way through the modes and different intensity levels and was still a bit overwhelmed. What’s the right setting for me? What intensity should I go for?
I didn’t notice any major differences in the cleaning modes. The intensity levels, on the other hand, were noticeably different. I may be old-fashioned, though. I just don’t need so many different settings. It’s nice to have a choice, but in the long term I’ll just go for any mode and mainly consider the intensity I find most pleasant. I’ll probably ask my dentist what he thinks about this and what he recommends. My appointment’s not until December, though.
The brush pacer function is designed to ensure your teeth have an even clean. It briefly pauses vibration to signal that it’s time to brush the next area of your mouth. Even here, I’ve already read some negative comments from the community. I thought this feature was very helpful when using it and otherwise never a problem.
The app: less helpful
The accompanying app promises a personalised cleaning routine and additional insights. But the reality was disappointing. If I moved away a little, it would lose the connection to my phone. However, the first time I connected it, it was very simple.
In my experience, the reports generated on my cleaning behaviour aren’t very meaningful and hardly offer any concrete recommendations for action. They include the brushing time, frequency of brushing and pressure monitoring. I’d love more information. For example, is there a spot I clean too little, perhaps, and can I improve my technique?
It also tells me when I need a new brush head, although I prefer to decide for myself. I can set it up so that I can automatically buy a new brush head. In my opinion, the app seems more like a sales tool than a useful guide for the user.
In a nutshell
Good sonic toothbrush for sensitive gums, but app could be improved
First things first, like almost every electric toothbrush, the Philips Sonicare Series 7100 offers a significant improvement over traditional manual toothbrushes. In my opinion, the sonic technology ensures gentle but thorough cleaning and is particularly suitable for people with sensitive gums. Especially at the lowest intensity level, the brushing felt very gentle and delicate. The wide range of cleaning modes and intensity levels allows you to customise it to your needs. Nevertheless, the large selection of options can sometimes be overwhelming. The long battery life and the travel charging case are good extras. The app, however, promises more than it delivers and in practice isn’t very helpful. Overall, the toothbrush is a good choice for anyone who values thorough oral hygiene and is prepared to spend a little more on their dental care. That being said, an inexpensive electric toothbrush should also suffice.
Pro
- Gentle on the gums – particularly suitable for people with sensitive gums
- Different cleaning modes and intensity levels enable personalised cleaning
- Long battery life – the toothbrush lasts for several weeks on a single charge
- Practical accessories – travel charging case and protective cover for the brush head included
Contra
- Price – the toothbrush is in the higher price range
- App is basic – the app only generates a few reports and doesn’t provide any specific recommendations for action
- Overwhelming number of settings – it can be confusing to have a multitude of cleaning modes
Header image: Anne Fischer
My interests are varied, I just like to enjoy life. Always on the lookout for news about darts, gaming, films and series.
