Most Sonicare toothbrushes come with a built-in battery that users can recharge by placing the toothbrush handle in a compatible charger base. Sonicare toothbrushes do not come fully charged, and require at least 24 hours to charge the batteries for the first time. Sonicare recommends placing the toothbrush in the charger after each use, but once they have been charged, Sonicare toothbrushes have enough power for users to brush their teeth two times a day for up to two weeks. In order to select a Sonicare toothbrush or buy a replacement charger, it's important to understand the different types of Sonicare chargers.
Types
Sonicare toothbrushes use different types of chargers, depending on the model. The FlexCare R910 has a long-lasting lithium ion battery, and comes with a deluxe charger that can store extra brush heads. The FlexCare RS930 comes with a UV sanitizer that has a deluxe charger built in, as well as a compact charger for travel. Sonicare Healthy White models also have a deluxe charger with brush head storage. The Advance, Elite and Essence models have a compact charger base with a place to wrap the cord. Although these bases look similar, they are not compatible with each other. Unlike other types of Sonicare toothbrushes, the Sonicare Xtreme uses two AA batteries. When the batteries that are included with the toothbrush wear out, users can replace them with standard AA batteries.
Features
All Sonicare toothbrushes except for the Xtreme come with an indicator that shows when the handle needs recharging. The Healthy White, Advance and Essence models have a standard recharge indicator. When you place the toothbrush handle in the charger base, with the power button facing forward, the light on the front of the toothbrush will blink green. When the toothbrush is fully recharged, the light will be steady green. When it needs charging again, it will blink yellow and may also begin to beep. The FlexCare and Elite models have a deluxe recharge indicator, which works the same way but has the added feature of showing how much the battery has recharged according to the level of the green lights.
Identification
In order to select the right type of charger, it's important to identify the type of Sonicare toothbrush. All charger bases have the model number on the bottom. To identify the type of toothbrush you have, you can look at the shape of the brush head, or the cleaning mode buttons it has. Advance toothbrushes have wide straight necks, while Elite and Essence brushes have narrow necks that are bent at an angle. You can tell apart Elite and Essence brushes by the number of cleaning speeds they have. If it has one, it's Essence, and if it has two, it's Elite. Healthy White models have a Clean & White mode, while the FlexCare models have extra options, such as GoCare and MaxCare.
Considerations
Sonicare offers replacement chargers for recent Elite and Advance toothbrush models. Replacement chargers are only available through Sonicare customer service, or through online auction sites, such as eBay. Customers who wish to discard their Sonicare brush when it stops working should remove the battery first. All Sonicare models except for the Xtreme contain a nickel cadmium battery or, in the case of the FlexCare, a lithium ion battery. These batteries should be recycled because they contain potentially hazardous materials. Once the batteries have been removed, they cannot be replaced. The Sonicare owner's manuals, which are available through the website linked below, have complete details on safely removing the battery from each type of Sonicare brush.
Expert Insight
To order a replacement charger for a Sonicare toothbrush, call Sonicare customer service at 1-888-666-5765. Have your Sonicare toothbrush and charger available when you call, to make sure you get the right model of Sonicare charger. If your Sonicare is defective or needs a replacement charger during the first two years after purchase, it may still be under warranty if you have the receipt for proof of purchase. For information about getting a replacement charger during the warranty period, call Sonicare customer service at 1-800-682-7664.
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