I received the Oral-B iO Series 5 electric toothbrush as part of a new customer package from my orthodontist a year ago. Since then, it's safe to say that with its abundance of features, this toothbrush is a game-changer in the world of dental care. Today, I'll be giving a comprehensive review of this toothbrush.
Quality of Cleaning
The programming quality and the level of cleanliness this toothbrush provides are next level. After brushing with the Oral-B iO Series 5, it feels like I've received a professional dental cleaning. Over a few weeks, I noticed I had less plaque and bad breath, and my teeth became noticeably whiter ( brushing combined with regular flossing).
Build
The Oral-B iO Series 5 uses a frictionless magnetic drive for efficient energy distribution, with the intent of providing a smooth and quiet cleaning experience. I find that this the quietest electric toothbrush I've ever used. It has a thinner brush head but a thicker body which is easy to grip while in use for a comfortable brushing experience. The toothbrush charges very quickly. There are holes in the brush head that allow toothpaste and/or saliva to leak while brushing, which is inconvenient. On the plus side, the device is water-resistant so you can brush in the shower.
Digital Interface
The digital interface is a feature that I've never seen on a toothbrush before. It has a quadrant timer that breaks the two minutes of brushing up into four 30-second intervals for you to clean each quadrant of your mouth. The smart display allows you to choose easily between the 5 available brushing modes: Daily Clean, Whiten, Super Sensitive, Sensitive, and Intense. Personally, I stick to using Daily Clean as this is the setting that provides me with the best overall clean.
Mobile App
The app provides real-time feedback, indicating if you're applying too much pressure or need to revisit a particular section. Over time, the app gives you insights into your brushing habits. I also like that you can keep track of when you last replaced the toothbrush head, as the app will notify you when it's time for a change. On the downside, the app occasionally misidentifies brushing spots, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Also for some users, like myself, find the constant need to look at the phone screen while brushing might be an inconvenience. I like to use the toothbrush without the app and can still monitor my brushing pressure as the handle features an indicator ring around its neck that changes colours to convey intensity levels—green for optimal, red for excessive pressure, and white for insufficient pressure.
Price?
The Oral-B iO Series 5 retails at $189. It is the most expensive toothbrush I have ever seen. There are other electric toothbrushes like the AquaSonic Black Series Ultra Whitening Toothbrush ($39), Oral B Pro 500 + Electric Toothbrush ($41), or the Philips Sonicare 4100 Power Toothbrush ($55) that have great performance for a fraction of the price.
Final Rating:
I give the Oral-B IO Series 5 a 7/10. I like the overall build of the toothbrush and love the great results that my teeth have had. However, with a $189 price tag, it is way too expensive. Also, some of the features such as having 5 different settings, a mobile app, and a travel case are ones that I do not need. While the technology is impressive, in my opinion, this is an unnecessary splurge.
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