Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

This model (HX6950) is currently the ultimate rechargeable toothbrush that dental offices seem to recommend (or at least have coupons for). I've noticed less plaque build-up and healthier gums ever since I started using the older model (HX6930) a few years ago. So the question is, if you already have a Philips Sonicare Flexcare, do you need this new model? UV SANITIZER ============ I love the comfort of knowing that the germs on my toothbrush have been killed off. The UV sanitizer does a quick and effective job of that. Just insert up to 2 toothbrush heads and press the button. Not all Sonicare toothbrushes have a UV sanitizer, so this would be the main reason for me to upgrade. From the Sonicare website, the UV bulb lasts about 1800 hours (about 2 years) and can be replaced from their webstore. The recommended frequency of using the UV sanitizer is once a day. DIFFERENCES with older HX6930 MODEL =================================== I bought the older Sonicare Flexcare HX6930 from Amazon a few years ago. Since then, Philips has made some slight improvements. These improvements seem to be cosmetic only. I've noticed that the UV sanitizer door now magnetically closes. The names of the toothbrush modes are changed but seem to have the same functions as the earlier model. - Clean (The basic 2 minute clean) - Sensitive (The adjustment for sensitive teeth) - Massage (The gum massage mode) - Refresh (The 1 minute clean. This is re-named from "Go Care") - Gum Care (The 2 minute clean plus 1 minute gum cleaning. This is re-named from "Max Care") GRIPE ======= I love this toothbrush, but my complaint about the mold build-up in the earlier model persists to this model. It's very easy for water to be trapped under the UV sanitizer door which leads to mold growing in there. You'll need to periodically remove the plastic caddy inside the sanitizer and clean it to prevent build-up. You'll also need to wipe off any water on the toothbrush before placing it back on the induction recharger. It rests flat on the charging area without any grooves to drain water. So trapped water *inside* the bottom of the toothbrush will give your toothbrush a really funky odor. EXTRAS ====== Includes a convenient travel case and travel charger. (If you give it a full charge, your toothbrush should last more than a week, so you may not need to pack the travel charger). TIP ==== Register your toothbrush via the registration card for $30 in coupons from Philips to use on Sonicare replacement heads.