Hands On: Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected

Philips has the latest in Bluetooth-connected oral hygiene technology: The Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected.

For $199, you can use the high-tech brush's motion sensors to track your brushing technique and sync it with an app to immediately identify problem areas. Missed a spot? The Sonicare will let you know, complete with a 3D representation of your own set of choppers.

Though I didn't get to actually clean my pearly whites with the new brush, I did get to handle a prototype and take a peek at the app at an event here in New York City. The brush itself is about what you'd expect from an electric toothbrush. The brush head is, according to Philips, "the only power toothbrush head with flexible rubberized sides and bristles that uniquely conform to the shape of teeth and gums," which I imagine is a claim every toothbrush company makes. As far as the brush head goes, you know what to expect: Some rotating bristles.

The rest of the brush is a little more complicated. A big Power button sits near the middle, while a series of Bluetooth LED indicators are located below. Below those is a rubbery rocker for vibration intensity—press the Plus icon for a stronger shake and the Minus icon for a lesser flutter; there are three levels of intensity.

Below that, there are indicators for the Sonicare FlexCare Platinum's three brushing modes: Clean is the default mode; White is meant to remove surface stains to polish up teeth; and DeepClean is for, well, really deep cleans. I don't know if there's a tangible difference between any of these modes yet, though you would think one "mode" would be all you need for any of those objectives. Finally, there's a button to switch between modes, and a battery life indicator. Philips claims the battery lasts up to two weeks between charges.

As for the app, it shows you exactly where you need to brush in real time. That means you can hold a smartphone or tablet with the app open, with your brush in the other hand, and follow a 3D model of your bicuspids, incisors, and molars to make sure you don't miss any problem areas. Though that sounds kind of uncomfortable (maybe even unnecessary), the app also times your brushing sessions so it ensures you hit (and don't exceed) the dentist-recommended two minutes of brushing for your gums and teeth to remain healthy. The sensors inside the brush also alert you when you're scrubbing too hard or too softly, which could be useful for anyone worried about their gum health.

To make sure you keep brushing, Philips has included a coaching aspect into the app. I only saw a few snippets of advice, but it was fairly obvious stuff like "Be sure to floss daily" and "Use mouthwash." Hopefully there are more detailed suggestions or insights available in the final version. For instance, it would be great to receive warnings from the app about coffee staining followed by a message like "Perhaps you should skip the latte for the next 3 days."

Philips promises the Philips Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected will improve your brushing technique, or your money back, which is a nice promise to keep considering this is a $200 toothbrush. There will also be an optional UV sanitizer that claims to kill the bacteria on your brush head. We'll have a full review when the Sonicare FlexCare Platinum Connected comes out in July.

Originally Posted by PC Mag.