Braun Oral-B 3D Excel Rechargeable Power Toothbrush D17511 Solo

The Oral-B 3D Excel Solo is supplied with a single brush head, which easily clips onto a spike on top of the main unit. Blue indicator bristles let you know when it is time to change the head. Further brush-heads are available separately, with each head having an estimated life span of around three months.

The supplied charging stand can be placed on a flat surface, or mounted on a wall. This is fitted with a two-pin plug, for use in a shaver socket. Alternatively, you can use a three-pin adaptor plug it into a normal mains socket. The unit slips vertically onto the stand and charges in several hours (a full charge can take up to 16 hours). On a full charge the toothbrush will run for around two weeks.

In use the 3D Excel is a joy. The brush head is smaller than a conventional toothbrush, so you tend to use less toothpaste, but the end result is that your teeth look and feel cleaner within weeks. The brush head pulsates 40,000 times a minute and oscillates 7,600 times a minute. The flexisoft bristles, with interdental tips do a great job of getting into every crevice. The brush has two speeds and also a timer, which is great for children. A pressure sensor kicks in if you are pressing too hard on your teeth and gums.

Electric toothbrushes have come a long way in the last few years and the Braun Oral-B 3D Excel Solo is a superb example. --Nick Baxter

This toothbrush is way more effective than manual brushing, and because the head is small it gets to all the places that we often miss.

A two minute timer makes sure you get a thorough brushing each time, and the unit easily holds enough charge to last for a week. It can be recharged daily, but you will need to run it down completely once every 3 months or so to keep the battery in full health.

Compared to buying a new toothbrush every few months, the 3D Excel is expensive - for the initial purchase, and for extra brush-heads - but for a totally clean feeling it is money very well spent.