Sonicare and Oral-B are the two largest manufacturers of high-end powered toothbrushes. They initially entered the market using very different technologies: ultrasonic vibration for Sonicare, rotary brushes for Oral-B.

Early model Sonicare were far from perfect, with a heavy and bulky design and brushes that were impossible to fit in tight spaces. They also had a tendency to accumulate disgusting gunk and required regular thorough cleaning, an unpleasant task. The battery life was also limited to about a week between charges. At least their ultrasonic technology was clinically proven to fight gum disease by hitting plaque several millimeters below the gum line, whereas Oral-B's rotary brushes were nothing but glorified tooth polishers.

Sonicare's most recent update completely redesigned the body, the brushes and the body-brush coupling system. The body is thinner, easy to clean, does not accumulate gunk anymore and battery life has been doubled. These brushes are sold under the FlexCare moniker.

After a few attempts at hybridizing its antique rotary brush system with ultrasonic technology, Braun/Oral-B is finally shipping a proper ultrasonic brush: the Pulsonic.

The body of the Pulsonic is very thin, about 2/3 that of the latest generation Sonicare. I find it almost too thin, but its size is closer to that of a regular toothbrush, so it will fit inside a standard travel toothbrush holder -- a good thing, since Oral-B does not include a travel case in the package.

The ultrasonic action is not as powerful as Sonicare's. I don't know if this impacts the efficiency of the brush, but it clearly feels weaker; the brush markedly slows down when applied. This may actually be a good thing since you're supposed to only apply it gently.
Oral-B includes a feature similar to what Sonicare calls the "quad-pacer," essentially a timer that signals you when it's time to switch quadrants (every 30 seconds)
Battery life is about a week.
Included in the package: brush, charging stand, bonus interstitial brush... but no travel case.

PROS
----
- a real ultrasonic brush, the only type useful against periodontal pockets
- very low price for this technology
- easy to clean
- small charging stand
- small brush, great for little hands
- quad pacer
- setting for sensitive gums
CONS
----
- may be too small for some hands
- charger is 110V only (you need a transformer, not just an adapter, to use it overseas)
- no travel case

CONCLUSION
----------
Oral-B has come up with a worthy challenger to the Sonicare brushes. At less than half the price of the cheapest FlexCare, the Pulsonic is worthy of your consideration. Regardless of which brush you choose, please take the time to ask your dentist to teach you how to use it properly: apply gently at a 45 degree angle targeting the gum line; don't move the brush back and forth, don't push hard: just hold it in place and let it do its job. You will get the best results if you rinse with Listerine and floss before brushing.
Sonicare and Oral-B are the two largest manufacturers of high-end powered toothbrushes. They initially entered the market using very different technologies: ultrasonic vibration for Sonicare, rotary brushes for Oral-B. Early model Sonicare were far from perfect, with a heavy and bulky design and brushes that were impossible to fit in tight spaces. They also had a tendency to accumulate disgusting gunk and required regular thorough cleaning, an unpleasant task. The battery life was also limited to about a week between charges. At least their ultrasonic technology was clinically proven to fight gum disease by hitting plaque several millimeters below the gum line, whereas Oral-B's rotary brushes were nothing but glorified tooth polishers. Sonicare's most recent update completely redesigned the body, the brushes and the body-brush coupling system. The body is thinner, easy to clean, does not accumulate gunk anymore and battery life has been doubled. These brushes are sold under the FlexCare moniker. After a few attempts at hybridizing its antique rotary brush system with ultrasonic technology, Braun/Oral-B is finally shipping a proper ultrasonic brush: the Pulsonic. The body of the Pulsonic is very thin, about 2/3 that of the latest generation Sonicare. I find it almost too thin, but its size is closer to that of a regular toothbrush, so it will fit inside a standard travel toothbrush holder -- a good thing, since Oral-B does not include a travel case in the package. The ultrasonic action is not as powerful as Sonicare's. I don't know if this impacts the efficiency of the brush, but it clearly feels weaker; the brush markedly slows down when applied. This may actually be a good thing since you're supposed to only apply it gently. Oral-B includes a feature similar to what Sonicare calls the "quad-pacer," essentially a timer that signals you when it's time to switch quadrants (every 30 seconds)
Battery life is about a week. Included in the package: brush, charging stand, bonus interstitial brush... but no travel case. PROS
----
- a real ultrasonic brush, the only type useful against periodontal pockets
- very low price for this technology
- easy to clean
- small charging stand
- small brush, great for little hands
- quad pacer
- setting for sensitive gums
CONS
----
- may be too small for some hands
- charger is 110V only (you need a transformer, not just an adapter, to use it overseas)
- no travel case

CONCLUSION
----------
Oral-B has come up with a worthy challenger to the Sonicare brushes. At less than half the price of the cheapest FlexCare, the Pulsonic is worthy of your consideration. Regardless of which brush you choose, please take the time to ask your dentist to teach you how to use it properly: apply gently at a 45 degree angle targeting the gum line; don't move the brush back and forth, don't push hard: just hold it in place and let it do its job. You will get the best results if you rinse with Listerine and floss before brushing.