Difference Between Sonicare FlexCare & Sonicare FlexCare Plus

in the Sonicare electric toothbrush line, two models that seem almost identical can have slight differences that can become more significant over time when in use. Cost can also become a factor, with almost a 30 percent price difference between models. When two products are essentially the same but for minor differences, choosing between them requires side-by-side comparison.

Cost and Functionality

• Many people use cost as a primary determiner when making a buying choice. Side by side, the Sonicare FlexCare and FlexCare Plus share most of the same features. Not all of their differences are related to functionality. If you prefer to charge your toothbrush less often and want five brushing modes as opposed to three, the FlexCare Plus may be the right choice. Additionally, the FlexCare Plus claims that benefits to the gums appear within two weeks, whereas the FlexCare promises improvement but free of a projected time frame.

Features Not Listed on Upgraded Model

• The FlexCare lists a light signal that tracks the charge on the battery, another signal that promotes attentiveness to the different quadrants of the mouth, and a gentle increase in power over the first 14 uses of the brush. For some reason, the FlexCare Plus doesn't list these same features. This may be because they are standard for the FlexCare and the FlexCarePlus. If these features are important in your buying decision, look closely to see whether they're listed benefits of the product before buying.

Differences in Travel Case, Color and Modes

• The FlexCare comes with a deluxe soft travel case; the FlexCare Plus has upgraded to a hard case. The FlexCare's "medical blue" color is more green than blue, and the "soft sky blue" of the FlexCare Plus is bluer. Though it would seem that the FlexCare Plus has two additional modes than the FlexCare, closer inspection shows that the FlexCare has three modes and two routines. These two routines are included among the modes with the FlexCare Plus, which makes it appear to have two more modes than the FlexCare.

Focus on Gum Health

• The FlexCare Plus mode called "Gum Care" is a three-minute cycle that begins with 30-second quadrant cleaning segments, followed by a one-minute focus on problem areas broken into 15-second segments. The comparable routine on the FlexCare is a three-minute cycle, too, but with 45-second segments for each quadrant, broken into a more vigorous speed for 30 seconds followed by a massaging speed for 15 seconds. The claim that the FlexCare Plus improves gum care within two weeks is more assertive than the promise that FlexCare "helps" improve gum health but within no expected time frame.