Electric toothbrushes are widely recommended by dental professionals, and Oral-B stands out as a leading brand with significant support from experts and users alike. The Braun-powered brand has recently launched the Genius X model, an electric toothbrush featuring “AI” (artificial intelligence). The question is: what does AI bring to a toothbrush, and does it translate to a tangible benefit in daily use? Our team has rigorously tested the Genius X for the past two weeks, and we’re ready to share our detailed impressions.
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Enhanced Feedback Through the App
The “AI” in the Genius X refers to the toothbrush’s ability to provide intelligent feedback, leveraging a built-in gyroscope to track brushing motions in real-time. This data is then visualized within a companion app, showing users which areas require more attention. In the context of gadgets, the term “AI” often implies a level of intelligence exceeding traditional expectations, sometimes incorrectly associated with “machine learning“—the ability of a device to learn, adapt, and improve through interaction (similar to the Cozmo robot). While the Genius X incorporates data from a large pool of brushing behaviors collected in Oral-B’s lab, it doesn’t truly “learn.” The recommended brushing time remains at two minutes, twice daily, although our testing suggests closer to three minutes is needed to achieve a 100% coverage score within the app.
The app represents a significant and welcome upgrade. The previous top-tier model, Genius 9000, utilized an app that required mounting a smartphone to a mirror to film the user’s mouth during brushing—a less than ideal setup aesthetically and practically, though functional. The updated app harnesses the toothbrush’s motion sensors, similar to motion-controlled smartphone games, and incorporates gamification elements with achievable milestones. It offers improved accuracy and a more engaging, user-friendly experience. While active monitoring during every brushing session isn’t mandatory, users can manually sync saved sessions for review.
Design and Brushing Modes
The Genius X features a refined design, maintaining a similar aesthetic to its predecessor, the Genius 9000. Available in black and “rose gold” finishes, the latter has proven popular, particularly among Apple users. The Rose Gold model seems geared towards a more gentle approach, featuring sensitive brush heads and a stand accommodating two brushes. The slightly more expensive Black model includes a holder for four brush heads and two cross-action brushes, a less practical configuration than including a variety of brush types.
Users can select from various brushing modes: “Daily Clean” (the standard mode), “Pro Clean” (offering increased power and frequency for a deeper clean, recommended for those without sensitive teeth or gums), “Soft” (for sensitive users), “3D White” (a polishing mode), “Gum Care” (gentle massage), and “Tongue Cleaning” (recommended daily, alongside flossing). Oddly, mode selection is only available while the toothbrush is running, rather than prior to starting the brushing cycle, potentially leading to unintended splashes or difficulty viewing the selected mode once the brush is in the mouth.
The Genius X also includes a sophisticated travel case for storing the brush and heads, complete with a smartphone holder. While convenient, it requires a dedicated charger (included) instead of utilizing a more universal USB-C connection.
Value and Performance Assessment
The crucial considerations are price and performance. The Genius X is priced at 2,195 SEK for the Rose Gold and 2,295 SEK for the Black version, representing a significant investment for an electric toothbrush. However, electric toothbrushes are proven to enhance oral hygiene, and the Genius X offers exceptional precision. While a two-week testing period is insufficient to definitively assess long-term dental health improvements, regular dental visits in Sweden can quickly accumulate significant costs. Therefore, the Genius X could be a worthwhile investment, potentially offsetting future dental expenses.
The Genius X presents itself as a leading electric toothbrush on the market, offering an intuitive user experience through its sensors and well-designed app. While not a revolutionary leap from the Genius 9000 (though significantly more convenient without the need for smartphone mirroring), it represents a substantial upgrade for users of simpler electric toothbrushes or manual brushes. Consider the Genius X if you’re seeking advanced oral hygiene technology.
We anticipate further app and brush functionality development in the future. For now, we confidently recommend the Genius X.
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