do the newer vitality toothbrushes have a battery problem? After being a happy Vitality user for two years my toothbrush died and I went out looking to replace it with the same model. This time I went through a couple of the vitality toothbrushes that all die within a short time (like by the second day, or within a couple of weeks). It seems to me that the batteries cannot recharge. But perhaps it is a motor problem. Wondering if other people have insight into what may be going on. Also is there a chance that the more advanced models behave better?BTW consumer service was great, sent me replacement toothbrush...only thing is that the problems repeated. do the newer vitality toothbrushes have a battery problem? After being a happy Vitality user for two years my toothbrush died and I went out looking to replace it with the same model. This time I... » Read More do the newer vitality toothbrushes have a battery problem? After being a happy Vitality user for two years my toothbrush died and I went out looking to replace it with the same model. This time I went through a couple of the vitality toothbrushes that all die within a short time (like by the second day, or within a couple of weeks). It seems to me that the batteries cannot recharge. But perhaps it is a motor problem. Wondering if other people have insight into what may be going on. Also is there a chance that the more advanced models behave better?BTW consumer service was great, sent me replacement toothbrush...only thing is that the problems repeated. « Show Less
887644
I ended up exchanging my vitality for a sonicare by Phillips. It's about 10$ more & it takes 24 hours to charge before your 1st use, but after that it's great! I saw a lot of comments online about battery problems with the Vitality.
887645
I had the same problem. Bought 2 Vitality toothbrushes from 2 different Target stores and had the same problem. I am about ready to take back the second and try a Sonicare. According to the Braun U.K. Forums, the battery/charging unit is a real problem. Supposedly, if the toothbrush is left in the on position it won't charge. Problem is there is no on/off indicator. Horrible design decision.
887646
I have been using Vitality toothbrushes for about 6 years now, I am on my third toothbrush, and have had no problems with short battery life. (I spend a long time brushing my teeth, so my batteries might not last as long as other people's.) If battery life were a common problem for the Oral-B Vitality then it wouldn't still be sold.
887647
I had the same problem! I purchased the Vitality on June 30th and charged it till Monday when I used it for the first time. It ran for about 20 seconds and quit. I put it back on the charger and tried again that night. Nothing! I returned it and bought another Vitality at a different store (hoped theirs would be from another batch). I charged this one for 20 hours before the first use. It worked! When I used it that night it worked less than 2 minutes. I put it back on the charger. This morning. Nothing! This is really getting frustrating. And the packaging really is a pain to open.
594820
I'm having the same problem. Just bought my first Vitality and got one use out of it and it never recharged. I exchanged it for another one thinking it was a dud, but the replacement is doing the same thing!
1537924
I had that same thing happen to mine as well. Unfortunately these toothbrushes don't last longer than like 2 years. You will probably have to order another one. That's what I had to do. My husband has one and he's had it for almost 2 years I think so I may have to get him a new one too if that happens with his. It stinks but they are a great toothbrush in my opinion.
402593
On my first roomba the charger went out after about 6 months and wouldn't charge the battery. The replacement (curtosity of the in-store replacement warrenty) lasted a while longer, but not it won't hold a charge. After extensive searching and some luck, I've found that I need a software upgrade that I've been trying to get for about 6 weeks. They seem determined to make me try every other possible solution before they will send the software upgrade module. My advice would be to go ahead and throw it away now and save yourself the time, energy, and fustration. The battery should not be thrown away though. Many places recycle them. Check cell phone stores, Home Depot, and the like. I'm not an envirometalist, but the stuff in the batteries is pretty nasty.
764205
Same here. When I asked IF they said using batteries that weren't IF brand would nullify my lifetime warranty. They shwed me why they didn't work either--they're slightly different. Ask for a refund from Amazon. I got it easily. Then buy only IF batteries. :(
719846
I just replaced the battery in 1 of 2 units that I have when it displayed the low battery indicator. That unit was installed June 2008, and now it's November 2014, 6 years on a battery. I have a second unit that was installed July 2008, and the battery died January 2010. I tested that replaced battery now, and it still tests as good. This is already nearly 5 years on the replacement battery so far, therefore I assume the issue with the first one was a weak initial battery, and not the unit itself.
62305
Make sure it's fully charged Take the brush out and try to run without brush if did not run it must be defected need to return If motor runs it means there is something stuck in the mechanics of the brushRemember regular tooth paste can impact the mechanics it's best to use with fluid such as listerine or different mouthwash
1123821
The toothbrush stopped working about two months after I bought it. I called the company-they sent a new one right away, no questions asked. I think the first unit was defective from the get-go. This one has a lot more enthusiasm!
1454447
No you cannot get a replacement battery. The toothbrush needs to be charged more often as it gets older. I have 2 of them and one is over 3 years old and the other about 2 years old. The older one needs to be charged more but it still works great.
240185
No, it is not designed with a replaceable battery. Our previous Oral-B brush lasted about 4 years before it wouldn't hold a charge. But, we left it plugged in all the time. So, after every use, it got a small recharge. With our new one, I monitor the LED on the handle. When it starts flashing red after a brushing, I plug it in to charge. I am hoping this will help the battery last longer.
617929
When you first buy the toothbrush, it activates in "low power" mode for the first handful of brushes (maybe 15?-- it says in the manual) to allow you to get used to using the brush. After that set interval it will stop that feature and begin working at full power, with no blinking lights upon turning on.
1723613
The battery lasts a good two weeks no matter how you handle it. I would not worry about it one way or the other. This electric toothbrush is a great product at an ideal price.
1828209
I am a dentist, not an electrician, but I would put my money on either a dead battery or an internal defect. If it is brand new, send it back and get a replacement, if it is old(3-6 yrs) try a new battery
1064363
Keep in mind that the battery system for this tooth brush has a very defective design. The noted "Electric Toothbrush Advisor" publication did a review of this problem in 2014: http://bestelectrictoothbrushadvisor.com/rotadent-plus-2011-electric-toothbrush-review/We've been through a few sets of these brushes and they all have bad batteries that die in less than a year of usage as well as have problems randomly starting up. Unfortunately, the company (DenMat) has not fixed the problems and the customer service related to these prob;ems is very lacking. So, buyer beware ... Keep in mind that the battery system for this tooth brush has a very defective design. The noted "Electric Toothbrush Advisor" publication did a review of this problem in 2014: http://bestelectrictoothbrushadvisor.com/rotadent-plus-2011-electric-toothbrush-review/We've been through a few sets of these brushes and they all have bad batteries that die in less than a year of usage as well as have problems randomly starting up. Unfortunately, the company (DenMat) has not fixed the problems and the customer service related to these prob;ems is very lacking. So,... » Read More Keep in mind that the battery system for this tooth brush has a very defective design. The noted "Electric Toothbrush Advisor" publication did a review of this problem in 2014: http://bestelectrictoothbrushadvisor.com/rotadent-plus-2011-electric-toothbrush-review/We've been through a few sets of these brushes and they all have bad batteries that die in less than a year of usage as well as have problems randomly starting up. Unfortunately, the company (DenMat) has not fixed the problems and the customer service related to these prob;ems is very lacking. So, buyer beware ... « Show Less
915719
I am having the unevenness in power just two months after the two year warranty expired :(I still like the Oral-B toothbrush but I think I will buy a cheaper version! I mean if it's going to die every two years.... *shrug*
279365
I had the same problem with the one I ordered so I opened up the battery case to see if maybe the betteries were bad or missing. They has become badly oxidied in the case and so were obviously very old. I pried the suckers out with a screw driver, threw them away (being careful not to touch them with skin in case they were leaking any fluids), cleaned the inside with a clorox wipe, and popped some new batteries in and it has worked great ever since. Give that a try and I hope this helps!
1328920
The same thing happened to me. I believe there's a battery that requires replacing. Me, I just got annoyed, literally threw it away and have been happily brushing my teeth the old fashioned way for the first time in decades. I find it comforting doing this without a fancy gadget. But hey, Im the same person who misses rotary phones and vinyl.
1123339
The comment doesn't have anything to do with dental hygiene. It has to do with teenage behavior. This is the cheapest model, and it doesn't require that you properly place it in the recharger after use.