With so many electric toothbrush types available on the market, it's often difficult to select the right toothbrush for your own needs. First, let's distinguish between electric toothbrushes and battery-powered toothbrushes.

Those who want a dose of power but are weary of electric toothbrushes may like a battery-powered toothbrush (also known as a "battery power toothbrush" or a "battery-operated toothbrush"). Like electric toothbrushes, battery-powered toothbrushes are sometimes simply called "power toothbrushes" due to their use of a battery. While similar in design and cost to regular manual toothbrushes, battery power toothbrushes have just enough vibration to add some extra cleaning action.

A rechargeable electric toothbrush, also known as a "power toothbrush", is the kind you plug into the wall to recharge, keeping the handle and replacing the brush head every three months or so. Rechargeable electric toothbrushes differ among the kind of cleaning technology they use, such as oscillating-rotating or sonic technology.

Generally rich in technology and features, electric toothbrushes provide many oral health benefits. Some can even enable you to improve your brushing habits. Hi-tech features include:

• Numerous brushing modes specialized for sensitive teeth, whitening benefits or gum-massaging action
• Pressure sensors to signal when you’re brushing too hard
• Timers to help you keep track of how long you’re brushing each quadrant of your mouth
• Oscillating-rotating or sonic technology
• Multiple brush head compatibility so you can choose which kind of bristle design you prefer

Many electric toothbrushes also come with features for added convenience, like a brush head or toothbrush holder and bathroom-counter storage units.