photo from reddit
photo from reddit
Braun/Oral-B Electric Toothbrush
by Oral-B
22 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jan 2025
A rechargeable electric toothbrush built around a simple brushed motor and NiMH battery pack. Originally sold under the Braun name, the same core design is still sold today rebadged as Oral-B.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 6, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
The NiMH battery tolerates years of over-discharging far better than lithium-ion, and owners report 10-20+ year lifespans; when the battery finally weakens, it can be user-repaired by soldering in a new ~$10 NiMH cell (or even an AA) rather than replacing the whole unit.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as October 2025
Show 20 more mentions
- 13r/BuyItForLife comment
Parents got me a 2 pack of this toothbrush in 2005 (from Costco I think). I used one while the other sat BNIB. The first finally started making a bit of gear noise a year ago, so I switched to the 2nd.
- 11r/BuyItForLife comment
That toothbrush stood through most of the War on Terror, both Obama terms, the entire Jersey Shore… that should be mounted on a plaque in the den.
- 9r/BuyItForLife comment
Took it apart, soldered in a AA instead of whatever was in it ... now the motor has more power than it ever did and the charge lasts longer than it ever did.
- 6r/BuyItForLife comment
The fact that in 20 years they are still making heads for this is fascinating. It does look very similar to the OralB toothbrush I have though. I've had it for only six or seven years.
- 4r/BuyItForLife comment
Oooh I've got the same one still going don't jinx me
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
I agree with the review and would also say both brands especially in the mid tier range have sufficient features without breaking the bank and last.
- 3r/BuyItForLife comment
Stick with Philips or Braun/Oral-B.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
Oral B 1000 is the best for the value
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I've got one of those coming up to 20 years as well.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
You can solder in a new ni-mh battery on that braun OP. Put the tooth brush on the charge base and twist and it should open up for you.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I had an Oral-B Vitality for 4 years. It still worked but when I replaced it with a brand new one, the difference was very noticeable.
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
New one is is bit buzzier, but these things last forever
- 2r/BuyItForLife comment
I'd write them! 20 years…. Pffft. I'd expect at least 25. They don't make things like they used to.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Oral B is definitely the best overall imo
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Id go with the Oral-B pro
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Switched to an Oral B iO Series 5 recently and tbh I like it even more... Been about 8 months and it's still running smooth, holds a charge for a week easy.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
I've been using an Oral-B Genius since 2016, still going strong.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
In his opinion, the circular motion of the Oral B can easily damage your gums.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
I have an Oral B I think... I don't use it because my dentist told me I was scratching my enamel.
- 1r/BuyItForLife comment
Replaced with a mid tier oral B electric and have been using that for ~2 years, held up great so far and much cheaper than the sonic care.
RIP My 20ish Year Old Braun Electric Toothbrush ... Sad that I can't find these in the United States!
Mechanically it's still running great, and I want to avoid having to buy another because the plastic ends up sticking to my thumb.
20 year old brAun electric toothbrush just died. I honestly can't believe it lasted this long! ... it was going strong until a week ago.
There might be a guide to replace the battery https://toothbrushbattery.com/
I bet the battery on it died, not the toothbrush. On/Off probably wasn't getting enough voltage from failing NIMH battery. Put a new one and you'd be good to go.
Braun still makes an updated version of this model, it is branded under Oral-B ... the guts are the same - electric motor and NiMH battery. I had the same one you have and it lasted me over 10 years.