The best electric toothbrush reduces plaque and gingivitis better than a manual one, encourages you to brush long enough, and prevents overzealous scrubbing.

Investing in preventative dental care can save you thousands of dollars (and a lot of discomfort) in the long run. If you have a permanent retainer from orthodontics, an electric device can deal with the associated plaque buildup far more effectively than a manual toothbrush. And a worthy electric toothbrush doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

Featured here are some of our top picks. The Philips Sonicare 4100 is a midrange option with powerful yet gentle sonic vibrations and a pressure sensor, making it ideal for most people. Its battery life lasts about two weeks per charge, and the handle’s light and beep remind you when to replace the brush head.

The Oral-B Pro 1000 has been around since 2012, outlasting and outperforming flashier models because it's powerful and priced right. It comes with built-in timers that pulse every 30 seconds and a triple pulse at the two-minute mark to indicate when you're done brushing.

For younger users, the Brusheez Electric Toothbrush Set is gentle yet effective, powered by two AA batteries (not included). It includes a storage base, a rinse cup, and an extra brush head. The Philips Sonicare Kids Electric Toothbrush offers a rechargeable option with a built-in timer and a companion app with cartoon lessons and rewards for brushing.