Trystan Casey
Electric toothbrushes are battery-powered toothbrushes that clean teeth with automatic motion. They are usually powered by rechargeable batteries. The Oral-B IO line of toothbrushes can be fixed without specialist tools. To repair an electric toothbrush, you must first power it off, then remove the metal or plastic ring on the brush head spindle. Next, push the spindle against a hard surface to slide the motor assembly out of the bottom. You may need to pry open some plastic tabs. Each toothbrush is different, so it is best to consult a guide for your specific model.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Power Source | Rechargeable battery |
| Motion Type | Rotation oscillation or back-and-forth oscillation |
| Speed | Sonic or ultrasonic |
| Repairability | Easy to repair without specialist tools |
| Battery Replacement | Remove the bottom cap and slide out the mechanism to pop out the battery |
| Motor Assembly Removal | Push the spindle against a hard surface to slide it out of the bottom |
| Soldering | Required for some models to remove and replace the battery |
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What You'll Learn
Repairing without specialist tools
Most Oral B electric toothbrushes can be opened without the use of specialist tools. To do so, hold the toothbrush and the charging stand together, then twist the stand to pop the bottom cap off. On some models, you may need to use the stand as a lever to pop off the cap. If the cap is too tight, try softening the plastic housing by placing the brush in hot water for a few minutes.
Once the bottom cap is off, slide out the electronic mechanism. You may first need to remove a metal or plastic ring on the brush head spindle. Then, push the spindle against a hard surface to slide the motor assembly out of the bottom. You may need to pry open some plastic tabs first.
If you are looking to replace the battery, you will need to de-solder the four tabs that hold the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) and the battery in place. Two of the tabs connect to the motor, while the other two connect to the positive and negative ends of the battery. After de-soldering, bend the negative tab on the battery up to enable the PCB to be removed. Then, simply lift the PCB away from the mechanism, and slide the battery out of the body.
After replacing the battery, reassemble the toothbrush. Set aside the main body and spring, as these will be reattached later. Place the PCB back into the mechanism, then solder the tabs to hold the PCB and battery in place. Finally, place the spring and main body back into the mechanism, and twist the white plastic part of the toothbrush anticlockwise to reattach it to the main body.
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Replacing the battery
Oral B electric toothbrushes can be repaired at home, although the manufacturer warns against this, citing danger and voiding the warranty. However, some Oral B models, such as the IO line, are designed to be easily fixed without specialist tools. For example, the IO model's circular charger can be used to twist off the bottom cap when turned upside down, allowing the battery to be popped out.
If your Oral B model is not as easy to dismantle, you may need to remove a metal or plastic ring on the brush head spindle. Then, push the spindle against a hard surface to slide the motor assembly out from the bottom. You may need to pry open some plastic tabs first. Be aware that each toothbrush is different, so it is recommended to consult a guide specific to your model.
In some cases, the battery may be soldered to the circuit board, requiring a soldering iron to replace it. If you are unfamiliar with soldering, there are instructional videos available online. However, proceed with caution as the soldering iron will become hot.
By repairing and extending the life of your electric toothbrush, you can reduce your contribution to the world's growing pile of electronic waste.
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Removing the metal/plastic ring
To remove the metal/plastic ring, start by turning your toothbrush upside down. You will see the brush head spindle, which is the thin, cylindrical part that holds the brush head. At the base of this spindle, you will find the metal or plastic ring that you need to remove.
Using a flat-head screwdriver or a similar tool, carefully pry under the edge of the ring, gently lifting it upwards and away from the spindle. Be careful not to scratch or damage the spindle or the surrounding components. You may need to apply a small amount of force, but it should come off with gentle leverage.
If the ring is particularly tight or difficult to remove, you can try using a hairdryer to apply gentle heat to the area. This can help soften any adhesives or loosen tight connections. Just be sure to avoid overheating the plastic components, as they can become soft and susceptible to damage.
Alternatively, if your Oral B toothbrush comes with a circular charger, you can use it as a tool to help remove the ring. Place the toothbrush upside down on a flat surface and twist the charger onto the bottom of the spindle. This will help you get a better grip and apply more force when removing the ring.
Once the ring is removed, set it aside safely, as you will need to put it back on later when you reassemble your toothbrush. Now you can move on to the next step of sliding out the motor assembly.
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Disassembling the toothbrush
Before attempting any repairs, note that manufacturers warn against disassembling electric toothbrushes, citing safety concerns and the potential for voiding warranties. However, if you feel confident in your abilities, Oral B's IO line of toothbrushes can be fixed without specialist tools.
To begin disassembling your Oral B electric toothbrush, first, ensure the device is switched off. Next, you may need to remove a metal or plastic ring from the brush head spindle. This will allow you access to the internal components. With the ring removed, push the spindle against a hard surface to slide the motor assembly out from the bottom of the toothbrush. You may need to pry open some plastic tabs to release the assembly. Be cautious when performing this step, as the tabs are delicate and prone to breakage if excessive force is applied.
Once the motor assembly is removed, you will have access to the battery and other internal components. If your toothbrush model has a soldered battery, you will need a soldering iron to remove and replace it. Online tutorials and videos can guide you through this process if you are unfamiliar with soldering. Remember to exercise caution when using a soldering iron, as it can become very hot.
Some Oral B toothbrushes feature a unique design that utilizes the charging dock as a tool for disassembly. When turned upside down, the circular charger can be used to twist off the bottom cap of the toothbrush. This provides access to the internal mechanism, which can then be slid out to access the battery. This design approach simplifies the repair process, eliminating the need for specialized tools.
By following these steps, you can safely disassemble your Oral B electric toothbrush, gaining access to the internal components for further repairs or maintenance. Remember to consult specific guides or videos relevant to your toothbrush model, as the disassembly process may vary slightly between different versions.
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Soldering a new battery
Prepare the Toothbrush
Before you begin soldering, you need to open the toothbrush and access the battery. This step can be challenging as electric toothbrushes are not designed to be user-replaceable. You may need to cut open the plastic body, which will compromise its water resistance. Be cautious when handling the internal components, as they are fragile and can be easily damaged.
Remove the Old Battery
The battery in your Oral-B toothbrush is likely soldered to the circuit board or PCB (Printed Circuit Board). To remove it, you will need to use a soldering iron to desolder the connections. Be sure to wear protective gear, as the soldering iron will get very hot. You may need to desolder four tabs that hold the PCB and cell in position; two tabs go to the motor, while the other two connect to the positive and negative sides of the cell.
Prepare the New Battery
Before soldering in the new battery, ensure that it is the correct type and size. It is usually a cylindrical cell similar to an AA battery, but it could be longer or shorter, or have a different diameter. Some batteries come with metal tabs that need to be soldered to the circuit board. Check that the battery voltage is correct and inspect the old battery for any capacity information, such as "600mAh."
Solder the New Battery
Now, carefully solder the new battery into place. Ensure you apply just enough solder to create a secure connection. Too much or too little solder can lead to a faulty circuit or shorten the lifespan of the toothbrush. Be cautious not to damage any other components on the board while soldering.
Reassemble the Toothbrush
Once the new battery is securely soldered, it's time to put your toothbrush back together. Make sure all the parts are aligned correctly and snap or screw everything tightly to maintain the toothbrush's waterproof integrity.
Remember, soldering a new battery into your electric toothbrush can be challenging, and there is a risk of damaging the device. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it may be best to consult a professional or consider purchasing a new toothbrush.
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Frequently asked questions
You can pay someone else to repair it, or you can do it yourself with some online help. Oral B's IO line of toothbrushes can be fixed without specialist tools. You might need to twist off the bottom cap, slide out the mechanism, and pop the battery out.
First, turn off the toothbrush. Then, you'll need to slide the electronic innards out of the housing. You might first need to remove a metal or plastic ring on the brush head spindle. Push the spindle against something hard to slide the motor assembly out the bottom. You might need to pry open some plastic tabs first. Consult a guide to your specific model on iFixit or other repair websites.
Manufacturers warn people against disassembling the devices, saying it's dangerous or that it will void the warranty.
Some upstart brands like Suri and Quip highlight their repairability as part of their sustainable appeal. However, Suri says owners should send them back to be fixed and only if the owner has signed up for a brush head subscription plan.
