It's a bunch of tiny steps that I imagine would aggravate my sleep-deprived brain each morning. Thankfully, the actual brushing experience is top-notch. The app uses a simple six-segment diagram, which represents the left, middle and right parts of your top and bottom choppers. As you scrub, the blue panels slowly disappear until it feels that you've cleaned thoroughly. Part of me wanted more detail -- it would be great to know which particular teeth I'm missing -- but in this case, less is probably more. I don't think my brain wants that much information just after I wake up.

The Genius-B comes with the same tricks found in some of Oral-B's other "smart" toothbrushes. There are pressure sensors to stop you from brushing too vigorously (a common problem, I've been told) and a timer to make sure you clean for the dentist-recommended two minutes.

Once I had finished, the app gave me a simple score grading my technique. It was a novel, but unsurprising analysis of my wonky teeth-cleaning habits. I'm intrigued by the general concept -- I want to know if I'm brushing my teeth properly -- but pairing the device with my phone and setting up the app felt like a chore. Although I care about my dental health, I think a bare-bones electric toothbrush is just fine for me right now.