I purchase a new tootbrush faithfully every 2-3 months. The reason for this is because my dentist claimed that new toothbrushes are more effective in treating plaque removal.
I cant say that I have one brand that I favor over the rest because I will usually purchase what is on sale, providing it is a brand I recognize. The Oral B Advantage toothbrushes are always my preferred choice if they can be had at a reasonable price.
What I like most about the Oral B Advantage is the design of the brush. The bristles are positioned so that they not only work to clean and remove plaque with the top of the bristles but also along the sides. The bristles are longer than some brands around the end so that you can easily get to the back of the teeth and in between, similar to a flossing action.
Another nice feature of the Oral B is the rubbery grip along the back side and middle of the brush handle. This makes gripping the brush easier than other brands and a more comfortable hold.
Finally, the Oral B has the blue bristles that fade over time to let you know when it is time to purchase a new brush. However, I have noticed that you cant rely on the blue bristles as a solid indicator because it doesnt change the same every time. For instance, I brush my teeth 2-3 times a day and sometimes the bristles fade after just two months and sometimes they fade after three months. As for any longer time period, I cant be sure since I never own a toothbrush longer than three months.