Our dental guests are not merely patients, but dental consumers in our changing industry. What services we can provide for them are only part of the overall aspect of Oral Care. With billions of dollars spent on dental advertising every year, we owe it to our clients to provide guidance through the thousands of potentially beneficial products they see everyday. Patients have become very savvy concerning toothbrushes, especially powered toothbrushes. These mark a significant expense, some up to three times the cost of a cleaning and exam in most offices.
I have been using the Ultreo Toothbrush for over 6 months. This is not a testament to the efficacy of the brush, but rather an opinion from a dentist who has been using powered toothbrushes from Oral B, Sonicare, and others for roughly 5 years.
The Brush Head (Ultrasound Waveguide)
The brush head and “Ultrasonic Waveguide” represent the largest step in new technology in toothbrushes in the last 10 years. Sonic bristles oscillate, as do any other sonic toothbrushes in the typical range of 20-20,000 Hz. You will see many people, and even dental professionals, claim the bristles oscillate at ultrasonic frequencies. The Ultrasonic vibration is actually at the liquid level only via the Ultrasonic Waveguide. Though a bit bulky for a brush head in the mouth, the Ultrasonic Waveguide insert is necessary to direct the ultrasonic frequency formed at the transducer in the back of the head into the bubbles at the surface of a tooth. Several studies have shown that the combination of sonic action from the bristles and the ultrasonic energy that is transferred into the bubbles cuts through biofilm and plaque very effectively.
The Handle
The handle is definitely my favorite of all powered toothbrushes. The Ultreo is solid construction in molded plastic and polyurethane rubber. Slightly heavy, but this is expected with the powerful NiMH battery and sonic motor. It is curved to a slight hourglass shape, and feels very comforting when held.
The Battery and Charger Plate
The battery is Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) and is meant to provide many years of service. A full charge lasts roughly two weeks, or around 28 uses. I have not noticed any significant deviation from this over the past six months. I have allowed the toothbrush to drain to zero three or four times. A confusing point for me is the fact that the NiMH battery can be disposed of in any trash receptacle, but it is not user replaceable. The charger plate is of nice design, a minimalist and functional induction charger.
Efficacy
This review was not meant to show efficacy of the new Ultreo toothbrush. From professional opinion and use, I can tell that the ultrasonic features of this brush help break up stubborn supragingival calculus, especially around post-orthodontic permanent appliances. Tea and coffee stains also are broken apart quite effectively. Nearly all research studies showcased by Ultreo describe the efficacy of the ultrasonic action alone, without actual brush contact. These results are astounding. My normal routine is to actually use the brush for 4-6 minutes after my morning coffee and before my first patient. I’m kind of a brushing nut so I never feel that 2 minutes is near enough, especially with this toothbrush. A person should really keep the Ultrasonic Waveguide in contact with the tooth surface for 3 or 4 seconds to maximize the breaking up of plaque and biofilm.
Comfort
There is noticeably less vibration in the Ultreo vs. Oral B Sonic Complete and Sonicare Elite. This benefit may lead to better patient acceptance. I personally had to acclimate to a Sonicare over a two week period due to the uncomfortable vibration. A 2 minute brushing does not yield any sort of uncomfort in my personal case. Although, both extended use and continuous use on a singlular surface have on occasion been a bit uncomfortable. To me, this is a testament to the fact that the ultrasonic frequency is, in fact, being transferred to the tooth. If you have ever had an ultrasonic cleaning by a zealous hygienist, you know the feeling!
The Conclusion
I believe that the Ultreo has taken brushing to a different level. Before we had any powered toothbrushes, then we had the first wave of sonic toothbrushes. Now we have the first ultrasonic toothbrush. More development may improve upon design of the Ultrasonic Waveguide, but it does do a functional job. It is something that I have included in my everyday routine, and hopefully it is something that your patients will enjoy as well!
Review Synopsis
Product
Ultreo Electric Toothbrush
The Good
Ergonomics, Ultrasonic cleaning.
The Bad
Battery not replaceable, weight a bit heavy.
The Bottom Line
The Ultreo does an great job cleaning, much better than a manual toothbrush.