When was the last time your toothbrush looked out of style? This question itself is perplexing because for the past several decades, the fashion line for toothbrushes has remained relatively the same. Recent research, however, has indicated that there is possibly a better way for brushing. Is it time for the breakthrough in dental technology?
Our Toothbrush – Potentially Problematic?
People, just like you and me are used to our normal toothbrushes – manual or automatic. We get up every morning, complete our brushing routine, and progress on to the rest of our day without thinking twice about the toothbrush. So why the sudden need for change? One flaw most of us fail to recognize in our everyday brushes, is that essentially only one half of the toothbrush is being used in its three-month life span. Most of us throw out our brush because the bristles become stiff, dirty, or just old. But how many of us throw out the toothbrush because the handle becomes stiff, dirty, or just old?
Furthermore, when we go to the hygiene aisle, there is an entire array of razor heads and cartridges that are sold separately from the actual razor. Blades are sold separately because they are the only portion of the razor that wear out over time and need to be replaced – the handle still remains intact. Why doesn’t the same exist for toothbrushes?
The New Toothbrush
Two designers foresaw this flaw and thought that it was time for disruptive dental technology that will change the way consumers view their brushes. The Quip Toothbrush, involves a two-part brush in which the handle is replaceable. Although this model is more expensive to manufacture than the current toothbrush on the market, it attempts to eliminate the infamous cycle of using, throwing, and repurchasing products in our economy.
The CEO of Quip Toothbrush, Enever, has also geared a subscription service for the product. The company’s service allows customers to purchase the handle and membership, and receive a new blade every three months. In addition to creating a two-part brush, the company’s design has also revamped the bristles of the brush which are now significantly softer, placing less pressure on the enamel and gums. Interestingly, Quip has competition. Their competitor, Goodwell, has designed toothbrushes which also have replaceable parts; in addition, these brushes have biodegradable cartridges as well as a thinner handle.
Disruptive Dental Technology – What is the Future?
Both Quip and Goodwell are changing the face of the toothbrush industry, but will consumers shift away from their current toothbrushes? This question is difficult to answer, but the future for these models looks promising. The revamped bristles prove, by the American Dental Association, to be beneficial for your teeth. Aside from the dental benefits provided by Quip and Goodwell, the new models are minimizing the inherent wastage associated with consumerism.
These designers gave life to an industry where drastic change was rarely visible. If toothbrushes are being reinvented, the possibilities for other products that we have “settled” for are endless.
-Priyanka
