Hype Check: Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush
What it is: Ultreo claims the Ultrasound is the first major innovation in electric-toothbrush technology since Sonicare came out roughly 15 years ago. It uses -- appropriately enough -- ultrasound technology to clean your teeth (a super high-pitched form of sound pressure, and yes, that's the same technology used to check out the sex of your unborn baby).
Why it's different: The Ultreo uses roughly four million cycles of ultrasound energy to create bubbles that expand and contract -- this movement, combined with regular bristle-action, helps remove the tiny chunks of Swedish fish and/or meatballs that get stuck in those hidden spots between your teeth.
Where you can get it: At the moment, Ultreo is available online from Ultreo's website -- it'll eventually make its way to retail stores and dentist's offices.
Price: Ultreo will set you back $149.99, but snag a discount code from your dentist to save a few bucks.
What we like: Immediately after you finish brushing, a distinct feeling of (quite literal) squeaky-clean sets in; your teeth actually feel as if they've been buffed and polished, and the squeak when you rub your finger across them is actually audible (though not visible). The unit itself feels solid and well-built, and the brush-head seems seems more durable than those of other premium toothbrushes.
What we don't like: Hard to find anything, other than the high price. While it's not necessarily a bad thing, per se, the Ultreo doesn't produce quite as much friction as other high-end electric toothbrushes. This may come as something of a shock to those used to, say, the Sonicare's full-on tooth-and-gum massage. The Ultreo's lighter touch is a result of cleaning being accomplished through ultrasound waves, which you don't actually feel.
Does it live up to the hype? While it will be tough to say how well the Ultreo actually works until our next dentist appointment, initial impressions are definitely positive. It feels like a great way to clean those pearlies, and the lack of friction is likely to be easy on the gums, for those who tend to otherwise brush too hard.
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