When I first mentioned the Feno Smartbrush to my dentist, her reaction was less than enthusiastic. “Don’t use that,” she said, skeptical about its unconventional approach to dental hygiene. Despite her advice, I decided to give Feno a try, intrigued by its innovative technology and the potential to revolutionize how we brush our teeth. After using the Feno Smartbrush, I’m not fully sold, but I am fascinated by its vision for the future of dental care.
The core concept behind Feno’s Smartbrush is a time-saving device designed to brush all your teeth simultaneously. This contrasts with traditional electric toothbrushes that target individual teeth, agitating plaque and gums around each tooth to ensure thorough cleaning. My dentist’s concern was the Smartbrush’s lack of precision, making it difficult to clean individual teeth at all the right angles. While Feno aims to simplify brushing and make it faster and more convenient, I couldn’t help but wonder if that convenience might come at the expense of thoroughness.
Feno’s Smartbrush is more than just a toothbrush; it’s packed with cutting-edge technology. It features wireless charging, health tracking, performance data, and even a built-in camera to scan your mouth. This data can then be shared with an Oral Health Coach, who provides consultations and feedback, helping you stay ahead of potential dental issues before they become serious. The tool emphasizes prevention, a concept that Feno takes to heart as it aims to offer a service beyond traditional dental care.
When I first got the Smartbrush, I received a custom-sized TrueFit Mouthpiece after submitting pictures of my mouth, and the “founder’s bundle” included the Smartbrush, a charger, three tubes of toothpaste, a tongue scraper, and three months of access to Feno’s proprietary app. The app delivers personalized health insights, oral health coaching, and video tutorials on how to brush effectively.
What excites me most about Feno is how it’s applying technology to an area of life where innovation is often lacking. We use technology in nearly every part of our daily routine, so why not in dental care? As someone who finds dental visits daunting, the idea of a virtual service where I can communicate with a dentist regularly for guidance and coaching is an appealing alternative to the traditional twice-yearly checkups.
The Smartbrush itself features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing for real-time mouth scans. These scans are analyzed by both AI and dental professionals, and the feedback is provided via the Feno app. The app also includes streaks, brushing tutorials, and tips to improve your brushing technique.
However, the experience of using the Smartbrush itself is a little daunting. The mouthpiece is large and not particularly comfortable, and once it’s in place, the Smartbrush vibrates intensely for 20 seconds. This sensation is quite unfamiliar, and it took a while to get used to. I even experienced some bleeding during the first few days of use, which Feno claims is normal.
One of the major draws of the Feno Smartbrush is the time-saving aspect. After years of brushing for two minutes, the idea of brushing for just 20 seconds is strange but surprisingly delightful. The company claims that its internal studies show 99% plaque removal within three days and a 75% reduction in brushing time. While these results sound promising, it’s important to note that Feno cautions that outcomes may vary, and clinical studies are still needed to confirm these claims over a longer period.
For now, however, I won’t be switching to the Feno Smartbrush as my primary brushing tool. The toothpaste provided doesn’t contain fluoride, a crucial ingredient in dental care. Feno is working on this, but the lack of fluoride in their custom toothpaste is a dealbreaker for me. Fluoride plays a key role in preventing tooth decay, promoting remineralization, and inhibiting harmful bacteria in the mouth, making it a staple in any good toothpaste. Until Feno incorporates fluoride into its formula, I’ll stick with my current routine.
That said, if Feno can resolve this issue, I’d definitely consider revisiting the Smartbrush. The technology behind it is impressive, and the concept of a connected, tech-driven oral health experience is a glimpse into the future of dentistry. While it may not yet replace the best electric toothbrushes on the market, it’s certainly worth considering for anyone still using a manual toothbrush or looking to explore innovative dental care solutions.
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