WHAT IS Y-BRUSH?

Developed in close collaboration with dentists, Y-Brush is the next generation electric toothbrush able to brush teeth efficiently in only 10 seconds. A simple concept to explain, but which required close to 5 years of research and development (R&D) and is under protection of several patents. Y-Brush is the only product on the market to use nylon bristles rather than silicone strips, consequently ensuring a better efficiency to a correctly used regular toothbrush.

 

 WHY WAS Y-BRUSH CREATED?

Y-Brush was created to improve oral and dental health, which is currently a global public health issue.

In fact, 90% of case studies show that teeth brushing is not done correctly. Recommendations made by health professionals are similar from country to country. They all agree on the importance of respecting 2 main requirements for dental health to be efficient, whether it be with an electric toothbrush, or a manual one:

  • Teeth should be brushed for 2 to 3 minutes twice a day. This corresponds to a minimum of 4 seconds spent on one tooth.

 

  • A technical motion called the Bass method should be adopted. This consists in slightly tilting the toothbrush, so that the bristles are inclined at a 45° angle on the teeth, while gently moving the brush back and forth in short strokes combined with slight movements of small amplitude.

For many, teeth brushing is considered as a strenuous and tedious chore, and the official recommendations end up not being taken into consideration.

DENTAL CARE AROUND THE WORLD

Numerous studies have shown that dental recommendations tend to not be adopted by the population, testifying to the fact that oral and dental health is an important issue today. Health care institutions recommend people should brush their teeth for 2 or 3 minutes using the correct technique, at least twice a day; and that people should change their brush at least 4 times a year. However, the 2014 Delta Dental Oral Health and Well-Being Survey held by the American Dental Association shows that a third of Americans don’t brush their teeth twice a day, and most brush for about 1 minute. According to figures from the Australian Dental Association, almost half of adults and a third of children don’t brush their teeth twice a day, and most of them brush for around 45 seconds. For the World Health Organization, 99% of adults will have at least 1 dental cavity in their lifetime. Besides the formation of cavities and gingivitis, poor oral health can cause tooth loss and can have extensive repercussions on one’s general health in the long term. Many studies show how it can be linked to the development of cardiovascular diseases1, throat cancer2, diabetes3, lung diseases4, osteoarthritis5, etc. With its innovative method allowing for the reduction of time spent on teeth brushing and by automatising the gesture, the device gets rid of the main constraints of teeth brushing, by making it easier and more efficient in the long run.

 

CLEAN TEETH IN ONLY 10 SECONDS:  HOW DOES IT WORK?

The way Y-Brush works is similar to the way a regular electric toothbrush works: a handle conveys vibrations to a nylon bristle brush which in turns moves in such a way to efficiently clean the teeth, gums and gum line. The vibrations provided by the device are based on specific sonic frequencies. Y-Brush uses nylon bristles and vibrations for maximal efficiency. Indeed, these technologies have been proven to be the most performant. Unlike silicone strips and other materials which have been tested, nylon bristles are fine enough to reach in between the teeth, thus producing a deep clean and careful elimination of dental plaque. The innovative character of the product comes from the brush itself. The brush is in the shape of a Y allowing for complete coverage of all of the teeth. Instead of brushing tooth per tooth, facet per facet as with regular manual or electric toothbrushes, the device brushes all of the top teeth simultaneously for 5 seconds, and then the bottom for 5 seconds. When using a regular toothbrush, we spend less than 4 seconds per tooth (See brushing time and number of teeth box). With Y-Brush, all teeth are brushed at the same time and for 5 seconds each. The time spent brushing your teeth is therefore divided by 12 with-out losing in efficiency. The process can actually be considered as more effective, since we can consider that the time spent per tooth facet is multiplied by 4 and we can rest assured that the correct technique is replicated at every use of the device since the Bass Method is automatised.

 

BRUSHING TIME AND NUMBER OF TEETH

The human mouth is composed of 32 teeth with 3 visible facets each (front, back and bottom), this means that humans have 96 “brush-able” facets overall. If the recommended time for teeth brushing is 2 minutes minimum, then mathematically this means that each tooth facet should be brushed for at least 1.25 seconds, i.e. 3.75 seconds spent on each tooth.

 HOW DOES IT WORK?

The way Y-Brush works is similar to the way a regular electric toothbrush works: a handle conveys vibrations to a nylon bristle brush which in turns moves in such a way to efficiently clean the teeth, gums and gum line. The vibrations provided by the device are based on specific sonic frequencies. The innovative character of the product comes from the brush itself. The brush, flexible, is in the shape of a Y allowing for complete coverage of all of the teeth. The process is actually considered as more effective, since we can consider that the time spent per tooth facet is multiplied by 4. Y-Brush uses nylon bristles and vibrations for maximal efficiency. Indeed, these technologies have been proven to be the most performant. Unlike silicone strips and other materials which have been tested, nylon bristles are fine enough to reach in between the teeth, thus producing a deep clean and careful elimination of dental plaque. Instead of brushing tooth per tooth, facet per facet as with regular manual toothbrushes, with Y-Brush, all teeth are brushed at the same time and for 5 seconds each. Dental plaque is accumulated and disclosed here by the red color after 2 days of use of a competitor’s product made with silicone tips* (diameter = 2 mm) instead of nylon bristles. Dental plaque is dis-closed here by the red color (left) and completely eliminated after use of Y-Brush nylon (diameter < 0.1 mm) bristles

HOW TO USE Y-BRUSH: STEP BY STEP

Assemble the brush by attaching the handle to the mouthpiece.

Spread the optimal amount of toothpaste evenly on the brush with the provided adaptor.

Choose your preferred setting from the 3 vibration modes.

Place the brush onto either your top or bottom teeth.

Turn the device on.

The vibration will start and last for 5 seconds.

The user should slightly chew the mouthpiece to create a non linear motion.

When the vibrations stop, take the brush out of the mouth, turn the device around, place onto the other side and repeat.

When the vibrations stop, take the brush out of the mouth and rinse it under water.

The user may delicately rub the bristles and/or lightly stretch the mouthpiece to rinse between the bristles if needed.

Then the handle can go back to the charging station and the brush onto its individual pod for storage.

 

Y-Brush has required many years of Research and Development. In effect, integrating fine nylon bristles to a flexible surface is a difficult task — today’s standard toothbrush bristles are fixed to stiff handles — while respecting the correct positioning of the bristles (a 45° angle for the optimal brush-ing replicating the Bass method, recommended by dentists) and being adaptable to different jaw types and teeth alignments for a comfortable and efficient experience. The device was developed in such a way to not be too bulky in-mouth, to not cause gag-reflexes or tongue restriction during use. Different versions of the brush are available in order to adapt to children, teenagers and adults. It is also possible to use the device hands-free: this allows the user to do something else at the same time, but also simplifies the task for children and the elderly.

 

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

In fact, both of these demographic segments, while differ-ing, may have dependency issues regarding the achievement of a technical teeth brushing movement for a given amount of time. Yet the stakes of a well executed teeth brushing for them is high. Left untreated, a cavity on a milk tooth can have important repercussions on the correct development of permanent teeth for example. By reducing the required time and by simplifying the technical movement, Y-Brush simplifies teeth brushing for everyone, including the young, elderly and individuals with reduced autonomy*.

  • The startup which has developed Y-Brush has in fact also developed a medical device for dependent persons (see “FasTeesH: the start-up” paragraph on page 14)

The handle piece is made of ABS, a common thermoplastic polymer, light in weight and hard-wearing, compatible with the healthcare standards currently in force, equipped with an electronic system allowing for the dissemination of the sonic vibrations. The central circular button is encased by LEDs. These give information about the brushing, the charge and also allow the choice of 3 different vibration modes to adapt to all oral sensitivities : soft (15 seconds), normal (10 seconds), and intense (5 seconds). The battery is rechargeable and a full charge can last up to 3 month. The base of the brush is made of a flexible and food-grade material, similar to silicone. The brush is lined with very fine nylon bristles in order to preserve the teeth and gums, and which are inclined at a 45° angle. There are 2 different brush sizes available: the S size for kids from 4 to 12, and the M size for kids from 12 and adults. The handle and the brush support are interchangeable and can be shared between multiple people of the same home, each per-son having their own brush head which should be replaced every 6 months. The device also comes with a nozzle that fits most toothpaste tube sold in stores, allowing for the application of the optimal amount of toothpaste at each use of the device and for each user to use their preferred toothpaste.

 

WHAT EVIDENCE SUPPORTS ITS EFFECTIVENESS?

Y-Brush was developed with the help of dentists. The device replicates the Bass method, recommended by health professionals. The object is to clean teeth with a precise 45° angle, as well as the gums and gum line, where the bacteria responsible for gingivitis and periodontitis nestle. The length and width of the bristles are calculated to reach the interdental space, the gingival sulcus and the gums. Supple and rounded at the ends, the bristles do not damage the gums or the tooth enamel. Far from being just another high tech product, Y-Brush has proven its efficiency throughout many in-vivo and in-vitro trials. As a reminder, the efficiency of a toothbrush is measured by the devices’ ability to remove dental plaque. The materials and methods used are important and contribute to efficiency of teeth brushing.

IN VITRO TESTING

As early as 2016, prior to testing on a panel of human subjects, the Y-Brush device was tested on the replica of a human jaw (dental model ANA-4 DAV branded FRASACO with teeth made of thermosetting and screwed in a hard plastic structure, with a gum made of soft plastic). The teeth of the model were tinted with a coloured solution simulating dental plaque. Therefore the efficiency of the device could be visualised. This action was carried out no less than 173 times with 10 iterative versions of the brush. These in-vitro tests helped determine the exact dimensions of the brush required to cover all the teeth of a jaw arch, the appropriate power of the sonic vibrations and the correct placement of the bristles for an efficient brushing.

IN VIVO TESTING

A series of in-vivo tests were carried out on more than a hundred volunteer users. The protocol applied to these tests was the following:

  • Phase 1: A week before the testing of Y-Brush, the tester carefully uses his regular manual or electric toothbrush with toothpaste, particularly focusing on the recommendations made by dentists (2 minutes, twice a day, reproducing the bass method). Following these 7 days of thorough brushing, the mouth cavity can be considered as clean and dental plaque is measured with a dental plaque disclosing agent (dental plaque disclosing tablet) to serve as a reference.
  • Phase 2: The tester uses the Y-Brush device, respecting the instructions for use (see how does it work ? box), with the appropriate quantity of toothpaste, twice daily. After 7 days, the dental plaque is measured with a dental plaque disclosing agent and compared to the results of the”standard brushing”.
  • Phase 3: The tester does not carry out any form of dental health for 36 hours in order to allow for new dental plaque to be present in the mouth cavity. After this period of time, pictures are taken with the dental plaque disclosing agent. The tester then uses the Y-Brush device once, 5 seconds on his top teeth, and 5 seconds on the bottom teeth, still carefully following the instructions and the correct quantity of toothpaste. After use, the dental plaque is reassessed with a final dental plaque disclosing tablet to measure the immediate and con-crete cleaning action of the device.

Dental plaque is disclosed here by the red color (top left) and completely eliminated after use of the Y-Brush and its Nylon bristles (top right). Nylon bristles (left) have a diameter < 0.1 mm.

These in-vivo trials show that the Y-Brush device removes 15% more plaque than a thorough tooth brushing with a conventional toothbrush. The trials were also able to validate the necessary flexibility of the mouthpieces and the different sizes required, the difference between vibration modes and the comfort of use, making sure the device doesn’t provoke gag-reflexes or tongue restriction.

COMPARISON WITH COMPETITORS

These in vivo tests were also carried out in comparison with competing products on the market that do not use nylon fibres but much thicker silicone tips. These competitor’s devices showed a non-existent or even dangerous effectiveness for the users since the dental plaque was not removed and continued to accumulate even after several brushings. Dental plaque is accumulated and disclosed here by the red color after 2 days of use of a competitor’s product made with silicone tips instead of nylon bristles. Silicone tips (left) have a diameter of 2 mm (left)

CONSUMER PANEL

The device was presented to an important consumer panel of about 3000 people during various events (focus groups and product presentations, or consumer exhibitions…) in order to collect as much feedback as possible on the design, the ergonomics and the various options of the product. In addition to its efficiency, Y-Brush was designed to best address other user requirements such as rapidity, simplicity, practicality, comfort, adaptability and mobility.

 

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Who came up with the crazy idea of teeth brushing in only 10 seconds? It was the FasTeesH team. How? It all started with the idea that very few people enjoyed brushing their teeth and that such an important task was consequently overlooked, rushed and performed incorrectly. This is when an incredible human, entrepreneurial and technical adventure began, to transform teeth brushing into an action that can be fast, easy, comfortable and efficient all at once.

 

 

 THE GENESIS OF Y-BRUSH

A couple of years ago, Benjamin Cohen, cofounder and CEO of FasTeesH, was visiting his younger cousins. At bed time, he noticed that after scrubbing their front teeth for less than a minute, the children considered they were done. After having a chat with them about teeth brushing, Benjamin discovered they knew what they were supposed to do, but found the process long and boring and that they though a quick and superficial teeth brushing daily was sufficient. At home, later the same evening, Benjamin admitted to himself that he sometimes ignored the timer on his own toothbrush and decided to time himself to make sure he was brushing his teeth properly. He realized he only took 40 seconds brushing his own teeth! Even less time than his nephews a few hours before hand. Eventually, what started out as a simple experiment led to the idea of creating a product which simplified teeth brushing while making it more efficient. Relying on his expertise of medical devices and clinical stud-ies to start the project. Benjamin quickly partnered up with a doctor of science for the technical development of the product, Christophe Cadot, CTO and cofounder. 4 years later, Y-Brush was born!

 THE FASTEESH STARTUP

With its headquarters in Lyon, France, hometown to both founders, the FasTeesH startup (which owns the Y-Brush brand) specializes in health sector products. The company spearheaded the development of a patented technology which can brush teeth efficiently in 10 seconds, and it has consequently developed two devices based on this innovative invention:

  • Y-Brush, a B2C product, aimed at the general public (adults and children at home) which is available exclusively online.
  • A B2B product, aimed at dependent people and their caregivers. The labeled medical device is commercialised to long term accommodation for elderly dependent people and disabled people (hospitals, clinics, etc.) since January 2019.

FasTeesH is backed by the European Union, the French government, EIT Health, French Public Investment Bank, AG2R La Mondiale (the biggest French health insurance group), has received the French Tech grant, and is the holder of numerous prizes and awards. The FasTeesH team (20 people) is currently made up of engineers, communicators, marketers and key opinion leaders in the health sector (dentists, medical doctors, geriatricians, dependency specialists, caregivers, etc.). The startup also relies on many partners from the official institutions and research facilities. The company has sold Y-Brush in more than 100 countries since its launch.

 TECHNICALS SPECIFICATIONS

Brush:

-Measurements: variable according to sizes

-Weight: 10 g, variable according to sizes.

Handle:

-Measurements: 7.5 x 7,1 x 3 cm

-Weight: 90 g

-Speed: Vibration frequency =250Hz

-Sound made by the mouthpiece does not exceed 45dB at 1 meter distance.

-Battery: The battery lasts up to 2 years. In terms of autonomy, it can last 3 months without being recharged.

 USB Charging station for Europe, UK, North America, Asia, etc.

Brush support :

-Measurements: 8.6 x 4 x 3.8 cm

-Weight: 15 g

Toothpaste Adaptor (kids)

-Measurements : 5.5 x 4 x 4.5 cm

-Weight : 15 g

Toothpaste Adaptor (Adults)

-Measurements : 3.6 x 1.5 x 1.5 cm

-Weight : 6 g

certified TPE

 Travel case

-Measurements : 11 x 12 x 7 cm

  • For max. 1 handle, 2 brushes and and 1 USB charger

 

 

For more info: Y Brush

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