Posted by: Steve Hamm on November 25
I wrote a funny (I thought) review of a new $25 titanium-bristle toothbrush for BW.com’s Innovation & Design section. But it was rejected. No reason given. So I’m reduced to vanity publishing. Here it is:
The word “strange” doesn’t even begin to describe the experience of writing a product review about a new non-electric toothbrush with titanium bristles that is priced at $25.
Scary is more like it.
It’s those titanium bristles. They’re long and sharp looking. Think of the wire brush that you might use to clean your barbaque grill or a rusted ball joint. This one is much smaller and the bristles are much finer, of course, but, still, I can’t shake the image of a cleanup tool for grungy metal. Would the bristles poke tiny holes in my gums or wear down my tooth enamel? Would it be like brushing with a Brillo pad?
But I’m getting ahead of myself. The TiFinity Toothbrush, which is available for purchase on the Net at www.Tifinitytoothbrush.com, was invented by Dr. Dane Robinson, who was a dentist in the Phoenix area for 20 years. Robinson, who now runs TiFinity Oral Care Inc. in Durango, Colorado, cleans 15% more effectively than the leading electric toothbrush and is more durable and hygienic than traditional nylon bristle brushes.
I tested the TiFinity against a conventional GUM toothbrush with nylon bristles and a rubberized grip. The paste: Arm & Hammer Advance White with Baking Soda & Peroxide. First, a brushing with the GUM to establish an experiential base line. The nylon bristles were flexible and the brush had just the right combination of firmness and flexibility.
Just as I was about to switch to the TiFinity, the editor-in-chief of BusinessWeek came into the restroom. I didn’t want to have to explain to him that I was testing a titanium toothbrush for a product review, so I quickly scooped up my gear and left the room. Later, when I was sure that he was gone, I returned.
I examined the TiFinity. The handle is hard, shiny plastic—a two-toned black and silver. The industrial design choices seemed to be aimed at creating the image of a luxury item. There’s a silver plastic oval on the front of the brush handle with the infinity symbol overlaid by what looks like to mountain-climbing picks. Rather than providing me with a heightened sense of self esteem, the design details give the impression of a product that’s cheap and gaudy.
I put some Advance White on the bristles and noted with dismay that they didn’t hold the paste well. Instead, it immediately started sliding down toward the brush head. So I quickly jammed the thing into my mouth and started brushing. The bristles felt flimsy, not firm like the GUM nylon. I didn’t get the sensation that I was brushing thoroughly and effectively. I had trouble controlling the bristles.
On the other hand, the long narrow tines snaked between my teeth so I got the sense that I was flossing my teeth at the same time I was brushing them. Perhaps there was no need for the extra step of reeling out the floss.
After some vigorous brushing, I concluded that the titanium, scary as it looks, wasn’t causing any injury or irritation. However, I noticed a paper tag that had been stuck to the handle. It warned: “Immediately replace this toothbrush at the first sign of bristle loss.” There was no sign of bristle loss, but still, I thought about the effect on my innards if I swallowed one or more of these little shivs. On the spot, I decided never to put the brush into my mouth again.
One other oddity with the TiFinity: It comes with a plastic holder that costs an extra $8. When I turned the base over I noticed a printed reference to the Christian bible: Psalms 103, verses 11 and 12. In case you’re curious, those verses in the King James version read like so: “For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” As a former English major, I can’t help but think that, symbolically, and, perhaps, even literally, brushing removes our transgressions. So, in a sense, it’s a godly act.
I like that thought. Still, I can’t recommend the TiFinity Toothbrush at any price.
I enjoyed reading this piece, this is definately a funny review and so many more needed with all the unnecessary gadgets on the market these days, thanks.
I found this review to be quite amusing.
Vanity publishing indeed. Works as a passingly amusing blog post, but not at all as a quasi-professional piece. It comes off less as sprezzatura and more as a rambling screed of misguided assumptions and fear of the unknown. (Not to say that you aren't right about the toothbrush looking gaudy.)
After reading this I'm sticking to my regular tooth brush and my simple fast Gripit Floss Holder - www.gripit.biz - for oral health.
Yeah this brush is no good. And once they have your email they spam you ever 2 weeks with another toothbrush offer. It's supposed to be non pourous yet their is a big hole in the handle that looks like it has a missing peice.
I like one part of the argument, what happens if one of the bristle was gone and accidentally it was swallowed. That was a scary thought.
This review is filled with bs as filling. Good thing it was rejected.
Wow! Sounds like there is something more going on than a toohbrush review. My teeth feel cleaner and fresher than ever. I look forward to my next dental check up Im sure that I will get a thumbs up on my hygiene. I love the way the brush feels in my hand and it looks very Euro. Who jamms a brush into their mouth??, and your comments about the base were odd..and over all I see why your review was rejected. Unprofessional.
Glitzy? maybe....I have tried this brush and I am not concerned at all about bristles falling down my throat. Actally, if you brush more gently than normal your teeth do feel cleaner and you can control the flexible bristles easier. I used floss all the time and now I hardly ever pull it out of the cabinet. I am going to give it more time before deciding to toss it out.
I have used the Tifinity toothbrush for 6 montha, and it is my favorite brush because it cleans and gets comfortably under the gum line. The quality of the titanium bristles are apparent when you use the brush everyday, and the bristles hold up well, and do not loose their shape.
I have used the TiFinity Toothbrush for 3 months and I have not lost or swallowed one bristle. I have found that my teeth are much cleaner than with a nylon brush and flossing is accurately described as minimal. Its all about the angle and brushing with small circles. I think that maybe some people are too use to having the electric brush do the work. Dr. Robinson also invented the WaterPik and that worked well to improve dental health. I think he may know what he's doing.
I live in the Durango area, and have been using the Tifinity Toothbrush for over five months. Once I learned that I did not have to SCRUB my teeth (as with a nylon style brush) my gums look and feel much healthier. I am a smoker and a coffee drinker, I cannot believe what a difference it makes in keeping the stains down. With the fine titanium bristles, I find that I do not need to floss as often, in fact I haven't in weeks. I really find it to be a wonderful product that really works. I am sure sorry Steve, that you don't like this brush concept. I am sure your dentist enjoys your business.
Todd
I realy am glad to hear that people have a positive response to the TiFinity Toothbrush. You are always going to have those people that just hate a new idea hitting the market. It is a wonderful toothbrush. I have braces and I love not having to floss near as much. My Ortho told me that my teeth look healthier and cleaner everytime he sees me and I have use the TiFinity Toothbrush From day one, as i am a owner. I hope that all of you whom love this brush so much, will join our multi marketing program. We would love your help to help others find such a wonderful toothbrush. You can join at www.tifinitytoothbrush.com all the information is there also under Disributorship Opportunity. I would love to sponser anyone willing to do so. my Sponser ID is kl1004
Thanks,
Kym
The TiFinity Toothbrush has been now changed to the TiFinity Flosserbrush because of so much bad press. This brush is worthless, so is the company. Most of the good comments made on this website and others are from the company and it's members. Before taking this Distributorship I'd recommend asking questions and "Google" him. You'll find he's been sued for surgicaly installing implants into people's mouths that weren't FDA approved. You'll find his facility has been wrote up for OSHA violations including home made devices that were declared unsafe and not approved for use, that are used in the production of these brushes. If you want taken for your money then go ahead and buy this toothbrush or join the company. Listen to Businessweek: DON'T BUY THIS TOOTHBRUSH! And if you do go to Ebay where the company has an ID and sales them for under price everyday!

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