Team of Dentists Create "The Six-Second Toothbrush" 98
dryriver writes "A team of dentists has created a toothbrush they say can clean teeth thoroughly in less than six seconds. Manufacturer Blizzident uses the same scans dentists use to fit braces and an extremely precise 3D printer to create a brush for each individual customer. Each brush contains about 400 soft bristles and requires the wearer to grind their teeth in order to clean. Its makers say it eliminates brushing errors that people typically make, but experts say more research is needed. The technology comes at a price — a customer's first brush, which will last for a year, costs 299 euros ($405; £250). Subsequent brushes are cheaper, and old ones can be reconditioned for less than 100 euros, the company says. 'Because you are brushing all your teeth at the same time, you are brushing extremely quickly,' the company says. 'You brush all the difficult-to-reach and interdental regions without even having to think about it.'"
Re:I would have added more features (Score:4, Insightful)
You just have to pop the device in, let it run for 10-30 seconds, and your teeth are clean, and it could even floss for you.
That doesn't really sound better than something that you use for 4-24 seconds less, doesn't have any moving parts, and doesn't require a power source. The device from TFA already reaches the interstices of your teeth, so it should have the same effects as flossing anyhow.
Re:Health, convenience, and scale (Score:3, Insightful)
and probably worth it to a fair number of people.
That is absolutely insane.
That 11 1/2 hours is not in any way contiguous -- what could you accomplish in that time, in 114 seconds a day? How could that possibly offer any advantage, let alone one worth $35/hour?
Even if you could come up with some fantastic task that could justify the value placed on that tiny bit of time, who the hell can't manage to find 114 seconds of extra time per day? Go to bed 114 seconds later than normal, no weird untested toothbrush or dentist appointment required.
What if you shaved 19 seconds off the beginning and end of every meal? But I'm thinking too narrowly here. Just think how much time you could save by eliminating all those unnecessary trips to the toilet with a catheter!
You suggest that "fair number of people" would benefit. I'd love to know who these folks are, why their day is packed down to the second, and (most importantly) and why they're not all cathed.