As innovators slap the smart label on everything from batteries for power tools to picture frames, a dentist in Chicago has founded the dental health startup ONVI to launch the world’s first video-enabled smart toothbrush. Called the Prophix, this revolutionary device boasts a video camera built directly into the brush itself and is compatible with a companion smartphone application for users to track their brushing habits. However creepy it might be to tune into a live feed of your own mouth during a brushing session, the company hopes Prophix helps people track missed spots and attend to problem areas.
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With nearly 35 years of dental experience under his belt, ONVI founder and Chicago native Dr. Craig Kohler remains one of a small group of dentists who turn to live video during procedures. Seeing first-hand the kind of advantages live video provided not only him but his patients, Kohler decided to launch the Prophix video toothbrush so people could utilize the tech even while away from his office.
With the Prophix, users have the ability to zoom directly in on one tooth or capture a wider view of three teeth, all in crystal clear 1080p resolution. In other words, Kohler has made dentist office-type tech available for anyone to utilize in the comfort of their own home.
“As I used intraoral cameras and monitors to treat my patients, I saw how it helped them to better understand the status of their oral health, and in turn, adopt better cleaning habits,” said Kohler. “With today’s advancements in technology, it is finally possible to bring this never-before-seen dental solution into the home with Prophix.”
In addition to a live video feed, the toothbrush also allows users to take snapshots during brushing sessions in order to help them track their daily sessions. For those stubborn brushers, Prophix and its app provide a series of tips and motivations designed to inform those of the many advantages and benefits of brushing daily. As of now, ONVI offers the Prophix for a discounted price of $299 to anyone who pre-orders the device — once it hits retail, the price jumps to $399.
Adopters of this innovative new toothbrush not only receive the camera-touting toothbrush and companion application, but also three additional interchangeable attachments outside of the standard rotating head.
Called a prophy cup, users would turn to this attachment to achieve a similar style of contour cleaning around the tooth and gum line as seen during a dentist visit. Additionally, a rubber tip attachment lets Prophix owners massage their gums, which helps increase blood flow and assists in the removal of plaque and tartar. Lastly, a mirror head is included to help see all those hard-to-reach areas. Scheduled to ship during the first quarter of 2017, ONVI is now accepting pre-orders of the device via the Prophix homepage.
