Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush
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List Price: Category: Health Care See more product details |
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Customer Reviews of Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush
Customer Review: Warning: Manufacturer bankrupt; replacement heads expensive
Summary: 2 Stars
This is an excellent electric toothbrush, but after the manufacturer's bankruptcy the shortage of replacement brush heads has quintupled their price. If you use two brush heads a year, as I have, it's going to cost you $225 per year to operate your $72 toothbrush.
Two years ago, on my dentist's recommendation, I upgraded from a Sonicare to the Ultreo. I've visited my hygienist every few months since then, and she feels that my teeth have been cleaner since I switched to the Ultreo. It works well, is just as comfortable as the Sonicare, and is very similar in design. It has a sturdy plastic case and when I travel it typically runs for five to six days without charging. It reminds me to change brush heads about twice a year.
There's a big problem: The manufacturer went bankrupt in February, 2009.* The resulting scarcity of replacement brush heads has quintupled their price, from $23 to $112. My hygienist fears that the brush-head supply will run out if no investors step in and revive the company.
So, much as I love this toothbrush, I'd advise against buying it unless you can afford to stock up on brush heads at $112 each.
[...]. A search on 10/13/2009 of the web sites of the two main local newspapers that cover the manufacturer's region -- The Seattle Times and the Seattle P-I -- turned up no articles suggesting that the manufacturer was back in business.
Customer Review: Timed To Perfection!
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
Unlike the old vibrating toothbrush heads of the past, this "sonic" brush cannot be seen to move, but the pulsation is strong. These electronic toothbrushes just keep getting fancier and fancier. This brush actually times your brushing to two minutes with 30 second intervals for each quadrant of your mouth with little beeps. It also only requires a small amount of (gel) toothpaste. I have to admit that at the end of the day after three meals, my teeth still feet super smooth. That was not always the case.
Other cool features besides the timing mechanism is that it shuts off after two minutes. When the brush head becomes worn, the handle illuminates the words, "Replace Ultrasound Brush Head". And you can tell how much battery life is left with a three-square-lit marker bar. The carrying case is perfectly designed and will fit almost anywhere. If you take it on vacation, you can be assured that you can brush for two weeks without recharging.
The only drawback I can find is the replacements head are very, very expensive. But then again, so is the dentist, so I would imagine that this is a draw.
Customer Review: 2 out of 3 of my handsets failed after less than 3 months
Summary: 2 Stars
I've burned through 3 Ultreo handsets in the past 8 months. Two of these have failed after less than 3 months use. One of them starting rattling before ceasing to work; the other one sprang a micro-leak somewhere and allowed moisture to enter the internals, causing it the handset to fail prematurely. Ultreo's customer service is good and they have replaced these handsets, but a generic cover letter from the CEO (included with one of the replacement handsets) alluded that there was a design flaw in some or all of the handsets and that they'd had a high rate of failure. No telling how long my third handset will last before dying like the others.
The build quality and materials appear to be top-rate, but a 66% failure handset failure rate (my experience) says a lot about this first-generation product. I've used Oral B Sonic Complete (my favorite and a real bargain at less than fifty dollars many places) and the SonicCare Elite. The Ultreo is no better than its competitors. My favorite brush is the Oral B Sonic Complete for its low price and reliability (the handset still works after 3 years).
The ultrasound cleaning feature is a marketing gimmick in my opinion. The Ultreo Web site has no credible scientific studies corroborating its claimed benefits. Stick with a tried-and-true brand like Sonicare or Oral B Sonic Complete.
Customer Review: LOVE THIS TOOTHBRUSH......!!!
Summary: 4 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I am a complete novice with regard to electric toothbrushes; this is my very first one. While the vibration was a bit unnerving at first, I quickly adapted. Preset for 2 minute brushes, there is an alert that sounds every 30 seconds--which I love. The reality is, that my teeth have NEVER been this clean--barring a visit to the dentist. And the cleanliness seems to last longer..or is that just my imagination? Best yet...the toothbrush takes up VERY little space on my bathroom counter...where space is at a premium. I love this toothbrush and I am appalled that up to this point I was actually brushing manually....
4 stars only, however, as I am also surprised at the cost of the replacement brush heads. Being the novice that I am..I didn't know to be appalled until I did some price comparison. The success of a product is dependent to some extent on it not being cost prohibitive...; and at the cost of the toothbrush itself coupled with the price of the replacement heads, more wary consumers may find this product downright scary.
But...I LOVE IT!!!
DYB
Customer Review: The New Standard Of Electric Toothbrushes
Summary: 5 Stars
Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)
I have used a Sonicare Toothbrush for several years. It is an excellent product that has kept my teeth clean, white and healthy. When I received the Ultreo Ultrasound Toothbrush, I was skeptical. First, the box and instructions that describe the Ultreo Toothbrush did not articulate clearly for me the benefits and reasons for using it. Second, I could not imagine a product that was better than the Sonicare. Well, after a week of using the Ultreo Toothbrush, I am convinced that it is the best electric toothbrush that is available. My teeth feel as clean as they do after a dental appointment, which I cannot say of the the Sonicare. The Ultreo is also better at removing stubborn stains, such as coffee, from my teeth. While the price of the Ultreo Toothbrush and replacement heads is steep, I believe that the price is justified based on the results I have obtained. My one suggestion to the manufacturer is to attempt to narrow the size of the toothbrush head, because it does take some effort to maintain both sides of the bristles on your teeth as you brush. A superior product.