title: Usability research study of a specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This paper summarizes the results of a longitudinal usability research study of a specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies.
  
  
  METHODS
  The usability test was conducted with fourteen (14) consumers from the St. Louis, MO, USA area who use manual toothbrushes. The study consisted of consumers using the specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies for three weeks. During the study, users participated in four toothbrush trials during weekly visits to the research facility. These trials were videotaped and were analyzed regarding brushing time, behavior, and technique. In addition, the users were required to use the toothbrush twice a day for their at-home brushing.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The toothbrush had a positive impact on consumers' tooth brushing behavior. Users spent more time brushing their teeth with this toothbrush as compared to their manual toothbrush. In addition, users spent more time keeping the sonic toothbrush in the recommended angle during use. Finally, users perceived their teeth to be cleaner when using the specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The specially engineered sonic powered toothbrush with unique sensing and control technologies left a positive impression on the users. The users perceived the toothbrush to clean their teeth better than a manual toothbrush.
authors: Metaphase Design Group, Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA.
authors: Gail
authors: G
authors: Hunter
authors: Laurie
authors: L
authors: Burns
authors: Brian
authors: B
authors: Bone
authors: Thomas
authors: T
authors: Mintel
authors: Eduardo
authors: E
authors: Jimenez
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D055615:Electrical Equipment and Supplies; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D013674:Technology, Dental / Q000295:instrumentation; D013997:Time Factors; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014743:Videotape Recording