The science behind the quip Ultra Smart Sonic Toothbrush

Backed by facts, not fluff.

We’ve all seen those over-the-top toothbrush ads: “10x cleaner!” or “1000% whiter!” usually followed by a tiny asterisk (and a whole lot of confusion). Compared to what? And how do you go beyond 100%?

Let’s get to the facts. When we say the quip Ultra Next Generation Smart Sonic Toothbrush delivers, it’s not just slick marketing — we’ve got the data to prove it. So we went straight to the source and asked our product and dental experts what makes this our best electric toothbrush yet.

So, what kind of testing actually matters?

There are two main ways to test a toothbrush:

• Scientific (in vitro): Lab-based, using real human teeth or bovine/animal teeth. Super controlled, super reliable.

• Clinical (in vivo): Tested in actual mouths. Real-world insights, but slower, pricier, and more variables.

quip went the scientific route. But why? 

According to Tara Jones, quip Director of Quality and Regulatory Affairs, “While the same degree of analysis can be performed with clinical (in vivo), it introduces more variability due to human nature.”

In other words, we can control every detail in a scientific study — pressure, motion, angle — to isolate exactly what’s working (and what’s not).

What did testing actually look like?

Objectivity matters when comparing an electric toothbrush vs. manual. “All testing was done at a globally recognized leader in product testing across multiple industries, and especially trusted in oral care,” said Jones. Here’s how it worked:

• Real molars used (no plastic props here)
• Simulated plaque applied to enamel/gumline
• Brushed 12x with identical strokes
• Snapped pics before & after
• Measured plaque removal

Precise. A little geeky. Weirdly satisfying.

What did testing help us discover or improve?

Over six weeks, the study helped fine-tune what makes quip Ultra… ultra. One big innovation? Our EasyClick Brush Pod, a first-of-its-kind electric toothbrush head that puts powerful vibrations where they matter: in the bristles, not the body. It’s a whole new way to brush, with 70% less waste.

“The direct brush pod and motor connection was optimized for power — range of motion, frequency of bristle movement, and motor amplitude,” said Mehdi Iratni from quip Product Development.

We tested eight bristle patterns. Narrowed it down to the most effective. And worked in lockstep with our creative crew to design packaging as thoughtful as the brush (100% recyclable paper, of course).

Early iterations of the EasyClick Brush Pod

How powerful and effective is quip Ultra, really?

quip Ultra brings a next-level clean with every sweep: 62,400 bristle movements per minute and 15x more plaque removal vs. a manual brush2 and 2x more whitening within 1 week.³

“Our claims show superior efficacy compared to competitors,” said Jones. 

“At the $100 price point, these are best-in-class results,” Iratni added. “Most products that rival this are closer to $200, if not above it.”

Here’s why that matters:

• Better reach in tight spaces
• Less effort, more consistent cleaning
• Dentist-inspired performance, every time

Beyond plaque removal, what sets quip Ultra apart?

It’s the full experience: 10+ intensities, LED touch bar, pressure sensor, and seamless silicone that mouths love — soft, easy to clean, no gaps for gunk.

“Ultra strikes the perfect balance between hygiene and user-friendly design,” said Mikaela Quintero, quip Dental Community Specialist + Resident Registered Dental Hygienist. “It delivers the powerful clean you’d expect from a leading brush. Truly a dental hygienist’s dream.”

For a closer look at your habits, pair quip Ultra with the free quip app (for iOS and Android) to automatically track brushing, get tips to improve, and earn rewards like free brush heads, gift cards, and more.

So, are electric toothbrushes actually better?

Short answer? Yes. Longer answer? quip Ultra proves it! From personalized power to deep plaque removal, it’s the smart, scientifically-backed brush that actually gets results. 

“Ultra shows that we’re not just innovating for innovation’s sake, we’re making real progress toward smarter, more sustainable, and more user-friendly oral care,” noted Quintero.

Shop electric toothbrushes that go beyond the hype. Because real results deserve real science.

¹vs. quip Sonic Toothbrush refill, by weight
²between teeth vs. a regular manual toothbrush, in vitro study
³by removing surface stains, vs. a regular manual toothbrush, in vitro study