“It was a landmark experience,” he recalls. The digitally visible plaque forms the basis for the actual “tooth brushing” – a second crescent, which is then placed in the mouth. The “cleaning device” uses data to determine exactly where and how much pollution is present. And removes them in a targeted manner in seconds.
A promise that other inventors have already made – you remember them Ambrush, which was hugely celebrated and an even bigger flop. So scorched-earth was left behind that no funder was willing to tackle the issue of dental hygiene, Kloibhofer reports. Even the best electric toothbrushes on the market today aren’t good enough, he says.
Would you board a plane that is only 70 percent efficient?
“If you’re doing everything right, regular toothbrushing will only reach 70 percent of the tooth surface,” says Kloepofer, and asks if you’d get into a car that only works 70 percent. Or on a plane. His “e1”, which researchers and software developers have been working on for years in secret and even from a former Philips CEO (keyword). Philips Sonicare) supported by the supervisory board, achieves more than 99 percent. Tooth decay can be history forever.
What’s the difference? Sensors. On average, an electric toothbrush has four and a washing machine has eight, Kloibhofer says. At 2,400 euros, excluding the mandatory monthly subscription for fluids and connections, the “e1” is said to be more than a hundred for the proud price. “We know it’s not for everyone,” the Epidome CEO said. “But not because we are making such a big margin. Sooner or later we want to offer the device worldwide.
In other words: the current handmade “e1” is not designed to make a profit. “But the plan is to fund e1’s success in the next few years: Germany first for Europe, then the US and Japan. “Once you capture three markets, you’re in a good position to distribute something globally.”
Go to the competition
But first it needs recognition that it is a medical product and not a consumer product. Ultimately, “e1” should benefit not only private customers but also physicians. “Unless we receive an objection from the competition, the process will take twelve to 14 months. He will do everything in his power to ensure that this product comes to market as late as possible.
Either way, the competition is already aware of the fact that a new player is in the game. Epidome went public with its invention in March, advertising it on ORF, and opening a flagship store in downtown Vienna in August. The first “e1” can be pre-ordered online. There is already a lot of interest across Europe. However, they did not want to disclose the number of units sold.
