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FOREO ISSA Toothbrush Review: Does a Silicone Toothbrush Really Work?

Amanda Dexter
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Amanda Dexter
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If you like to find new, different, and beautiful products, then you are going to love the FOREO ISSA toothbrush. It is definitely not what you would call a mainstream design, and there are no other electric toothbrushes out there that look similar. 

Not only does it have an interesting, silicone design that comes in four colours, but it also works extremely well and leaves your teeth feeling deep cleaned. In fact, with its innovative design and silicone bristles, it could be one of the most efficient sonic toothbrushes on the market. 

FOREO is a Swedish brand that became popular because of their luna cleanser (a silicone vibrating facial massager). Since then they have become well known and trusted in the oral hygiene world. 

The newest toothbrush to the market from this brand is the FOREO ISSA 3 which we will review in this article. We will also discuss the FOREO brand and answer the following questions:

  • How is the FOREO ISSA hybrid toothbrush different from other electric toothbrushes?
  • What are the other models of the FOREO ISSA toothbrush? 
  • How does the ISSA 3 compare to other FOREO toothbrushes?

We will also touch on the other sonic toothbrushes in this range, such as the FOREO ISSA 2, the Sensitive Set, the ISSA mini 2, and the ISSA kids and ISSA baby.

So, let’s jump right in and find out a little bit more about the FOREO brand.

The FOREO brand

foreo issa review
The FOREO ISSA toothbrush is an all silicone design

Founded in Stockholm in 2013, FOREO is a Swedish company dedicated to the world of wellness and beauty. Focusing on technology and the use of silicone to offer solutions adapted to all, this brand takes its name from the diminutive of “FOR Every One” (for everyone).

The first ISSA toothbrush was released in 2014 and has already become exceedingly popular around the world.

What is so different about the FOREO ISSA toothbrush? 

Well, as we have already briefly touched on, a FOREO toothbrush is a sonic silicone toothbrush. It is the first of its kind, where even the bristles are made from silicone and use sonic pulse technology to break up plaque. FOREO claims these bristles offer 11,000 sonic vibrations a minute, which enables you to deep clean tricky areas and avoid over-brushing. 

Now, we should point out that not all of the bristles are silicone. The ones in the middle are the same as you would find on every other toothbrush out there. 

If you are already considering buying a FOREO ISSA toothbrush you can get 10% off for a limited time by clicking below!

In the following video, dental surgeon, Dr Nina Bal explains why the FOREO ISSA hybrid electric toothbrush is her favourite toothbrush.

Our FOREO ISSA review

Dentaly’s FOREO toothbrush review is that the toothbrush is a gem of technology and design. It is currently one of the best electric toothbrushes on the market, especially for people with sensitive gums or those who travel a lot. Its battery life is far superior to other electric toothbrushes.

FOREO ISSA 3
The FOREO ISSA is great for those with sensitive teeth and gums

Let’s take a quick look at the full range of features that the FOREO ISSA hybrid toothbrush offers: 

  • Bacteria-resistant, medical-grade silicone and PBT polymer bristles
  • Waterproof 
  • Hybrid wave brush heads that last up to a year  
  • Ridges on the back of the brush head for a full mouth cheek and tongue cleaning
  • Battery life should last up to 365 uses after just 1 charge (265 for the mini models)
  • Low-battery indicator 
  • Travel Lock
  • Built-in timer

There are small differences between different models in the FOREO range, but all are effective for full mouth cleaning. 

Another notable point is that this range of sonic toothbrushes are more eco-friendly than regular toothbrushes because they last a year, and the same can be said about the brush heads!  

Overall rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆  (4/5)

FOREO ISSA 3 toothbrush review 

The FOREO ISSA 3 is the latest sonic toothbrush from FOREO to hit the market. It uses the revolutionary sonic pulse technology combined with the bacteria-resistant hybrid brush head to be the most advanced sonic toothbrush on the market. 

And, although it is very similar to previous models, there are some new and improved features. The medical-grade silicone is twice as strong as the silicone used in past models, and the brush head now has 360-degree flexibility, and bounce back bristles.

Other new features include a smart memory and a low battery indicator, as well as updated colour choices!

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the models in the table below. 

FOREO ISSA Models 

FOREO ISSA 3

  • Brush head type: Slim fit ISSA & Hybrid Wave

  • 2 x stronger medical grade silicone and PBT polymer

  • Brush head flexibilty: 360 degree flex

  • Smart memory 

  • Number of intensities: 16

  • 365 uses on a single USB charge

FOREO ISSA 2

  • Brush head type: ISSA Hybrid

  • Material: Medical grade silicone and PBT polymer

  • Brush head flexibilty: Medium

  • Number of intensities: 16

  • 365 uses on a single USB charge

FOREO ISSA Mini 2

  • Brush head type - ISSA Mini Hybrid

  • Material: Medical grade silicone and PBT polymer

  • Brush head flexibilty: Medium

  • Number of intensities: 1

  • 265 uses on a single USB charge

FOREO ISSA Kids 

  • Material: Medical grade silicone and PBT polymer

  • Brush head flexibilty: Medium

  • Number of intensities: 1

  • 265 uses on a single USB charge

FOREO ISSA Baby 

  • Material: Medical grade silicone and PBT polymer

  • Brush head flexibilty: Medium

  • Number of intensities: 1

  • 265 uses on a single USB charge

Our team has tried and tested the FOREO ISSA toothbrush, and can’t deny that it is one of the best sonic toothbrushes on the market. Keep reading to see how we rated it for ergonomics, aesthetics, use, and battery life. 

Ergonomics  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)

Composed of a handle and a soft silicone head, the FOREO toothbrush has a perfectly ergonomic design, offering a good grip and a useful seal for use in the shower in particular.

Unlike most other electric toothbrushes, the bristles on its head are also made of silicone, providing gentle brushing for your teeth and gums.

The brush head is extremely flexible and adapts relatively well to all areas of the dental arches, but its size (larger than conventional electric toothbrushes) makes it a little bulky in the mouth.

FOREO ISSA reviews
FOREO uses sonic technology to deliver 11,000 pulses per minute

Aesthetics  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)

The FOREO silicone toothbrush is a very beautiful and eye-catching toothbrush. Its sleek design and pretty “pop” colours (fuchsia, black, pink, mint) make it a modern product in line with Swedish style.

Even its packaging has been well thought out, almost reminiscent of smartphone cases.

Features  ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆  (4/5)

The FOREO ISSA toothbrush features sonic technology and delivers more than 11,000 pulses per minute, effectively cleaning teeth. It has 8 speeds in order to adapt to different dental sensitivities.

The ISSA also has a timer that vibrates and lights up every 30 seconds to indicate it's time to change brushing areas. After 2 minutes, 3 vibrations indicate the end of the minimum brushing time.

Use  ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆  (4/5)

Unlike rotating electric toothbrushes, it is not enough to simply place the ISSA toothbrush on the teeth to clean them. It is indeed necessary to proceed with normal brushing, as you would with a manual toothbrush, by making circular movements with the brush.

Once the 2 minutes of brushing are finished, all you have to do is rinse your mouth and run the head of your toothbrush underwater. The non-porous silicone composition of the Issa toothbrush offers impeccable hygiene, with up to 10,000 times fewer bacteria than a nylon toothbrush.

Battery life  ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ (5/5)

ISSA offers up to 365 uses for a one hour charge, that is to say, 6 months of brushing at the rate of 2 daily brushings! This is unheard of in terms of electric toothbrushes and it makes this brush a very good travel toothbrush, especially since it comes with a travel case to take it with you.

Another good point for frequent travellers is that the replacement head should only need to be changed once a year!

Click below to get 10% off for a limited time on a FOREO ISSA silicone toothbrush!

What are the other models of the FOREO ISSA toothbrush? 

FOREO ISSA 2

While the ISSA 3 is the latest model, we found the other models just as effective. The FOREO ISSA 2 is very similar to the most recent model but lacking in a few of the new features, including the silicone material and smart memory. 

FOREO ISSA 2 Sensitive Set

The FOREO ISSA 2 Sensitive Set was created especially for sensitive gums and FOREO claims it makes it impossible to irritate or overbrush with this toothbrush. And, if you weren't sure whether to get this toothbrush, or the regular ISSA 2, it also comes with a hybrid brush head, so you needn’t worry. 

The ISSA 2 Mini 

 The FOREO ISSA Mini is as the name suggests a smaller version of the regular ISSA toothbrush. But it comes in more vibrant colours, including wild strawberry, mango tango, enchanted violet and summer sky.

The difference between this one and the regular ISSA toothbrush is that it only offers 9,000 sonic pulsations per minute. And the battery life is slightly less only lasting for 265 uses as opposed to the 365.

The FOREO Issa Mini also comes in a sensitive set, for those who want a gentler toothbrush. 

foreo toothbrush baby
The ISSA kids is very similar to the FOREO ISSA Mini 2

The ISSA Kids and ISSA Babies 

There are also FOREO ISSA sonic toothbrushes for both kids and babies. The ISSA Kids is very similar to the ISSA 2 Mini, with different fun names for the colours. 

It is soft and gentle on children's teeth while allowing them to have a full mouth clean. And as far as children's electric toothbrushes go, this one is pretty fun as the silicon bristles make it an interesting experience.

The FOREO toothbrush baby has a small round brush head similar to that of Oral-b electric toothbrushes. The ISSA baby brush head has super-soft silicone bristles that are strong enough to resist chewing.

This toothbrush comes in 5 different colours, with fun names such as kiwi green panda, bubble blue dino, sunflower yellow squirrel, strawberry rose lion, and pearl pink bunny. 

FOREO ISSA Play

If you really want to get yourself a FOREO ISSA, but you're on a budget. Check out the FOREO ISSA Play, the cheapest of their range of sonic toothbrushes. It has very similar features to all the other toothbrushes in the ISSA range, but it is non-rechargeable and battery-powered.

Conclusion

The FOREO ISSA toothbrush range is a real revolution in the electric toothbrush market. Yes, it is a bit of a surprise at first glance due to its interesting silicone design, but once tried, you will not be able to do without it! And if you don't like the idea of brushing your teeth with silicone bristles, the hybrid brush head has both nylon bristles and silicone nubs.

Its ergonomic and interesting design, performance, and softness mean that it really has everything you need in a sonic toothbrush. But if we were to choose who it was most suitable for, it would be those with sensitive gums.

The cost of the ISSA 3 toothbrush is quite steep at £149, but it is a high-end product. This very effective and durable toothbrush will appeal to those who appreciate design and aesthetics as well as the technical characteristics.

If you are on a budget, check out the other FOREO models that have a slightly lower price tag with many of the same features. And if you decide that you want a FOREO ISSA toothbrush you will also benefit from a 2-year Limited Warranty and a 10-year Quality Guarantee.

If you click the link below you can get 10% off for a limited period of time on a FOREO ISSA toothbrush!

FOREO ISSA Toothbrush Review: Does a Silicone Toothbrush Really Work?
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