Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.
Skip to main content
Home
    • Contact Panasonic
    • Save Page
    • Home
    • Trends
    • Innovations
    • SXSW 2018: Nanotechnology, water and Hollywood white teeth
    Back to Resource Center

    SXSW 2018: Nanotechnology, water and Hollywood white teeth

    • Contact us
      • Twitter
      • Facebook
      • Linkedin
      • Email

    SXSW 2018: Nanotechnology, water and Hollywood white teeth

    5 minutes

    Ever dream of flashing a smile like Penelope Cruz, Zac Efron, Usher or another celeb with great teeth? It turns out that water may help.

    Nano-sized electrostatic atomized water particles are being used to deodorize clothes, reduce damage caused by brushing and drying hair, and clean tainted indoor air in homes and trains. Now these chemical-free particles, made through a proprietary Nanoe-like technology, are ready to whiten teeth, and they’re one of the crazy cool things @SXSW.

    Innovating on an innovation

    Nanoe are tiny particles created by gathering invisible air moisture and applying high voltage to that moisture to yield electrostatic atomized water. Panasonic developed the technology for producing these particles, which are a billion times smaller than steam particles. It all began back in 2001 with a question: “Why can’t we use water's natural tendency to dissolve odor-causing substances to purify air?” Engineers figured out that these water particles invisible to the human eye could penetrate deep into fabric to safely remove odor. Fast forward to 2003 when Nanoe tech was introduced as part of an air purifying system. The success of Nanoe in improving indoor air quality took off globally—aided by developments like the Internet of Things—which meant sensors could automatically trigger an air purifying system using Nanoe to power on when pollutants were detected. 

    An enterprising engineer asked if Nanoe could be used on teeth. She began testing the tech and found it to be a gentle and effective cleaner.

    Rise in popularity of teeth whitening

    Pearly whites tend to darken with age. Drinking red wine, black tea and coffee hastens the process. Studies show that 18-52% of people dislike their color of their choppers, according to a recent report in the BBC. In the U.S., teeth whitening is among the most popular dental procedures.  In Canada the popularity of tooth whitening has grown at unprecedented rates, according to the Canadian Dental Association.
    Meanwhile oral health experts are looking for alternatives to certain home-based whiteners like charcoal and damaging gels. The U.K.’s Oral Health Foundation recently put out a statement saying that the impact of activated charcoal used for tooth whitening may be exaggerated and worse, bad for teeth.

    Whitening during a commute

    Designers working on the Nanoe-like tooth technology wanted a way to deliver it in a gentle, convenient way. They came up with a special device that easily fits in a purse or small backpack. The device atomizes water particles in a small compartment that fits around the user’s neck and can be applied to the teeth through a thin tube and, ultimately, a mouthpiece similar to a protective guard for sports.

    Nanoe tooth technology can be linked to users’ smart phones. Before patients begin the process, they can take a selfie with the Nanoe’s proprietary app and continue to take pictures and see improvements. Research shows that people trying to whiten their teeth often look for changes in a mirror in inadequate light. The app is designed to do better by enabling the phone’s camera to recognize and compare the degree of whiteness on teeth, which helps the user track the advancements and stay motivated.

    Already dentists are responding favorably. At the massive New York Dental Meeting at NYC’s Javits Center in 2017, professionals who saw the technology said they’d like to use it. Although the Nanoe tooth tech is not yet on the market, it’s among a series of home appliance innovations on display at SXSW. They’re all about creating a better experience for the consumer. 

    Authors
    Michael Moskowitz - President of Panasonic Canada and Panasonic Consumer Electronics Co.

    Related Posts

    Modern passive house with solar panels and white roof for energy efficiency.
    Homeowner Insights

    6 Key Benefits of Creating a Solar-Powered Home

    Has switching your home to solar power become a no-brainer?
    Learn more
    asian family with one child having fun in the woods
    Homeowner Insights

    Why you should unify your home energy system in 2021

    Purchasing the components of your solar & storage system from a single brand has its benefits.
    Learn more
    Sunset over solar panels
    Trends & Technology

    Solar-plus-storage poised to become more financially attractive, but seasonal solutions remain key

    The current and future state of solar power and energy storage in America.
    Learn more
    Father and son hiking through the mountain at sunrise
    Trends & Technology

    4 home renewable energy predictions in 2021

    Panasonic's Dan Glaser gives his residential renewable energy predictions and outlook for 2021.
    Learn more
    Wooden blocks with the word ROI and green arrow up. High level of business profitability. Return on investment, invested capital, rate. Success. Growth. Analytics. Report
    Financial & Incentives

    How quickly will your solar panels pay for themselves?

    Understanding payback period and return on investment of your solar panel purchase.
    Learn more
    Businesswomen discussing by table in office
    Financial & Incentives

    How to accelerate solar adoption for the underserved

    As solar panels have become more affordable, there's no reason home solar has to be exclusive to upper income households.
    Learn more
    Caucasian family sitting in a teepee, reading stories with the flashlight in dark room with toys and pillows. Caucasian models. Home comfort, family, love, Christmas holidays, storytelling time.
    Homeowner Insights

    How Homeowners Can Prepare For Rolling Blackouts

    Common questions and answers about rolling blackouts and solar-powered homes.
    Learn more
    Older female farmer with granddaughter
    Sustainability & Environment

    Mayors unveil $60B plan to support Midwest energy transition

    As fossil fuel use continues to decline, Midwest officials want to build on the green movement foundation.
    Learn more
    Buildings & Roof Tops Of Bisbee, Arizona
    Trends & Technology

    A $100 million investment will fund the largest ‘virtual power plant’ in the U.S.

    Combining innovative thinking and technology, companies are redefining how energy can be saved, re-distributed and consumed more efficiently.
    Learn more
    Brush Fire Threatening Homes
    Trends & Technology

    Why are Home Batteries Becoming so Popular?

    More homeowners are choosing to install battery storage. Here are the reasons behind the growth.
    Learn more
    Happy mother talking to her baby while working at home. unpublished
    Financial & Incentives

    Financing Renewable Energy: It's Easier Than You Think

    As demand for home batteries surges, new financing options provide greater flexibility for homeowners.
    Learn more
    Foreman shows house design plans
    Homeowner Insights

    What to Expect During Your Solar Panel Installation

    Expert installers: Here's how we prepare your home for a successful solar installation.
    Learn more
    Back to Trends

    Contact Sales

    Thank you for your submission. A Panasonic representative will contact you.

    Contact Support

    Thank you for your submission. A Panasonic representative will contact you.

    • About Us
    • News
    • Careers
    • Investor Relations
    • Social Impact
    • Contact Us
    • Do Not Sell My Data

    Get the Latest on Panasonic Trends

    Thanks for signing up!

    Connect with us

    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Linkedin
    • Instagram Link
    • Youtube

    Select Country/Language

    • United States - English
    • Canada - English
    • Canada - Français
    © 2020 Panasonic Corporation of North America. All Rights Reserved.
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Terms
    • Panasonic Global
    • Consumer
    • Industrial
    Reviewed by Accessible 360
    Reviewed by Accessible 360