The other Wright brothers are using AI to rethink toothpaste

Two Utah brothers in the inaugural class of UVU’s Applied Artificial Intelligence master’s program turned a shared family problem into KLYYR, a new hydroxyapatite toothpaste brand built around simpler ingredients and a modern approach to product development.

KLYYR

//Sept 1, 2026

OREM, Utah — Brothers Ben and Will Wright have spent much of their lives dealing with the same frustrating problem: despite paying close attention to their teeth, cavities, sensitivity, and enamel concerns seemed to follow both of them. So the Wright brothers decided to do something about it.

While studying in the inaugural cohort of Utah Valley University’s Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program, Ben and Will began applying what they were learning about research, data, emerging technology, and rapid experimentation to a problem much closer to home.

The result is KLYYR, a Utah-based oral-care company built around a simple idea: toothpaste doesn’t need to be complicated.

Its first product, KLYYR One+, is a fluoride-free toothpaste made with a disclosed 10% blend of nano and micro hydroxyapatite, a calcium-phosphate mineral closely related to the mineral structure of teeth. The formula contains just 16 listed ingredients, with no SLS or artificial dyes.

“AI is talked about so much in terms of replacing jobs or building the next big software company. For us, the exciting part is much simpler: can we use these new tools to better understand a problem we actually have and build something useful around it?” said co-founder Ben Wright. “We’ve both dealt with teeth problems for years, so toothpaste was a surprisingly personal place to start.”

The brothers used AI throughout the process as a tool for researching published ingredient science, comparing formulations and products, organizing information, exploring consumer trends, developing the brand, and building many of the systems behind the business — while treating established dental research and professional expertise as the foundation for product decisions.

WHY THE STORY IS INTERESTING

The other Wright brothers: Two Utah brothers building something together — although this time the goal is better brushing, not flying.
AI outside the tech industry: A real-world example of graduate students applying AI to an everyday consumer product rather than another chatbot or software startup.
UVU’s first Applied AI students: Ben and Will are members of the first cohort of UVU’s KLYYR media release | ben@klyyr.com | 801-376-1602 new Master of Science in Applied Artificial Intelligence program.
A personal problem became the product: Years of shared cavities, sensitivity, and enamel concerns inspired the brothers to rethink what they wanted in their own toothpaste.
A different approach to toothpaste: KLYYR One+ uses hydroxyapatite rather than fluoride and emphasizes a short, fully disclosed ingredient list.
Built in Utah: KLYYR was founded in Utah and One+ is developed and fulfilled in the Mountain West.
Students, entrepreneurs, and parents: The brothers are building the company while balancing graduate school, careers, and young families.

ABOUT KLYYR

KLYYR is a Utah-based oral-care company founded by brothers Ben and Will Wright. Its first product, One+, is a fluoride-free toothpaste containing 10% nano + micro hydroxyapatite and a fully disclosed 16-ingredient formula. KLYYR was created around a simple philosophy: every ingredient should earn its place.