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Choosing a water flosser for braces
Updated
A water flosser is one of the cleaning tools the American Dental Association names, and the ADA says people with braces may find it helps them reach every nook and cranny. Before you buy, check two things: whether an orthodontic tip comes in the box, and whether one tank lasts as long as your clean does. Ask your orthodontist first.
The tip matters more than the motor
Waterpik describes its Orthodontic tip as having a tapered brush. Its tips guide says to glide it along the gumline and lightly brush around each bracket, then move on. The same guide says to replace the Orthodontic tip every 3 months, sooner than its everyday Precision tip. Brackets and wires give food more places to hide, so a clean with braces often takes longer than 60 seconds.
Longer cleans mean more refills on small tanks
| Flosser | Run time per tank | 60 second clean | 90 second clean | 120 second clean |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waterpik Aquarius | 90 seconds+ | 1 tank, no refill | 1 tank, no refill | 2 tanks (1 refill) |
| Philips Power Flosser 3000 | 60 seconds | 1 tank, no refill | 2 tanks (1 refill) | 2 tanks (1 refill) |
| Waterpik Cordless Advanced | 45 seconds | 2 tanks (1 refill) | 2 tanks (1 refill) | 3 tanks (2 refills) |
| Waterpik Cordless Pulse | 45 seconds | 2 tanks (1 refill) | 2 tanks (1 refill) | 3 tanks (2 refills) |
Run times are the makers' claims. The refill counts use the same math as our calculator.
Which picks fit braces
- Waterpik Aquarius: the only pick here with an Orthodontic tip listed in the box, and its tank is listed for 90+ seconds. The catch: it needs an outlet by the sink, and owners call it somewhat loud.
- Waterpik Cordless Advanced: waterproof for the shower, where a refill is quick. The catch: the listing did not spell out which tip types come in the box, so check before you order if you need the Orthodontic tip.
- Philips Power Flosser 3000: covers a 60 second clean on one tank. The catch: it comes with two general tips only, with no braces tip in the box.
A simple routine to ask your orthodontist about
- Start on the lowest pressure setting.
- Lean over the sink, put the tip in your mouth, then turn it on.
- Work tooth by tooth along the gumline, pausing at each bracket.
- Time one full tank so you know if a refill is part of the routine.
The ADA still says to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth once a day. A water flosser is one way to do the second part. It does not replace the brushing.
Compare all five picks in the shortlist, or check any listing in the run time calculator.
Check with your dentist. This page is general information, not dental advice. Your dentist or hygienist knows your mouth and your dental work, so ask them which tip, pressure and routine suit you before you start.