Waterpik yes or no?

[TheCarDoctor]

I'm in the minority here, but I've have one (had it since before braces) and I hardly ever use it. I find that brushing and flossing does pretty much everything a water pick does. Maybe I'm lazy, but I don't like having to set it up every time I use it (I have a small bathroom sink and can't leave it there). Sorry, just my 2 cents.

[PatientPatient]

Yes, definitely. They're great with or without braces.
Not a substitute for flossing, but a great way to quickly freshen in-between the brackets, better than mouthwash alone.

[kgallagher]

I still havent purchased one yet... but I will! Im going this weekend!

[Liljynx]

What type would you recommend? Does the model make a difference at all?

[SunshineRay]

I would go on Amazon or Target and read the reviews. I bought the Ultra and havent used it much (braces today!) but after reading the reviews I feel like I made the right choice.

[BriaP]

Having the portable is so convenient and totally worth the money. I decided on that one because I liked the idea of a water flosser, but it needed to be able to go everywhere with me as part of my dental care routine. During the day, I don't always have the time to do my full "clean mouth" routine, so when I'm in a bind, I just do a quick rinse. It's a life saver.
I figure, I have travel sizes of everything else, why not my Waterpik? You really can't go wrong.

[asag]

Definitely yes. I had mine before I got braces and I'm glad I have it now that I have them. It makes your gums feel so good - like getting a massage. I use it before flossing (waterpik, floss, brush, interdental, listerine or fluoride rinse). I tried the portable one but I found it really annoying to have to keep refilling it, so I got the standard one instead. I wouldn't use it a floss replacement but it's a great addition to flossing or to use when you don't have time to floss.

[chloespeaks]

I just got braced less than a month ago, and right after that had to travel for a month in Hong Kong. I ordered the travel multivolt waterpik and it's great! because it's taking me so long to learn how to floss with the braces, i figure that it's better than not doing it when i don't have the time. most nights i am 1. waterpic 2. brush 3. floss. The reservoir is pretty small, so it takes 2 fills to get a thorough job and just 1 when doing a quick job.

As to which size to get OR whether you will actually use it, consider counter-top space and outlet location. This is the kind of appliance which you will only use if it's convenient. It's kind of messy and you need access to water to use it as well.

when i get home to the states, i will probably add dental rinse. i also think it might be worthwhile to use dental rinse in the waterpic, or i may get an Air Flosser to apply dental rinse as it uses just a tablespoon in the resevoir.

[ItsJustKim]

Yes!

I'm always amazed how much more food I'm able to get out between my teeth, not to mention how clean my teeth feel after I have used the waterpik.

[kids041]

OH yes! I love my Waterpik now, and I know I will love it more when I get my braces on. My daughter has braces already, and says that it works wonderful for all the stuck food.

[Hanka01]

I totally recommend the Waterpik. I use mine daily to blast all the food out before I floss and brush. It's a great addition to your brushing regiment.

[JeniK]

when i get home to the states, i will probably add dental rinse. i also think it might be worthwhile to use dental rinse in the waterpic, or i may get an Air Flosser to apply dental rinse as it uses just a tablespoon in the resevoir.[/quote]


What is the difference between a waterpic and Air flosser ?

[kellyb]

i love my waterpik! it is a godsend. even now that i no longer have my braces i still use it. i opted for a portable one.

[rosesrred1026]

I agree with everyone. The Waterpik is a great investment. Now I have both the portable and larger model, but I use the larger model 95% of the time. At first I only had the portable version, and I was hesitant to use it again after the strong stream left my gums bleeding on first use. Turns out this was actually a GOOD thing because it got the bacteria out, and I didn't have the problem again. I love the bigger version more because of the variety of brushes and better water pressure control.

I sheepishly admit that I use the pik in place of regular flossing because that process takes SO long with my brackets. I'll do better!

[LucyLuAus]

I think I may need to invest in one of these. I'm finding flossing soooooo difficult with my braces so maybe using a waterpik will help keep my pearly whites nice & clean whilst I get used to the floss... its going on my Xmas list!