Cleaning Braces With a Waterpik
Taking good care of your teeth can be challenging when you have braces, and here at Frey Orthodontics, we believe an excellent oral hygiene routine is a big part of successful treatment. Fortunately there are tools that make this easier, and one of our favorites is a water flosser, such as a Waterpik. A Waterpik is not a replacement for brushing or flossing, but adding it to your routine keeps your teeth as clean and free of debris as possible. In this guide we will cover:
- What is a Waterpik?
- The benefits of using a water flosser for braces
- How to clean braces with a Waterpik
- Which Waterpik is right for you, by use case
What is a Waterpik?
A Waterpik is a type of water flosser designed for dental care at home. This device releases a stream of water into the mouth using an optimal combination of pressure and pulsation. That targeted stream removes plaque, food particles, and bacteria, and the pulsating action stimulates gum tissue for an added health benefit. Although sizes and features vary, all Waterpik water flossers include a motor with a pump, a water reservoir, and a special flosser tip.
Water flossers meant for braces come with a special orthodontic tip, a tapered brush designed to remove hard-to-reach plaque around brackets and wires. Replace it every three months, about as often as you replace your toothbrush.
The Benefits of Using a Water Flosser for Braces
Water flossers use pressure, pulsation, and a specially designed orthodontic tip to remove plaque and trapped food from brackets and wires that are difficult to reach otherwise. At the same time, the water massages and stimulates your gums to improve circulation. Independent clinical testing has shown a water flosser with an orthodontic tip can be up to three times as effective at removing plaque around braces as brushing and string floss (Waterpik clinical data). By adding one minute of water flossing to your routine, you gain extra assurance that you are eliminating plaque as best you can and help avoid stained teeth once your braces come off.
String floss still matters. Use a threader for the tight spots, and lean on the water flosser to clean around hardware. If you want a step-by-step, here is getting floss around brackets and wires.
How to Clean Braces with a Waterpik
It may feel tricky at first, but it is simple once you get the hang of it. Here are the steps to follow when using a Waterpik to clean your braces:
- Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water and seat it firmly on the base.
- Insert the flosser tip and click it into the handle.
- Adjust the pressure control, starting low, then lean over the sink and place the tip in your mouth.
- Turn on the machine and close your lips to prevent splashing, letting water flow from your mouth into the sink.
- Begin with the back teeth and aim the tip toward the gum line. Pause to lightly clean between the teeth and circle each bracket or appliance.
- Move to the next tooth and repeat.
Cleaning your braces with a Waterpik helps you keep healthy, clean gums throughout your daily braces routine. And if a bracket ever comes loose, ease off the pressure around it and give us a call.
Which Waterpik is Right for You?
Waterpiks come in cordless, travel, countertop, and kids designs. With braces, the right orthodontic tip matters more than the model itself, so pick the format that fits your bathroom and your routine. Here is a quick comparison, followed by our favorites by use case.
| Model | Best for | Type | Key feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aquarius Professional WP-670 | Adults, daily home use | Countertop | 10 settings, orthodontic tip, LED panel |
| Cordless Advanced 2.0 WP-580 | Small bathrooms, shower use | Cordless | Rechargeable, waterproof, 3 pressure modes |
| Water Flosser For Kids WP-260 | Children ages 6+ | Countertop | Kid-proof design, easy fingertip controls |
| Cordless Pulse 3100 WF-20 | Travel | Cordless | Portable, waterproof, 2 tips |
Aquarius Professional WP-670: one of the most advanced water flossers available. On/off control on the handle, an LED panel, seven tips, a one-minute timer with a 30-second pacer, and pulse-modulation for maximum plaque removal in Floss Mode plus gum stimulation in Hydro-Pulse Massage Mode. A strong everyday pick for adults.
Cordless Advanced 2.0 WP-580: rechargeable and waterproof, so it works in the shower and suits smaller bathrooms with no counter space. Three pressure modes and a travel-friendly build make it a flexible all-rounder for teens and busy adults.
Water Flosser For Kids WP-260: for children ages six and up, with a kid-proof electrical design, easy fingertip controls, a reservoir that doubles as a cover, and a two-year warranty. A good way to build habits early for younger patients.
Cordless Pulse 3100 WF-20: compact, waterproof, and portable, ideal for travel or keeping things simple. Two tips and a rechargeable battery mean no cords and no bulky reservoir.
Used correctly, a Waterpik is a great addition to your daily routine. For patients in orthodontic treatment, water flossers offer benefits that brushing alone cannot. Just use your Waterpik with dental floss, not in place of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a Waterpik replace flossing with braces?
No. A water flosser clears plaque and debris around brackets and wires, but it works best alongside string floss and a threader, not as a replacement. Use both for the cleanest result during treatment.
What pressure setting should I use with braces?
Start on the lowest setting and increase gradually until it feels effective but comfortable. Lower pressure is plenty around brackets, and easing off near a loose or irritated area protects your hardware.
How often should I use a Waterpik with braces?
Once a day is enough for most patients, ideally in the evening to clear the day’s food and plaque. It takes about a minute and adds real protection against staining and gum irritation during treatment.
How often do I replace the orthodontic tip?
Replace the orthodontic tip about every three months, the same schedule as your toothbrush. The bristles wear down over time and clean less effectively once they do.
Sparkling Smiles With Frey Orthodontics
If you are in Algonquin, Naperville, or the surrounding areas and want more on how water flossers keep your braces and teeth clean, or a recommendation for your needs, get in touch with us today. Dr. Frey and our team are here to help you achieve a straight, sparkling smile.