Let's be honest — most people don't floss as often as they should. As a dentist, I hear every excuse: "I don't have time," "It makes my gums bleed," "I forget." That's why water flossers have become so popular. They promise an easier, more enjoyable way to clean between teeth. But do they actually work?
I tested the Waterpik Aquarius WP-660 — the brand's flagship countertop model — for six weeks to find out.
What Is a Water Flosser?
A water flosser uses a targeted stream of pulsating water to remove plaque and food debris from between teeth and along the gumline. Think of it as a mini pressure washer for your mouth (but much gentler). The Waterpik brand pioneered this technology and remains the most studied water flosser on the market.
Setup & Design
The Aquarius is a countertop unit with a 22-ounce water reservoir — enough for about 90 seconds of continuous use. It has 10 pressure settings (ranging from 10–100 PSI), a pause button on the handle, and comes with 7 different tips for various needs.
The build quality is solid. The unit has a compact footprint and the reservoir is easy to fill and clean. My only design complaint is the cord length — you need to be near an outlet.
Cleaning Performance
Here's the part that matters most. After six weeks of daily use, I can confirm: the Waterpik Aquarius is genuinely effective.
Clinical studies have shown that water flossers can remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and are up to 50% more effective than string floss at reducing gingivitis. My personal experience aligns with these findings.
The adjustable pressure is key. I recommend:
- Settings 1–3: For beginners, sensitive gums, or children
- Settings 4–6: For everyday use once you're comfortable
- Settings 7–10: For deep cleaning around implants, braces, or bridges
Who Benefits Most?
While anyone can benefit from a water flosser, certain patients see especially dramatic improvements:
- Braces wearers — navigating brackets with string floss is nearly impossible; water flossers make it easy
- Implant patients — the Plaque Seeker tip is specifically designed for implants
- People with bridges or crowns — water can reach areas string floss simply can't
- Patients with dexterity issues — arthritis, disabilities, or anyone who struggles with string floss
- People who just won't string floss — an imperfect habit you actually do beats a perfect habit you don't
Pros
- Clinically proven effectiveness
- 10 pressure settings for personalized use
- 7 included tips for different needs
- Excellent for braces, implants, and bridges
- Much easier than string floss for most people
- Large reservoir lasts a full session
Cons
- Countertop unit takes up bathroom space
- Can be messy during the learning curve
- Requires outlet — not cordless
- Louder than expected
Water Flosser vs. String Floss: The Dentist's Take
I want to be clear: string floss is still the gold standard for interdental cleaning. It physically scrapes the contact surfaces between teeth in a way water can't fully replicate.
However, the best flossing method is the one you'll actually use consistently. If a water flosser gets you cleaning between your teeth daily when you weren't before, it's a massive net positive for your oral health.
My ideal recommendation? Use both. Water flosser daily, string floss 2–3 times per week. That combination provides the most comprehensive interdental cleaning.
Final Verdict
The Waterpik Aquarius is an excellent investment in your oral health. It's effective, versatile, well-built, and makes interdental cleaning significantly easier. At around $70, it's a small price for a tool you'll use every day.