Water Picks – A Smart Way to Keep Your Braces Clean

Posted on March 9, 2025

Braces do amazing things for your smile—but anyone who wears them knows they can make brushing and flossing a bit tricky. Food can easily get stuck around brackets and wires, and even the most diligent brushers can struggle to keep their teeth sparkling clean.

That’s where water picks for braces—also called water flossers—come in!

At Lustig & Young Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to helping our patients in Fort Worth, Saginaw, Haslet, and Azle, TX maintain healthy, confident smiles throughout treatment. Water picks are one of our favorite tools to simplify your daily routine and protect your teeth while your braces work their magic.

In this post, we’ll break down what water picks are, how they benefit people with braces, how they compare to regular floss, and how to use them effectively at home.

What Is a Water Pick?

A water pick (or water flosser) is a handheld device that uses a steady stream of pulsating water to clean between teeth and around braces. Instead of threading traditional floss under each wire, the water flosser gently rinses away food particles and plaque.

It’s like a mini power washer for your teeth—especially helpful for cleaning those hard-to-reach areas around brackets and wires.

While water picks don’t completely replace brushing and flossing, they’re an excellent addition to your oral hygiene routine and can help prevent the buildup of plaque and bacteria that lead to white spots and gum inflammation.

Why Water Picks Are Great for Braces Wearers

Keeping your teeth clean while wearing braces isn’t just about appearance, it’s key to your long-term oral health. That’s why our orthodontists often recommend using a water flosser as part of your daily care routine.

Here’s why they’re such a game-changer:

• Flushes out trapped food particles: Brackets and wires create little hiding spots for food debris, and a water pick quickly washes them away.
• Prevents plaque buildup: Regular use helps lower the risk of white spots, cavities, and gum irritation.
• Gentle on gums: The water pressure is soothing, making it more comfortable than string floss.
• Saves time: Traditional flossing with braces can take 10–15 minutes, while a water pick gets the job done in just a couple of minutes.
• Encourages consistency: Teens and adults are more likely to floss daily when it’s easy, and water flossers make it simple and fast.

In fact, studies show that using a Waterpik® water flosser with an orthodontic tip can be over three times more effective than traditional flossing for removing plaque and reducing gum bleeding.

Water Pick vs. Traditional Floss

If you’re wondering whether you can skip flossing once you start using a water pick, the short answer is, not entirely. Both tools play an important role in keeping your smile healthy:

• Traditional Floss: Best for scraping plaque off the sides of teeth where water might not reach.
• Water Pick: Excellent for rinsing debris from around brackets, wires, and gumlines.

For braces wearers, using both together is ideal. But if you’re in a hurry or struggle with string floss, using a water pick daily is still far better than skipping flossing altogether.

How to Choose the Best Water Flosser for Braces

There are plenty of water flossers on the market, but you don’t need the most expensive one to get great results. Here’s what to look for when shopping:

• Adjustable Pressure Settings: Start low if you’re new or have sensitive gums, then increase as you get comfortable.
• Orthodontic Tips: Some models include special tips designed to clean around brackets and wires.
• Tank Size: Larger tanks mean fewer refills, great for families or multiple users.
• Cordless Options: Portable models are perfect for school, travel, or shared bathrooms.

The best water flosser is the one you’ll actually use every day, so pick one that fits your lifestyle.

How to Use a Water Pick with Braces

Once you get the hang of it, using a water pick is easy and efficient. Here’s how:

1. Fill the reservoir with lukewarm water.
2. Attach the orthodontic tip if your model includes one.
3. Lean over the sink to avoid splashing.
4. Place the tip in your mouth before turning on the device.
5. Start at the back teeth, aiming the stream at your gumline and around each bracket.
6. Move along each tooth, pausing briefly to rinse between brackets and wires.
7. Spit out water as needed and continue until your entire mouth feels clean.
8. Turn off the device before removing it from your mouth.

In just a few minutes, you’ll notice cleaner teeth, fresher breath, and healthier gums.

Braces Cleaning Tips from Lustig & Young Orthodontics

While water picks are fantastic, they’re just one part of maintaining great oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Our team recommends:

• Brushing after every meal with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Using fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen enamel.
• Avoiding sticky or chewy foods that can damage brackets or get trapped.
• Keeping up with your regular orthodontic visits so we can monitor your progress and make any needed adjustments.

At Lustig & Young Orthodontics, we’re here to help you care for your smile every step of the way.

Why Patients Across Fort Worth, Saginaw, Haslet & Azle Trust Lustig & Young Orthodontics

When you choose Lustig & Young Orthodontics, you’re not just getting braces, you’re getting a team dedicated to your comfort, confidence, and long-term dental health.

Our experienced orthodontists and friendly team make sure every visit is comfortable and informative, whether you’re a teen starting braces for the first time or an adult improving your smile.

With four convenient locations in Fort Worth, Saginaw, Haslet, and Azle, we make it easy to get the care you need close to home.

Keep Your Smile Sparkling with a Water Pick

Your braces are a big investment in your future smile, and keeping them clean is the best way to protect that investment. Water picks for braces are an easy, effective tool to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic journey.

If you’re ready to take the next step toward a cleaner, healthier smile, visit Lustig & Young Orthodontics for expert care and personalized guidance. Our team will help you choose the best tools and techniques to keep your smile shining bright, during and after braces!