Oral Health
5 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Water flossers get a lot of hype, and if you wear braces you've probably wondered whether one is worth it. The honest take: water flossing genuinely works, especially for braces, bridges, and implants, but it's a teammate to string floss, not always a full replacement. Let me explain what the research actually supports and how to get the most out of one.
What a water flosser actually does
A water flosser, sometimes called an oral irrigator, shoots a steady, pulsing stream of water between your teeth and along the gum line. That pulse dislodges food particles and disrupts the soft plaque film before it hardens. It won't scrape a tooth the way string floss does, but it flushes the spaces string floss can struggle to reach, which is exactly why it shines around dental work.
So, is water flossing effective?
The evidence is solid. Multiple studies have found that water flossing meaningfully reduces gum bleeding and signs of gingivitis, and it's good at removing debris and loose plaque. The American Dental Association recognizes water flossers that earn its Seal of Acceptance as effective at removing plaque and helping prevent gum disease. Where the nuance comes in is on tight contacts between healthy teeth, where the physical scrape of string floss still has an edge.
Why it's a game-changer with braces
Threading string floss under a wire for every tooth is tedious, and most people quietly skip it. A water flosser flushes around brackets and under the wire in seconds, reaching the food and plaque that collect in those spots and cause the swollen gums and white spots we work hard to avoid. It's equally handy for bridges, implants, and permanent retainers. Pair it with good brushing and it makes keeping braces clean far more realistic.
Water flosser vs. string floss
| Water flosser | String floss | |
|---|---|---|
| Around braces & implants | Excellent, quick | Slow, needs a threader |
| Tight contacts (healthy teeth) | Good | Best physical scrape |
| Ease of use | Very easy | Takes technique |
| Gum bleeding & gingivitis | Reduces well | Reduces well |
The takeaway isn't either-or. For braces patients especially, a water flosser plus brushing is a huge upgrade over skipping flossing entirely, and adding string floss where you can is better still. Keeping up with your professional cleanings ties it all together.
In braces and fighting to keep them clean?
Ask us about the best hygiene routine for your treatment, or book a free consultation.
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
