Posted on September 4, 2025
Braces do amazing things for your smile, but anyone who wears them knows they make brushing and flossing more challenging. Food particles can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, making it harder to keep your teeth and gums clean. That’s where water picks for braces—also known as water flossers—can make a big difference.
At Smileyville Braces by Dr. Art Wickson, we’re committed to helping our patients in Louisville keep their smiles healthy throughout treatment. Water picks are one of the best tools to simplify your daily routine and protect your teeth while braces work their magic.
In this guide, we’ll explain what water picks are, how they benefit people with braces, how they compare to traditional floss, and tips for choosing the best one. We’ll even walk you through how to use a water pick step by step.
A water pick, or water flosser, is a handheld device that uses a steady stream of pulsating water to clean between your teeth and around your braces. Instead of stringing floss between each bracket and wire, a water pick gently blasts away food particles and plaque.
It helps clean spots that are nearly impossible to reach with regular floss or even interdental brushes. While it doesn’t completely replace the need for brushing and flossing, it’s an excellent addition to your daily oral hygiene routine.
Think of it as a power washer for your teeth.
Keeping your teeth and gums clean with braces isn’t just about looking good, it’s important for long-term oral health. Here’s why orthodontists, including Dr. Wickson at Smileyville Braces, often recommend water flossers for their patients:
For many patients, especially kids and teens, water flossers make caring for braces less of a chore and more of a habit.
A study involving adolescents with fixed braces found that using a Waterpik® water flosser with an orthodontic tip was over three times more effective than traditional flossing in reducing plaque biofilm. It also reduced gum bleeding by 26% more than flossing and 53% more than brushing alone.
It’s natural to wonder if you can ditch floss entirely when you start using a water pick. The truth is, both methods serve an important purpose.
For braces wearers, using both together is the gold standard. If you’re in a rush or having trouble with string floss, though, a water pick is far better than skipping flossing altogether.
Dr. Wickson often recommends patients use a water pick daily and traditional floss as often as they can for the healthiest results.
With so many options available, how do you find the best water flosser for braces? Here are a few features to look for:
You don’t need the most expensive model, many affordable water picks work just as well as premium ones. Find one that you’ll use consistently.
Using a water pick is simple once you get the hang of it. Here’s a quick guide:
With just a few minutes a day, you’ll notice fresher breath, cleaner teeth, and healthier gums.
While water picks are fantastic, they’re just one part of keeping your braces in top shape. Here are a few additional braces cleaning tips from Dr. Wickson:
At Smileyville Braces, we don’t just straighten smiles, we help you care for them every step of the way.
When you choose Smileyville Braces, you’re not just getting orthodontic treatment, you’re getting a partner in your smile journey.
Dr. Art Wickson has years of experience helping patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles. He and the Smileyville Braces team provide personalized care and practical guidance so you feel supported throughout your treatment.
Located at 4825 S. 3rd St., Louisville, KY 40214, our office is designed with comfort and convenience in mind. Whether you’re a teen starting braces for the first time or an adult seeking orthodontic care, we’re here to make the process smooth and rewarding.
Braces are an investment in your future smile, and keeping them clean is essential. Water picks for braces are one of the easiest, most effective tools to help you maintain excellent oral hygiene throughout your orthodontic journey.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a healthier, straighter smile, schedule a consultation with Smileyville Braces by Dr. Art Wickson today. Call us or visit our office at 4825 S. 3rd St., Louisville, KY 40214, we’d love to help you find the right tools and treatments to keep your smile shining.
