We put the $200 toothbrush and flosser to the test to see how braces-friendly it is (2024)

Ever since Cardi B dropped “Bodak Yellow” in 2018 and let the world know she got a bag and fixed her teeth, that has been my mood. I had just embarked on my braces journey and was on the hunt for every product, regardless of the price point, that would help me maintain my oral health. Then, Coi Leray hit the music scene and showed everyone just how cool it could be to have metal braces as an adult. I opted for metal braces for the second time. As a two-time, back-to-back metal braces wearer, I understand the struggle of trying to maintain a cute appearance while facing the challenges of braces. My goal was to find the perfect oral care routine that would allow me to feel confident with metal in my mouth as an adult.

During my quest, I tried everything from budget-friendly devices to highly-rated Phillips Sonicare toothbrushes, until I stumbled upon the original Waterpik Complete Care 5.0 Water Flosser + Sonic Electric Toothbrush. This innovative device promised to alleviate the daunting task of flossing by adding a water flosser into the process. As someone who has been faithfully visiting the orthodontist every month for more than three years, I am all too familiar with the limitations of relying solely on brushing and flossing after every meal and before bed. Maneuvering traditional floss and the specialized "super floss" designed for braces through those tiny gaps between wires and brackets often felt like an endless battle.

Yes, this entire article is about a toothbrush, but I am eager to share my experience with the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0— a toothbrush and water flosser that might have restored my confidence.

What is the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0?

The Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0 claims to be the world's first flossing toothbrush, all in one. This product allows you to choose between brushing, flossing, or combining both functions with the push of a button. Typically priced at $199, the Sonic Fusion 2.0 comes with two patented water flossing brush heads (one full-size, one compact), two brush head covers, a premium toothbrush case, and global voltage.

According to Waterpik, the Sonic Fusion 2.0 boasts several claims, including the removal of up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas and being up to two times more effective in removing plaque compared to regular brushing and flossing, especially in hard-to-reach areas between teeth and below the gum line, where traditional brushing and flossing may fall short, thereby helping prevent bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. the Sonic Fusion 2.0 is said to be suitable for people with implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers.

What we like about the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0

Time-saving precision

Without needing to think about it, the device's timer ensures that you brush your teeth for the dentist-recommended duration. Brushing for the full two minutes can feel like an eternity when doing it manually, often leading to insufficient cleaning. However, the Sonic Fusion 2.0's timer eliminates this guesswork by automatically pausing after two minutes, prompting users to switch to a different area of the mouth every 30 seconds for a thorough cleaning. This timed brushing promotes consistent and effective oral care, ensuring that each quadrant of the mouth receives sufficient attention.

It is pretty silent

In terms of noise level, the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0 stands out from regular water flossers and even the original Waterpik model. While the original water flosser had a dreadful noise resembling that of a lawn mower on a Saturday morning, the Sonic Fusion 2.0 operates impressively quietly. Whether you prefer to start your day off in tranquility or wind down before bed, the whisper-quiet operation of the Sonic Fusion 2.0 ensures that your oral care routine remains undisturbed.

What we don’t like about the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0

It is a bit on the pricey side

One aspect of this product that may give potential buyers the ick is the price point. Yes, it typically costs $199 and you have to replace the toothbrush heads every three months just like you do with traditional toothbrushes. It is also recommended to change your flosser tips every six months. This leads to ongoing costs for the duration of having this product which may not be sustainable or realistic for those looking for budget-friendly results that make an impact. Compared to traditional toothbrushes or standalone water flossers, the Sonic Fusion 2.0 comes with higher upfront and long-term costs. This premium price may be a deterrent, especially for people who feel like they can do this the way many have been doing for years. The good news is that the Waterpik usually goes on sale at Amazon so you can potentially score a discount!

Can be messy

Despite the convenience of combining toothbrushing and water flossing in one device, some users including myself may find it challenging to master the brush and floss technique without splashing everything around me and making a mess. I am used to seeing which teeth I am targeting which requires my mouth to be open but that is not the best approach when it comes to this product as it is recommended to keep your mouth a certain way to prevent the water from falling out. Overall, the simultaneous action of brushing and flossing was very chaotic, and individuals with limited coordination may find it more difficult to maneuver.

Should you buy the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion 2.0?

Yes.

I reached out to Dr. Amira Ogunleye, a cosmetic dentist in Miami, for her expert opinion on the Waterpik Sonic Fusion 2.0. Dr. Ogunleye, a long-time advocate of the device, recommends it to her patients as an alternative to traditional brushing and flossing if they are not skilled or have gotten insight from a dental hygienist on best practices. However, she expressed some skepticism about the claim of removing 99.9% of plaque, noting that user error could affect its effectiveness. While most dentists prefer traditional flossing methods, Dr. Ogunleye finds that the Waterpik can improve gingival health and reduce the risk of gingivitis. Although the device suggests and heavily promotes the brush and water floss option together, Dr, Amira Ogunleye recommends using the device primarily as a water flosser before and then using the toothbrush component after to ensure that the fluoride in toothpaste has time to sit on the teeth. When brushing while flossing with water, she shares that users may be diluting the toothpaste and that can impact the outcome.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.