Braces??? Water Pik???? Help!?

Question

hi. i have my first orthodontist apppointment this Friday. I have been doing my fair share of research on everything about braces ever since i heard i had to get them such as what to expect, what spacers are, etc. i came across a tool called a "water pik". i am wondering what exactly this does and what is the cost of this? is is worth it? also, if you can include all personal experience from braces, that would be very appreciated. best answer gets 10 points!!

Thanks in advance :-)

if you are wondering why exactly i have been reasearching, it's because whenever i get nervous and excited about something i am getting that i have never had any experience with, i start looking up everything about the subject to be informed

Answer 1

Wow, somebody who is finally like me. I am also in the process of getting braces and I have done tons of research also. I heard a lot about the water pik site and I just ordered one online. They actually move bacteria from between your teeth by pressure. There are different pressure settings. My orthodontist said it would be great to have. You still have to floss but this can also pick up food particles that have been left behind. I paid $70 for mine. I liked this one especially because it also comes with an ortho tip. You can get them cheaper for like $30 at places like Wal-Mart or Target. Here is a link to the actual water pik and it shows the different styles that they make.

http://www.waterpik.com/dentalcare/

I ordered the WP-100. Email me if you have any questions or anything. Glad to share the knowledge with someone else.
Oh yeah, I came across this great link for braces. Here is the link if you want to check it out.

www.archwired.com

Good luck with your orthodontic treatment.

Answer 2

I used a water pik when I had braces. It was basically a tube with a plastic tip on it that you could put in your mouth and aim at your teeth. The water would spray and dislodge pieces of food and stuff that got stuck in your teeth. I found it really helpful because a lot of times food gets stuck in your braces and you can't get it out very well with a toothbrush.

Mine looked kind of like this one: http://www.proaktivo.de/images/ru-74565000.jpg

I'm not sure how much they cost now- it was a good 15 years ago that I had one and my mom bought it for me then. But I think it would be worth it. I wish I still had mine, actually... because it leaves your mouth feeling really clean.

Anyway... I had braces for a long time when I was a teenager. I had trouble with mine rubbing on the insides of my cheeks and making them sore, but the orthodontist can give you wax to cover them up. It doesn't work all that well though. haha.

Your teeth will be sore for a few days each time they adjust your braces, so be prepared to eat soft foods or soup for a few meals. Regular painkillers can help with that too.

Your orthodontist will be able to answer any questions you have- and I'm sure they'll give you a whole list of 'what not to do'. Good luck!

Answer 3

My orthodontist recommended it. It costs between $30 and $40.

What it is is a tool like a toothbrush without bristles and it sends a jet of water like a penis peeing almost. It gets all the gunk and food out that normal brushing doesn't do.

You can put mouthwash or water in the dispenser. I used both at the same time and remember if you do get it make sure you bend over into the sink or else cleaning your teeth will turn into a wet t-shirt contest.

Answer 4

Answer 1 is correct.

I have had braces and have used water piks. I highly recommend getting one. I paid a little over $30. But it really helps get into tight spaces. It can get messy if you do it over the sink. They have one that is made for the shower- it basically just uses the shower's water- you have to hook it directly up to the shower head and it can be a bit of a hassle, but it's worth it.

If I were you, I would get one. And you can get them at Wal-Mart too. So you don't have to pay a ton.