Waterpik Personal Dental System (model WP60W)
SUMMARY: Leaves my teeth and gums really feeling clean. Works great with my braces.
When I got my braces put on, my orthodontist recommended a Waterpik. I had never used one before, so I started reading reviews on the net. The reviews generally weren’t that good. The reviews generally said the Waterpik’s worked well, but tended to break, or leak. I haven’t been using mine long, but thus far I haven’t had a problems beyond learning to use it. After studying the various models available, I came to the conclusion that the base Waterpik unit is the same, and the only difference is the accesories that come with it. I didn’t think I needed all of the extras, so I bought the basic model (WP60W). I read the manual that came with it, and it told me to aim the jetted water down into my gums around the teeth. It blasts out all of the little food particles that remain after brushing and flossing. I am not sure if I am supposed to removed the tub that sits on top to fill it. I found it easier to leave the tub in place and just poor in the water with a glass. I initially used cold water, but found it uncomfortable. I started using warm water, and found it much more comfortable. The manual suggests starting the unit on a low setting, and moving it up. I found the highest setting fine for me. I recommend the Waterpik highly. It works very well.
One bit of dumbness on Waterpik’s part is that the jet tips that come with the unit have little colored rings to differentiate them for different family members. Mine came with one pink jet tip, and two dark blue jet tips (same exact color). I emailed Waterpik, and was told by Molly M. in Waterpik’s Cusomer Services “the color of the jet tips which are included with the unit are not something we control. It is a random act that places certain colors in the packaging. ” So odds are there are people who get tips all of the same color. This would be of no use when a unit is being used by multiple people. When I buy brushes for my electric toothbrush, it comes with snap-on color rings in four different colors. If Braun/Oral B can do it, why can’t Waterpik?
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Braun Oral-B 980TX Bright Advance Power Electric Toothbrush
SUMMARY: Does an excellent job of cleaning my teeth even with braces.
Having just gotten braces, I need to brush my teeth more often than ever. If I eat anything, I get stuff trapped under the wire. So pretty much immediately after eating, I brush my teeth. I have a Braun Oral-B toothbrush at home, and when switching from a regular toothbrush to one of these, I was amazed at how clean my teeth were. I could feel the difference. I need one for work as well. I had a battery powered Oral-B toothbrush, which did an okay job, but lacked the power of the rechargable model I had at home. So I bought another rechargable Oral-B electric toothbrush for work. The Advance Power Oral-B definatly has more power. Not quite as much as the 3D power model we have at home, but close. More than enough to brush my teeth after lunch. The bristles easily clean under the wire, and around the brackets of my braces. If you have never used an electric toothbrush, you should try one of these, and see the difference for yourself, even if you don’t have braces. My dentist visits have been much more pleasant experiences ever since I started using my Oral-B electric toothbrush.
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I opted for the ceramic brackets. They are made by 3M (MMM). Maybe I should revisited them as a stock pick. I only have the braces on the uppers at this point as they need to come forward. I will be getting braces on the lowers in probably a year. The ceramic brackets are only on the front teeth, and I have metal brackets on the back teeth. They feel weird, and I am going to have to get used to eating with them. I am going to be limited in what I can eat while I have them. The orthodontist said I might feel pain, and suggested I take some Advil or some other pain reliever. They have been on now for about five hours and so far they don’t hurt at all. So I haven’t taken anything yet.
I had my orthodontist appointment today, and I have annother appointment in a week to get my braces put on. I get to choose between the shiny stainless steel brackets, and the porcelain. The porcelain are a little more expensive, but are less visible. The stainless steel are a little tougher. Since I do karate, that would be a bonus, though I now have headgear with a face shield. The porcelain stains more easily, and I drink a lot of pepsi. I haven’t decided which I will for yet.
Another thing is the braces are going to cost about $1200 less than the price I got from the original orthodontist. They are also deducting the $2000 that my insurance will cover right off the bat. So I am researching stocks and funds, and trying to decide what I want to put the money into. I may work at setting up a ROTH IRA for my wife, and pump the money into that. If that is the case, it will most likely be ETFs.