If you’ve ever sat in a dentist's chair while they poked at your gums and asked, "Have we been flossing lately?" you know that specific brand of guilt. It sucks. We all know we should do it, but string floss is a literal pain. It shreds. It gets stuck. It makes your fingers turn purple because you've wrapped the string too tight. This is exactly why the Waterpik WP 660 Aquarius Water Flosser became a household name. It wasn't just about new tech; it was about making a chore feel less like a chore.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a beast.
When you first see it, the Aquarius looks like a piece of medical equipment from a 90s sci-fi movie, but there’s a reason it’s the most popular countertop model on the market. It works. The American Dental Association (ADA) gave it their Seal of Acceptance, which isn't just a sticker they hand out for fun. To get that, Waterpik had to prove the device actually reduces plaque and gingivitis. Most of us just want our breath to smell better and our gums to stop bleeding, and this machine handles that by blasting 1,400 pulses of water per minute into the gaps your toothbrush can't touch.
Is the Waterpik WP 660 Aquarius Water Flosser worth the counter space?
Space is the big trade-off here. If you have a tiny pedestal sink in a cramped apartment, this thing is going to feel massive. It’s a countertop unit. That means it plugs into the wall. It has a reservoir. It has a hose. But that’s also why it outperforms the cordless versions people buy and then abandon three weeks later.
Handheld flosser batteries die. Their water tanks run out in twenty seconds. The WP 660 gives you about 90 seconds of continuous flow. That’s enough time to actually get between every tooth without rushing like you're in a competitive eating contest. You can actually focus on the "problem areas" like those back molars or under a permanent retainer.
The pressure settings are where it gets real
A lot of people jump straight to level 10. Don't do that. Your gums will hate you.
The Aquarius features ten different pressure settings. Setting 1 is basically a gentle mist, while setting 10 feels like a power washer for your mouth. Most people find their "sweet spot" around 6 or 7. What’s cool is the "Massage" mode. It toggles the pulse pattern to stimulate blood flow in the gum tissue. If you deal with early-stage gum disease or sensitivity, that variation in pressure helps strengthen the tissue over time.
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It’s not just about blasting food out; it's about health.
Understanding the "Aquarius" Difference
You’ll see a lot of knock-offs on Amazon. Some are half the price. Why stick with the Waterpik WP 660 Aquarius Water Flosser?
Reliability.
Waterpik has been doing this since the 1960s. The WP 660 was a massive leap forward because it introduced a more compact footprint than its predecessors while adding an LED display for the modes and a handy on/off switch right on the handle. That handle switch is a lifesaver. Older models required you to reach over to the base unit to stop the flow, which usually resulted in water spraying all over the bathroom mirror. Now, you just slide the thumb switch. Easy.
What Most People Get Wrong About Water Flossing
There is a huge misconception that a water flosser replaces traditional string floss entirely.
If you ask a periodontist—someone like Dr. Chris Salierno or other leading dental experts—they’ll give you the nuanced truth. String floss is "mechanical." It scrapes the tooth. Water flossing is "hydrodynamic." It uses pressure to flush out bacteria and debris. For people with braces, implants, or bridges, the Waterpik WP 660 Aquarius Water Flosser is actually better than string because string can't get under those metal wires effectively. However, if your teeth are incredibly tight, you might still need to run a piece of string through once in a while to break up stuck-on tartar.
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But here’s the reality: most people don't string floss at all.
Doing this every night is 1000% better than doing nothing. The WP 660 removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. That’s a real stat from clinical studies. When you see the junk that falls into the sink after you’ve already brushed your teeth, it’s eye-opening. You realize your toothbrush is actually kind of useless for the gaps.
Tips for the first-timers
- Leaning is key. Lean over the sink. Keep your lips slightly parted. Let the water fall out of your mouth into the drain. If you try to keep your mouth closed, you'll spray the ceiling.
- Warm water only. Cold water on sensitive teeth feels like an electric shock. Use lukewarm water. Your nerves will thank you.
- Trace the gumline. Don't just aim randomly. Start at the back, follow the curve of the gum, pause between teeth, and move on.
Addressing the Noise and the Mess
Let’s be honest. This thing is loud.
It sounds like a tiny jackhammer on your counter. If you’re trying to floss while your partner is sleeping in the next room, they’re going to hear it. It’s a motorized pump, so noise is part of the deal. Also, it’s water. It gets messy. You will probably soak your shirt the first three times you use it. It takes a week to get the "lean" right.
But once you get the rhythm down, it takes about two minutes total.
The Tip Situation
The WP 660 comes with a variety of tips. You get the standard jet tips, but also specialized ones:
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- The Orthodontic Tip: Has a little brush on the end. Essential for braces.
- The Plaque Seeker Tip: Designed for implants and crowns.
- The Pik Pocket Tip: Specifically for those with deep periodontal pockets. It delivers medicament or water deep into the gum line.
Most people just use the standard tip, which is fine. Just remember to replace them every six months. The bristles on the specialized tips wear out, and the plastic on the standard tips can get mineral buildup from your tap water.
Maintenance: Don't Let it Get Gross
Since this device holds water, it can grow mold if you aren't careful. It’s a simple fix, though. Every few weeks, run a mixture of white vinegar and warm water through the machine. Then run two tanks of plain warm water to rinse it out. Also, the reservoir is dishwasher safe (top rack), so toss it in there to keep it clean.
If you live in an area with "hard water," this is even more important. Mineral deposits can clog the internal motor. A little vinegar goes a long way in making the unit last five years instead of one.
Is it the right choice for you?
The Waterpik WP 660 Aquarius Water Flosser sits in that "Goldilocks" zone. It’s not the cheapest, and it’s not the most expensive "smart" model with Bluetooth (which, let’s be real, nobody needs a Bluetooth flosser). It’s the reliable workhorse.
If you have gum issues, braces, or just a deep-seated hatred for string floss, this is the best investment you can make for your mouth. It’s a one-time purchase that significantly lowers your dental bills. Crowns and fillings are expensive. A Waterpik is cheap by comparison.
Actionable Steps for Better Oral Health
- Clear the Space: Measure your counter. You need a spot near an outlet.
- Start Low: Set the pressure to 3 for the first week. Give your gums time to toughen up before you crank it to 10.
- Use it BEFORE Brushing: While people debate this, flossing first loosens the debris so your toothpaste's fluoride can actually reach the tooth surface.
- Add Mouthwash: You can put a splash of your favorite non-alcohol mouthwash into the reservoir for an extra fresh feeling, just make sure to rinse the unit after.
- Check Your Progress: Watch your gums. Within 14 days, the bleeding should stop, and they should go from a puffy red to a healthy, firm pink.
If you're tired of the "flossing lecture" at the dentist, stop fighting the string and just get the machine. It makes a world of difference.