The ION cordless water flosser from Waterpik is a bit of a unique offering that I really
like.
It has all the benefits of a countertop unit, but is technically cordless because it has
a rechargeable battery built-in.
It offers a great clean and certain features make it easy to use on a daily basis.
But, whilst more compact it is perhaps a little too big to be a real travel friendly option
like other cordless units.
Hey, it’s Jon from Electric Teeth here.
Over the years I have tested lots of water flossers and and for some time Waterpik products
have been my top recommendation.
They offer a variety of products, that are clinically proven.
They have also been awarded the American Dental Association's seal of acceptance, which gives
users like you and I extra peace of mind that they are safe to use and are independently
verified as achieving the claims Waterpik makes.
There are always challenger brands, but I like how Waterpik continues to innovate and
the ION is a great example of this.
Typically, water flossers are either corded or cordless.
The cordless models are less restrictive as they are not connected to a mains power supply.
By design they are more compact and better suited to travel.
There are however often limitations with cordless options that you don’t get with countertop
or corded units.
The 2 biggest benefits tend to be the larger water tanks, offering longer flossing times
and the greater variety of pressure settings.
The ION is a bit of a cross between the 2 product categories.
It’s technically cordless as it’s powered by a rechargeable battery, but has the benefits
of a regular countertop unit, whilst also being some 30% smaller in size.
But, although cordless the main unit needs to sit on the countertop.
Those that benefit most from this are those that don’t have a power outlet in their
bathroom.
Or it could suit families where it gets moved from 1 bathroom to another, without the need
to take the power adapter.
Water flossing can be messy, particularly for new users.
But, you soon learn the correct techniques.
And although many dental professionals would often recommend string floss over a water
flosser, most would prefer you do some form of flossing than none at all.
Despite being technique sensitive, water flossing generally feels easier and more effective.
The cleaning results are impressive.
I haven’t been disappointed.
The water blasts away the debris and disrupts the plaque causing bacteria as you move it
along and between the teeth.
You have the choice of 10 pressure settings ranging from 10 to 100 PSI, so you can find
the right level for you.
I like it around level 7.
There are actually 2 versions of the ION, the standard and professional model.
There isn’t a great deal of difference between them.
It is the standard WF-11 model that is my pick.
It has the larger 22 ounce water tank, compared to the 20 ounce of the WF-12 professional
variant.
The handle on the ION is smaller than traditional countertop units.
It doesn’t feel quite as comfortable in hand.
It does rotate 360 degrees around the 3ft hose though, giving more control.
You also have a simple to use slider switch to control the water flow right on the handle.
The tip or nozzle if you prefer can also be rotated a full 360 degrees.
The negative here being that there is no grip or textured surfaces on this part of the handle
to make rotating simpler.
It can be done, you just don’t get the same satisfying fingertip contact on the handle.
You should be able to achieve a full floss in about 60 seconds.
That is 30 seconds per row of teeth.
The ION has a built-in pacer that pauses the water flow briefly at 30 and 60 seconds to
alert you.
Of course you can use it for longer if you like, without having to refill thanks to the
large tank.
The rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery is said to give up to 28 days use, assuming 1 minute
flossing sessions once a day.
In my testing I achieved 30 minutes or 30 days.
The LED ring around the power button on the unit will flash to let you know when the battery
is low.
Multiple tips of varying styles are provided in the box.
This allows anyone to get going immediately.
Each tip style is best suited to specific users.
The orthodontic tip works best for those with fixed braces, the plaque seeker for those
with implants and crowns, whilst the classic jet tip works well for the vast majority of
people.
All can be purchased separately.
The ION has a retail price of $90, whilst the professional is around $100.
You can typically save about $10 or so on each.
Replace the nozzles every 6 months at a cost of $5 per nozzle and over 3 years you are
looking at $100, or thereabouts for the standard WF-11 variant.
For the sake of comparison, the corded countertop unit, the Aquarius costs $85, whilst the Cordless
Advanced costs $100.
I like the ION a lot.
It performs well and boasts the benefits of both countertop and cordless.
But, unless you need the specific benefits this brings, the Aquarius is better value
and the Cordless Advanced more portable.
In the video description is a link to my comprehensive written review of the ION along with links
to buy it and the recommended alternatives.
Cleaning between the teeth is just one part of your oral care routine.
It is important to make sure you are completing other tasks too.
Check out this video that demonstrates how to master your oral care routine.