Let’s be honest: flossing with string is a chore. It hurts your fingers, it’s awkward to reach back molars, and if you wear braces, it is practically mission impossible. Yet, we all know skipping it isn’t an option if we want to avoid gum disease and expensive dentist bills.

This is where the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser (WP-663) claims to save the day. It’s the most recommended water flosser by dental professionals, promising to remove up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas. But is it just a fancy gadget, or does it actually replace the string? Is it loud? Is it messy?

In this comprehensive Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser review, we dive deep into its performance, durability, and features to see if it truly deserves a permanent spot on your bathroom counter in 2026.

1. Product Overview & Key Specs

The Waterpik Aquarius is widely considered the “gold standard” of countertop water flossers. It is an ADA (American Dental Association) accepted device designed to blast away food particles and plaque using a pressurized stream of water. Unlike cordless models that struggle with battery life and weak pressure, the Aquarius plugs into the wall for consistent, high-power performance.

2. Cleaning Performance: Plaque & Braces

The marketing claims are bold, but the real-world performance of the Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser backs them up. We analyzed its effectiveness across different user needs.

For General Hygiene

At medium settings (5-7), the water jet feels like a vigorous massage for your gums. It effortlessly dislodges stubborn food particles (like popcorn hulls or spinach) that regular brushing misses. You can literally see the debris washing into the sink, which is both gross and incredibly satisfying. The “pulse” modulation technology improves gum circulation, which can reduce gingivitis over time.

For Braces & Orthodontics

This is where the Aquarius is unbeatable. Flossing with metal wires is a nightmare using string. The included Orthodontic Tip has a tapered brush that allows you to wash around brackets and wires simultaneously. It flushes out trapped food instantly, making it an essential tool for anyone undergoing orthodontic treatment.

For Implants & Crowns

The Plaque Seeker Tip features three thin bristles to access stubborn plaque around implants, crowns, and bridges. The ability to dial down the pressure (Settings 1-3) makes it safe for sensitive areas while still ensuring cleanliness.

3. Key Features: Tips, Settings & Reservoir

The Aquarius stands out because of its customization options. It isn’t a “one size fits all” device.

10 Pressure Settings

The dial ranges from 10 PSI (gentle rinse) to 100 PSI (deep blast). Beginners should start at level 1 to avoid gum bleeding, but seasoned users will appreciate the power of level 8-10 for a deep clean feel.

Built-in Timer

The unit features a 1-minute timer with a 30-second pacer. The water stream pauses briefly at 30 seconds to remind you to switch to the other arch of your mouth. This ensures you don’t rush the process and give your whole mouth equal attention.

Massage Mode

A toggle switch allows you to move from “Floss” mode (continuous stream) to “Massage” mode (hydro-pulse). While most users stick to Floss mode, the Massage mode is excellent for stimulating gum tissue to improve overall periodontal health.

4. Design & Ergonomics: Countertop Footprint

Compact but Corded

The Aquarius is designed to sit on your bathroom vanity. Its footprint is surprisingly small (less than 5 inches wide), so it won’t dominate your space. However, you do need a power outlet nearby. The cord length is adequate, but if your outlet is far from the sink, you might struggle.

Handle Controls

A massive improvement over older models is the On/Off switch on the handle itself. This allows you to stop the water flow instantly if you need to spit or cough, preventing water from spraying all over your bathroom mirror—a common rookie mistake with water flossers!

Reservoir Capacity

The 22-ounce tank holds enough water for 90 seconds of flossing, which is exactly the recommended time. You won’t need to stop and refill halfway through, unlike with smaller handheld units.

5. Maintenance & Hygiene

Keeping a device that holds water clean is crucial to prevent mold. The Aquarius reservoir is removable and top-rack dishwasher safe (air dry only). We recommend running a solution of water and white vinegar through the unit once a month to remove hard water deposits.

Tip Replacement: Tips should be replaced every 3-6 months depending on usage, similar to a toothbrush head. Replacement tips are widely available and affordable.

6. Comparison & Alternatives

How does the Waterpik Aquarius stack up against other oral care options?

• Vs. Cordless Flossers: If you travel frequently, check out our reviews on portable options. However, for daily home use, the Aquarius offers 2x the pressure and unlimited runtime.
• Vs. String Floss: String is cheaper, but Waterpik is clinically proven to be up to 50% more effective for improving gum health.

If you are looking for other specific oral care solutions, you might be interested in our related guides on Teeth Whitening Kits or Electric Toothbrushes to complete your routine.

7. Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

Conclusion: The Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser is an investment in your long-term dental health. While it takes up counter space and makes some noise, the feeling of absolute cleanliness it provides is unmatched. If you have braces, implants, or just hate string flossing, this device is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use mouthwash in the Waterpik Aquarius?

Yes, you can add a small amount of non-alcoholic mouthwash to the water reservoir for a fresher feel. However, be sure to rinse the unit with plain water afterwards to prevent sticky buildup.

Is the Waterpik Aquarius loud?

Yes, it operates via a motor and pump, so it produces a rhythmic thumping sound. It is not silent, but it is comparable to an electric shaver.

Does it remove tartar?

No home device can remove hardened tartar (calculus). The Waterpik removes plaque (the soft film) before it hardens into tartar. You still need professional cleanings for existing tartar.

How often should I use it?

Dental professionals recommend using it once a day, preferably before bed, to remove the day’s food and plaque accumulation.