Countertop definitely feels more thorough to me too. I switched after my dentist mentioned plaque buildup at my last checkup... cordless just didn't seem strong enough. It's louder, sure, but worth it for peace of mind.
I've actually had great luck with my cordless one. Maybe it's just me, but countertop models always felt a bit bulky and messy in my bathroom. Granted, I do have to refill the cordless reservoir mid-use sometimes, but it's become second nature now. My dentist hasn't mentioned any plaque issues yet, so fingers crossed it stays that way... I guess everyone's mileage varies depending on their routine and teeth.
"Granted, I do have to refill the cordless reservoir mid-use sometimes, but it's become second nature now."
Interesting point—I haven't tried cordless yet. I've been using a countertop model since getting braces, but you're right about the messiness factor. Does the cordless have decent pressure though? That's my main hesitation...
"Does the cordless have decent pressure though? That's my main hesitation..."
Totally understandable concern. Cordless models have come a long way lately—while they might not match the strongest countertop units, most newer ones have pretty solid pressure settings. I've recommended them to patients with braces, and they've been pleasantly surprised. Just make sure you pick one with adjustable pressure levels so you can find your sweet spot. Plus, the convenience factor kinda makes up for any minor trade-off in power, IMO.
Yeah, I get what you're saying about the pressure. I've tried both types, and honestly, the cordless one I bought last year surprised me. It doesn't blast as hard as my old countertop model, but it's still pretty decent—enough for daily use anyway. I was nervous at first since my gums are sensitive, but being able to adjust the pressure helped a lot. Plus, I find myself actually flossing more regularly because it's less hassle—no cords, no bulky tank to fill up each time. Still, if you're looking for maximum power and don't mind the space it takes up on your counter, countertop might be better. But for convenience and decent-enough pressure, cordless isn't bad at all...