"Plus, countertop models usually have more settings—great if you're picky about pressure levels like me."
Funny you mention that, because I actually found the opposite to be true for me. I started with a countertop model thinking more settings would mean better cleaning, but honestly, I ended up using just one or two settings max. All those extra buttons and dials felt like overkill—like having a TV remote with 50 buttons when you only ever use volume and channel.
Switched to cordless about a year ago (mostly because my cat kept knocking the countertop one into the sink... long story), and I've been pleasantly surprised. Yeah, the reservoir is annoyingly small—I refill it at least once per session—but it's become second nature now. Battery life's decent enough for me; I charge it maybe once a week overnight.
I do agree though, cordless pressure isn't quite as strong as countertop. But hey, my dentist hasn't complained yet, so maybe my gums are just less picky than yours? Or maybe I'm just lucky...
Interesting points about the cordless models... I actually have a countertop one, mostly because my daughter has braces and her orthodontist recommended something with stronger water pressure for thorough cleaning. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the settings too, but now we mostly stick to just two—one gentler setting for her gums and one stronger setting for the braces. Honestly, even with just those two settings, the extra pressure has made a noticeable difference in her oral hygiene.
But I totally get what you mean about the clutter. Our bathroom counter isn't exactly spacious, and the countertop flosser takes up valuable real estate. Plus, the cord situation is a bit annoying—I have to keep it tucked behind the sink or it gets tangled up with everything else.
Funny story though: when we first got it, my younger son thought it was some kind of mini water gun and ended up soaking half the bathroom before I caught him. So yeah, maybe cordless would've been safer in that scenario...
Still, despite the hassle, I think we'll stick with countertop until the braces come off. Maybe then we'll reconsider cordless to reclaim some counter space.
I totally see your point about countertop models offering stronger pressure—especially important with braces. Have you noticed if your daughter's orthodontist mentioned anything about cordless models improving lately? I've heard some newer cordless flossers have stepped up their game in terms of pressure, but I'm not sure if they're quite there yet for orthodontic use.
Also, your son's water gun incident cracked me up... reminded me of when my nephew visited and decided our cordless flosser was a "spaceship" that needed to fly around the bathroom. Thankfully, cordless meant less water everywhere, but it still ended up in the bathtub somehow.
Countertop clutter is definitely a downside though. Have you thought about wall-mounted shelves or holders? A friend of mine installed a small shelf specifically for her countertop flosser, and it freed up a surprising amount of space. Might be worth considering until the braces come off and you can reassess your options.
I've definitely seen cordless models improve lately, especially some of the newer ones with adjustable pressure settings. But honestly, for braces, countertop still wins in my book. Clutter sucks...but hey, at least no surprise bathtub landings, right?
Haha, bathtub landings...been there, done that. Countertop models definitely pack more punch, especially for braces—I remember my orthodontist practically begging me to stick with mine. But man, the clutter struggle is real. I've been eyeing those newer cordless ones with adjustable settings too, mostly for travel convenience. Has anyone actually tried traveling with a countertop model? I did once—never again. Hotel bathroom turned into splash mountain real quick. Curious if anyone's found a cordless model that's genuinely strong enough to handle braces comfortably without feeling like you're just gently spritzing your teeth...
