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Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser Review: Is It Worth the Money?

Simon Frers
Contributor:
Simon Frers
Amanda Dexter
Contributor:
Amanda Dexter
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waterpik ultra water flosser review
Waterpik WP100 Ultra water flosser (new version)

Is the Waterpik Ultra water flosser a good product to buy, or are there better devices on the market?

If you're thinking about replacing your dental flosser with a Waterpik Ultra, read our comprehensive Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser review to discover everything you need to know about this device and whether it's worth buying.

This review will cover everything you need to know about the Waterpik Ultra Water Flosser, including the following:

  • What is the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser and how does it work?
  • Waterpik Ultra water flosser's main features
  • How beneficial is the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra?
  • Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews

We hope that this information will help you choose the best Waterpik water flosser for your oral hygiene.

What is the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser and how does it work?

First of all, it's important to note that the Waterpik WP-100 and the Ultra are the same product. It is a countertop water flosser with a large water reservoir with a handle connected to a cord. It cleans between your teeth with a pressurised stream of water that you point at your gum line.

Unlike the rechargeable water flossers on the market, this one is not portable and requires a stable place to rest in your bathroom.

Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser models

The new version of the Waterpik Ultra Professional water flosser comes in five different variants. The colour of each unit is the sole differentiating factor. They also have different model numbers:

  • White Ultra Water Flosser – WP 100
  • Black Ultra Water Flosser – WP 112
  • Blue Ultra Water Flosser – WP 113
  • Modern Grey Ultra Water Flosser – WP 117
  • Mint Green Ultra Water Flosser – WP 118
waterpik ultra water flosser
Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser models (new version)

Everything just comes down to personal style when deciding between these models because they have the same functions and only vary in colour.

What’s included with the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser?

waterpik wp100
Waterpik WP-100 ultra water flosser tips

The Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser comes with 6 replacement tips:

  • Waterpik Classic Jet Tip: For all-purpose usage. It effectively cleans between teeth and beneath the gum line.
  • Waterpik Orthodontic Tip: Eliminates plaque from hard-to-reach areas around orthodontic brackets and wires.
  • Waterpik Pik Pocket Tip: A soft rubber tip for delivering gentle low-pressure rinses below the gumline and for cleaning periodontal pockets.
  • Waterpik Plaque Seeker Tip: It contains three small tufts of bristles that allow it to reach plaque around implants, crowns, bridges, veneers, and other locations prone to plaque buildup.
  • Waterpik Water Flosser Toothbrush Tip: The toothbrush tip allows water to pulse through the brush, cleaning and rinsing the tooth surface. It lets you brush and floss your teeth at the same time.

Waterpik Ultra Professional water flosser key features

  • Includes 6 tips
  • Water pressure control system with 10 settings ranging from 10 to 100 PSI (0.689 to 6.895 Bar)
  • Pulses per minute: 1,400
  • Reservoir capacity: 22 ounces (651 ml)
  • 90+ seconds of flossing time per reservoir filling
  • Water on/off slider on the handle
  • 360-degree tip rotation
  • Covered reservoir with built-in tip storage
  • 120VAC/60Hz outlets (only for usage in North America)
  • Limited warranty of three years; see user manual for details.

How to use the Waterpik Ultra water flosser

Watch the following video to learn how to use the Waterpik WP100 water flosser:

Waterpik Ultra water flosser review

Using a water flosser is much more convenient than using traditional string floss. But what makes the Waterpik WP100 such a popular device on the market?

Apart from the well-known brand name, the Waterpik WP-100 has a few notable qualities that differentiate it from other flossers. Undoubtedly, it's more appealing than string or wax floss.

But how does the Waterpik Ultra stack up against other water flossers, and is the price tag justified?

In our Waterpik Ultra water flosser review, we'll address these and other questions you may have about this device.

waterpik ultra professional water flosser
Waterpik WP100 Ultra (old version)

Design and Style – ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

We think the design of the old version of Waterpik Ultra looks a little outdated, and it’s not going to win any beauty pageants. There's no arguing that the Waterpik Ultra is a little large and bulky for a typical bathroom.

It takes quite a bit of shelf space, and it also requires connectivity to power. When it comes to the design and style of this water flosser, it looks more like a device that should be in a dentist’s office.

However, people's oral health depends on the usability of water flossers. As long as the water flosser efficiently enhances your dental health, appearance is secondary. If a stylish design is important to you, you might want to look into different water flossers.

Cleaning result – ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

According to Waterpik, the WP-100 Ultra water flosser provides you with the following oral health benefits:

  • It removes up to 99.9% of plaque from treated areas.
  • It has been clinically confirmed to be up to 50% more effective than string floss in improving gum health, and up to 3X more effective than string floss with the orthodontic tip in removing plaque around braces.
  • It's ideal for patients who have implants, crowns, bridges, and veneers.

That all sounds terrific! But does the Waterpik Ultra water flosser deliver on its claims?

When searching for Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews online, customers are generally pleased with the cleaning result.

I have not used a water pick before and after a dental problem, it was suggested by my dentist to try one. It is really helping, and dislodging particles that brushing did not remove. This unit seems to have what I need.

GJ

The product itself is great, getting small food particles from between teeth, even after flossing. One problem I've encountered is that the pause button sticks and is very tricky to get it working again. Could have a better design on that.

Blue Jay

There are a few features that contribute to the excellent usability and cleaning results:

waterpik wp100
The Waterpik WP100 Ultra water flosser gives you 10 pressure setting to choose from
  • Wide range of pressure settings (from 10 to 100 PSI).
  • Large reservoir for 90+ seconds of flossing time.
  • The variety of specialty tips

When it comes to functionality and cleaning performance, the Waterpik Ultra outperforms the competition due to these capabilities.

Noise – ★★☆☆☆ (2/5 stars)

It's significant that the design is attractive and stylish. Even more importantly, is that the water flosser actually gets the job done and properly cleans your teeth.

Nevertheless, there are also other aspects to consider. A decent water flosser should not be overly noisy. If you use the water flosser early in the morning for your dental hygiene routine, you don’t want to wake anyone up.

The Waterpik Ultra water flosser is rather loud, and the higher the pressure setting, the louder it becomes. Here are some opinions from customers criticising the noisiness in their Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews:

Purchased this to replace an identical model that I had owned and operated for several years due to a leaking hose. The new unit is VERY loud in comparison. When I contacted Waterpik about the problem, I was told that the loudness is normal and is due to a change in material and that nothing could be done to remedy the condition. The loudness is invasive to others in the home.

Anonymous

Works fine but too noisy. Apart from the noise, once you start using a water flosser, will be forever, try to get a quiet one.

Francisco

As you can see, many customers are dissatisfied with the noise level produced by the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra. Keep in mind that the majority of electric water flossers make some noise. However, the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra seems to get more noise complaints than other water flossers. If the device's quietness is vital to you, consider alternative options.

waterpik water flosser ultra plus
Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water tank

Quality and reliability – ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

The Waterpik brand is recognized for its high-quality water flossers and their ability to effectively clean teeth. When searching for Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews, you'll find many satisfied customers.

However, we found a few things you should be aware of.

Water leaks

According to various Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews on Amazon, there are issues with water leaks in the tank. Just read this Waterpik Ultra review:

I’ve had the item for one week, used about 5 times and the water tub has started leaking. Badly. As I put the water in it leaks straight out of the bottom and leaks from sides while in use.

Anonymous

However, as some other customers report in their Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews, there seems to be a fix to this problem.

Also the tiny black plug in the bottom of the reservoir will leak while its off the base being filled, but I finally figured out it only needed for me to reach inside the reservoir and press down on the black plug once (before!) filling, then no water leaks out when it's off the reservoir. Overall it's a great little machine, no complaints here.

Kelly B.

This is a great water pik. The only problem that I have with it is the quality. Just like my old Waterpik, the blue water container leaks water from the black rubber stopper. I have to push the stopper over and over until it stops leaking. Sometimes it won't stop leaking no matter how many times I try to reseat the stopper. Other than that, it's a good product.

Angie

So there might be a temporary fix for the problem, and you don't have to dispose of the device. However, if you decide to buy the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser, keep in mind that there are potential water leaks.

Mould

The Waterpik Ultra is a practical and effective water flosser for maintaining good oral health. However, mould has been a concern for some users.

It works great, but I started to notice black stuff coming out. I wash it with soap after every single use. The other day I decided to open it and it is amazing how gross it is!! It's filled with mold and I've been using it like that for I don't know how long. Mold is no joke. Horrible design!!

Ina
waterpik ultra professional water flosser
Waterpik WP-100 power switch on/off

If you decide to buy the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra, be cautious. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to prevent mould growth.

  1. Remove any remaining water from the reservoir after use.
  2. Switch the device back on to ensure there’s no water left in the hose.
  3. Make sure the wand is completely dry before placing it in the holding bracket.

If this isn't enough, there are some more things you can do:

  • Run a vinegar solution through the Waterpik Ultra every now and then
  • Clean the water tank with soap or put it in the dishwasher.
  • After each usage, air-dry the water flosser.

Warranty – ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

The Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser comes with a three-year warranty to ensure your satisfaction. Keep in mind, however, that the guarantee may be voided under certain situations. The following is a quote from the Waterpik WP-100 user handbook on the warranty:

Water Pik, Inc. will replace at its discretion the product, provided the product has not been abused, misused, altered, or damaged after purchase, was used according to instructions, and was used only with accessories or consumable parts approved by Water Pik, Inc. This limited warranty excludes accessories or consumable parts such as tips, etc. Use with improper voltage will damage the product and VOID warranty.

Waterpik.com

As a consequence, when buying a device like the Waterpik Ultra, you should always read the terms carefully to make sure the warranty is not voided.

Price – ★★★☆☆ (3/5 stars)

At the time of writing this article, the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser is selling for $89 on Amazon. However, the price may change.

Waterpik WP-100 Ultra pros and cons

PROS

CONS

  • You can choose between 10 different pressure settings

  • Various tips are included for individual requirements

  • Large water tank for long flossing time

  • Three-year warranty

  • Outdated design

  • Very noisy

  • Not portable

  • Can develop mould growth if not cleaned regularly

waterpik ultra plus review
Waterpik Ultra Plus (white)

Waterpik Ultra Plus Review: WP-100 vs WP-150

waterpik-wp-100

Waterpik WP-100 vs WP-660

Here we compare the ‘old' and the ‘new' version. There are some improvements on the WP-660 compared to the previous versions. However, many customers are saying that the old version was better in some aspects.

Waterpik WP-100 Ultra

Waterpik WP-660

Better accessory holder

Overall cleaner appearance

It feels sturdier than the WP660

Heavier than the Waterpik WP660


Lighter than the WP-100

LED panel

"Massage" mode

1 minute timer and 30 second pacer

Feels flimsy compared to the Waterpik WP-100

Details correct at time of writing; check marketplace for current price and policy details.

Our recommended alternative

The Waterpik Ultra may be a good option if you're searching for a countertop water flosser. But, as previously said, it has several flaws.

  • The Waterpik WP-100 Ultra is very noisy. If you look for Waterpik Ultra water flosser reviews on Amazon, you will find countless customers criticizing the loud noise.
  • The water tank leaks water. (This can be fixed, as mentioned earlier.)
  • The design is not very stylish.
waterpik ultra professional water flosser
Alternative to the Waterpik WP100 Ultra water flosser

If you can get past these issues, the Waterpik WP-100 is a reliable device with solid performance. However, we believe that competing water flossers provide better value for money without the drawbacks that the Waterpik WP-100 has.

The Oclean W10 Water Flosser is our top choice. It includes the following benefits:

  • Portable: The device is cordless and powered by a rechargeable battery. You may move around easily and take it with you on the go.
  • Waterproof: You can floss while you're in the shower since it's waterproof. It saves you time while also preventing water from splashing in your bathroom.
  • 4 4 high-performance nozzles: With different tips designed specifically for orthodontics, tongue scraping, periodontal pockets, and standard flossing, you get a personalised experience.
  • 5 flossing modes: Powerful normal, standard normal, sensitive normal, pulse mode, and direct shooting mode let you choose the one that feels best along your gum line.

Waterpik WP-100 Ultra

Oclean W10 Water Flosser

3-year warranty

10 pressure settings


6 flossing tips

Not portable

Not fully waterproof

Not good for travel

Takes a lot of space on the counter

Very noisy

3 flossing modes (normal, soft, and pulse)

10 pressure settings

4 premium floss tips (standard, ortho, brush, and pocket tip)

360-degree rotating tips

2-year warranty

  

Ergonomic slim design in pastel pink or green

30-day battery life 

4.5/5

4/5

Details correct at time of writing; check marketplace for current price and policy details.

Read more about the Oclean W10 water flosser in our review, or get yours now.

Conclusion

The Waterpik WP-100 Ultra is among the most effective water flossers on the market. However, it has some flaws, and the design is not the most elegant. Especially the old version is not very elegant when it comes to appearance.

In addition, the WP-100 Ultra doesn’t really provide anything innovative, and we doubt it would have been the best-selling flosser if Waterpik hadn't developed it. Furthermore, an increasing number of users are mentioning problems in their Waterpik Ultra reviews.

Considering this, we recommend the Oclean W10 water flosser as an alternative to the Waterpik WP-100 Ultra water flosser.

FAQ

How do I use the Waterpik Ultra water flosser?

First, decide on the power level then lean over the sink and insert the tip in your mouth. When you're ready, turn on the device and allow the water to flow off into the sink as you use it.

What is the best Waterpik Ultra tip to use?

The standard tip for routine usage is the Classic Jet Tip. It cleans thoroughly between teeth and below the gum line, preventing gum disease and improving oral health.

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Sources

Waterpik.com: Waterpik WP-100 Ultra Water Flosser. Consulted 18th October 2022.