Oral Irrigation and Electric Toothbrushes

Waterpik Sonic Fusion- What It Is and Is Not

brush-and-floss-at-the-same-time-sonic-fusion-from-waterpik

Waterpik Sonic-Fusion is the combination of power from an advanced sonic toothbrush and the proven effectiveness of the Waterpik Water Flosser in one easy to use product. Learn more about Waterpik Sonic-Fusion– what it is and is not and whether this device is right for you.

As a dental hygienist, I often hear concerns from my patients. With so many oral health care products on the market to choose from, they wonder which ones are the best ones to use. Brushing and flossing are tedious and time consuming practices. Non-the-less, proper oral hygiene is extremely important for our oral health as well as our over all health.

I would like to help you make the best choice of an electric toothbrush. Please read more about me in the About the Author page. I will go into detail explaining the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion. I want you to make an informed decision as to whether or not this product is the best for you.

 

With the push of a button, the Sonic-Fusion gives you the capability of brushing and flossing simultaneously. The control allows you to switch from sonic toothbrushing, to water flossing, to both at the same time. This is a convenient device for optimal oral health.

Sonic-Fusion is clinically proven to reduce plaque and bacteria 2X more than traditional brushing and flossing. Most people fail to clean their teeth effectively with floss consistently.  More than a third of all Americans fail to floss their teeth on a daily basis. 

Ideally, you should clean between your teeth every single day. Currently, the average person spends a little more than a minute when brushing with a regular manual toothbrush. 

The Academy of General Dentistry reports that the average person brushes for only 45 to 70 seconds per day.

This new innovative product easily combines cleaning between your teeth with brushing them at the same time.

What It Is?

  • The Sonic-Fusion is an all-in-one device
  • Attached water reservoir for water flossing
  • Attachable Water Flossing brush head
  • Separate replaceable Water Flossing brush head
  • Included premium toothbrush case
  • Rechargeable with LED recharge indicator
  • 2-minute brushing timer including 30 sec pacer indicator
  • 3 modes: Brush, Floss or Brush and Floss
  • Water flosser reaches the hard to reach areas in between the teeth and below the gumline.
  • The sonic toothbrush thoroughly cleans all other surfaces with sonic wave technology. Sonic wave technology allows for better plaque removal.

High speed rotation of sonic toothbrushing creates a wave motion that extends 1/8 inch beyond the actual brush contact points. This means more surface is covered and hard to reach areas between the teeth and below the gumline can be reached.

There is an added benefit of sonic technology. The pressure on liquids along with the bubbles created around the speeding brush head adds fluid dynamics that further reach where a manual brush cannot.

Backed By Clinical Research

waterpik-sonic-fusion-what-it-is-and-is-notThe Waterpik Water Flosser removes 99.9% of plaque biofilm after just a 3-second treatment.

Waterpik Sonic-Fusion is also proven to be twice as effective as regular brushing and flossing for removing plaque and improving gum health.

In addition, the Waterpik Water Flosser has been found to be twice as effective as string floss for reducing gingival bleeding. This product is backed by over 70 vigorous research studies proving it is significantly more effective than traditional brushing and flossing.

Most Americans will tell you that they value their oral health. According to the American Dental Health Policy Institute, 95% of Americans value their oral health as a critical part of their overall health and well-being.

According to the ADHA (American Dental Hygiene Association), 80% of the U.S. population has some form of gum disease.  The ADHA also reports that approximately 78% of all Americans will have at least one cavity by the time they reach age 17.

Yikes!  These are eye-opening statistics.  I see this first hand when dealing with patients on a daily basis. People struggle when it comes to achieving ideal plaque control.

For some, it is pure laziness and the lack of concern. For others, they are just not educated enough as to the importance of oral health. And still for others, they do not have the proper device to effectively clean their teeth.

I feel that having the proper tool can make all the difference in the world.

Manual toothbrush

Sonic Electric Toothbrush Vs Manual

A traditional toothbrush will allow for 500 brush strokes per minute compared to a sonic toothbrush which will provide over 30,000 brush strokes per minute. The extra fast motion in addition to the sonic wave movement created will allow for a much better cleaning experience than a manual brush can provide.

An electric toothbrush, whether it is regular or sonic will also provide better plaque removal if it has a two-minute timer included. Clinical studies have proven over and over that when it comes to plaque removal, it is more important to consider the time spent brushing in comparison to the technique used. When using the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion, you have a built-in timer allowing for the recommended two-minute brushing time.

Basically a sonic toothbrush works just like an ordinary electric toothbrush in the sense that it moves at a high speed back and forth over your teeth. The main difference is in the speed of the movement.

The speed of a sonic is 10 times faster than other electric toothbrushes. They typically vibrate ate about 260Hz which is 260 times per second. This is equated to around 31,000 brush strokes per minute. This speed is ever-increasing with newer models and increased technology.

With a sonic toothbrush head, the entire head vibrates very quickly versus the stationary head of an ordinary electric toothbrush. The manufacturers claim that this creates a more effective clean.

How Does Sonic Technology Work Exactly?

Sonic toothbrushesSonic toothbrush, sonic wave create waves of turbulence in the water and toothpaste in your mouth. An energy is created called cavitation. The sonic technology creates gentle vibrations and a dynamic fluid action.

This propels tiny micro bubbles between the teeth and hard to reach areas.

Ultrasound (higher frequency sound than humans can hear) is used to generate pressure waves and imploding bubbles that remove bacterial plaque and debris.

A rechargeable battery powers an electric circuit producing a high-frequency DC current. A connecting wire drives a piezoelectric transducer converting electricity into vibration. When the transducer expands and contracts at a very high speed, it produces cavitation which cleans the teeth.

What the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion Is Not

There are a couple of things worth mentioning when purchasing this product. You need to be fully aware of what you are purchasing and what to expect.

A common concern when using this product is that the water reservoir only holds enough water for one full minute of flossing. This would mean that by using it for the full two-minute recommended time, only one minute of that time would actually be considered brushing and flossing at the same time.

The manufacturer suggests refilling the reservoir halfway through if you feel you need to have water flossing for the full two minutes. However, the superior clean will be achieved with only one minute of actual water flossing. So, there is no need to stop and refill with water.

Another way most people like to use this product is by using the features separately. In this sense, you would be using the water flossing feature first for one minute followed by a full two-minute of brushing. You still get the convenience of using only one product to achieve both actions (brushing and flossing).

Something else to consider is how you will use this brush when traveling. The brush detaches so it can easily be transported. The battery life is good for a full week so you can take it away from its power source for a significant amount of time without worrying about loss of power.

However, by detaching the brush, it is also removed from the water reservoir. In this case, water flossing cannot be achieved, only brushing. This is important to consider as you will need an alternative means for in between cleaning of your teeth when traveling. Another option is to bring the entire unit with you when traveling in order to utilize the water flosser portion.

Buyers also need to be aware that there are two models from which they can chose. There is the basic model and the professional model. When contacting the manufacturer, they recommend visiting the website to describe the differences.

The main difference you will find between the models is the amount of water it will hold. The professional model will hold two more ounces of water and will take up slightly more room on the counter.

The professional model also includes an LED light to let you know when it is on and comes with two brush heads instead of one. The cost is usually around $30.00 more for the professional model.

If you are planning on sharing this unit with another person, it is well worth it to get the professional model. This way, you will be able to switch out the heads with a color coded brush which makes this product convenient to use for two people.

Also, it is important to be aware that there was a product recall of earlier versions of Waterpik Sonic-Fusion. There had been reports of possible overheating of the unit. The product engineers have since conducted a thorough investigation and implemented product changes necessary to ensure Waterpik Sonic-Fusion meets their high standards for safety, effectiveness and quality.

If you have any questions, comments or concerns you can call their customer service number. They can be reached Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Mountain Time at 1-800-525-2774.

Other Questions You May Have

A common concern is what type of brush head replacement is needed and how often it needs to be replaced. It is recommended to replace your brush head every three months.

The part head you will look for is SFRB-2EB and can also be ordered on Amazon along with the unit itself. You can also reach customer service if you have any problems ordering replacement heads. However, this has never been an issue.

Some people have a concern with sensitive teeth. This product is compatible with use of warm water in the reservoir. The product itself does not include a warm water setting but can be customized to your individual comfort by adding the preferred temperature of water to the reservoir.

Another option to consider is to add a desensitizing product like fluoride mouth rinse to the reservoir. Fluoride is a natural desensitizer and will give you the added benefit of cavity protection when used in conjunction with the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion.

When adding an additional rinse to the reservoir, you will want to be certain not to use a product containing peroxide. Peroxide may damage the product if used in the reservoir or if using a peroxide containing toothpaste on the brush.

Be aware that there are small, clear plastic covers that snap onto the included brush heads. There is no other storage included for the brush heads aside from the included travel case. It is a good idea to cover your brush heads with these plastic covers when not in use to prevent contamination.

Patient having teeth worked on Consider Using the Right Tool for Overall Health

Yet another reason to find and use the best product for plaque removal is the connection between poor plaque removal and health concerns. Our mouths host billions of bacteria forming a harmonious relationship that can protect or harm our oral health. 

Latest research shows that these bacteria can also influence the health of our brains, heart and other vital organs. The harmful bacteria released from oral inflammation can lead to dementia or even Alzheimer’s disease. These bacteria can spread to the body’s nerve channels and kill brain cells.

By practicing good oral hygiene, you can help prevent heart issues such as heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. Good plaque control prevents the inflammatory proteins and bacteria associated with gum disease from entering the blood stream.

Infections of the lungs such as pneumonia and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are reduced. These conditions can be caused when bacteria from gum disease are inhaled into the respiratory tract.

There are also studies showing a connection between increased risk of diabetes, strokes, premature birth for pregnant women, pancreatic cancer, and kidney issues such as renal insufficiency.

Conclusion

Now you can make an informed decision when deciding whether or not to purchase this product. You can decide now that you know about the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion- what it is and what it is not.

I invite you to leave a comment or any questions you may have below and I would be happy to help you. Please visit Amazon to purchase the Waterpik Sonic-Fusion if it is right for you!

Medical Disclaimer:
The information that I provide on my website is not intended to take the place of medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Care and investigation should always be sought from an appropriate health care provider.  I am not a doctor and do not claim to be one.  I have created this site as a way to share information and experiences. 

6 comments

  1. Ronald L Washington

    You’ve provided some great information here. I had generally thought about the idea of buying the Waterpik Sonic Fusion long ago. Just the mere thought of that I felt made my mouth healthier. But, I bought an electric toothbrush a long time ago and have not purchased a Waterpik-type toothbrush. You make a compelling case of the benefits of the sonic feature so one gets brushing, flossing, waterpiking and sonic plaque fighting in one with each brushing of the teeth. 

    Thanks for also pointing out the cons of the Waterpik Sonic Fusion units. It enhanced the honesty factor with which you discuss the pros. You also did a good job of explaining why it became your chosen method of cleaning your own teeth. I was pleasantly surprised by the idea of the product and decided to buy one, finally.  So this presents a great opportunity to obtain what appears to be a great product for your teeth. 

    Thanks for reminding me.

    God bless you.

    1. Michelle

      Ronald,
      Thank you for sharing your personal experiences. I truly feel that you will notice an improvement in your oral health after starting a routine with this device. It is an innovative product that I feel can benefit any person from the very young to the very old.
      Michelle

  2. sharriv meye

    Nice and thorough article. 

    I liked how much effort you have put into this product. Everything from replacing the heads every 3 months, to how much water, features and the importance of oral health. I did also read somewhere that you can get seriously ill from having bad oral health. 

    I like to floss but it takes a long time to floss and brush, this would seem like a great purchase and maybe even help me with flossing everyday. My dentist did say I need to floss everyday, but it is way too time consuming. 

    I do enjoy your article. keep up the great work. 

    Regards

    Sharriv

    1. Michelle

      Sharriv,
      Yes, this product would certainly help you with your time issue. It can accomplish both tasks (brushing and flossing) in the same amount of time it would take to accomplish only one. Also, you are correct. Science is discovering more and more correlations between oral health and the health of your entire body. Thanks for the comment.
      Michelle

  3. LeeAnn Messenger

    Finally I have found something for my daughter. She has braces and has difficulty flossing because of them. I get her those special flossers for braces but they still are not enough. She still has terrific oral hygiene. But I want to make sure that she is doing the best that she can. I also think that it will benefit my younger children as well. Thank you for this article.

    1. Michelle

      LeeAnn,
      This product is especially beneficial for orthodontic patients. Oral irrigation is essential to completely remove bacterial plaque and food debris from in and around the orthodontic brackets. In the dental office, we use an ultrasonic scaler unit to thoroughly accomplish cleanings on patients who have braces. The Waterpik Sonic Fusion device is an excellent at home device for these patients to clean their mouths. Thank you for sharing.
      Michelle

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