Totally get where you’re coming from—salt water was my main thing too, just because it’s so easy and doesn’t add to the cost. I did try the pricier silicone once, but honestly, it didn’t feel much different than regular wax for me. It kind of just disappeared after a while, like you mentioned. If salt water’s working for you, I’d say stick with it. Sometimes the simple stuff really is enough.
Funny, I thought silicone would be a game changer too, but it just felt like an expensive version of the same old thing. Salt water’s always been my fallback—cheap, easy, and it actually helps with the soreness. Did anyone else get weird irritation from wax, though? Sometimes it would just make my cheeks feel raw after a few days. Curious if that’s just me or if others had that too.
Wax always seemed like a good idea at first, but yeah, I’d get that raw feeling on my cheeks too after a couple days. It’s weirdly common, I think—maybe something about the friction or just the way it sits against your gums. I tried switching brands once, but honestly, they all felt about the same after a while.
Silicone was hyped up by my ortho, but for the price, I didn’t notice much difference either. It’s just softer and maybe a little less sticky, but not enough to justify the cost for me. Salt water rinses, though? Total lifesaver. Cheap, easy, and it actually made my mouth feel cleaner and less sore. I’d even use it before bed and noticed less swelling in the morning.
Toughing it out is overrated—no need to be a hero when your mouth feels like it’s been through a blender. If wax or silicone isn’t working, salt water’s always there... and you don’t have to peel it off your braces at 2am when you’re half awake.
