I’m actually kind of relieved to hear someone else say the wax and silicone don’t really stay put, especially when eating. My kid’s always complaining about it, and I worry she’ll swallow a chunk of wax one day. Salt water rinses seem to help her too, though she complains about the taste. We tried those little silicone covers that snap over the whole bracket but they just fell off as soon as she talked or chewed. I’m nervous about letting her “toughen up” but maybe you’re right—her cheeks are a bit less raw now than at the start. Still feels like a waiting game.
Honestly, I never had much luck with wax or silicone either—felt like chewing gum that just disappears mid-meal. I used to worry about swallowing it, but after a few accidental “snacks,” I’m still kicking. The salt water rinse is a classic, though yeah, it’s not exactly a treat.
I know the “toughen up” thing sounds harsh, but in my experience, your cheeks really do get used to it. Mine were like hamburger meat for the first month, then suddenly… not so bad. I tried those silicone covers too—waste of money for me, they popped off if I so much as smiled.
If you’re nervous about letting her ride it out, maybe try cold drinks or even sucking on ice chips for a bit of relief. Not a cure, but it helped me on rough days. Just don’t let her chew the ice—learned that one the hard way.
I totally get the “hamburger cheeks” thing—felt like I was chewing on sandpaper for weeks. Wax was a joke for me, too. I actually started using a tiny dab of coconut oil at night (sounds weird, but it helped a little with the rubbing). Also, I’d sometimes fold up a clean tissue and tuck it between my cheek and braces while watching TV... not glamorous, but desperate times, right? Eventually my mouth did toughen up, but those first few weeks were brutal.
Coconut oil is an interesting idea—I’ve actually heard a few folks mention it, but I have to admit, I’m a little hesitant about using oils or tissues as a buffer for any extended period. The tissue trick sounds creative (and I get the desperation!), but in my experience, anything that sits in your mouth for too long—especially paper products—can start to break down and might even increase irritation or introduce bacteria if you’re not careful. I’ve seen more than a few cases where people came in with little ulcers or red spots, and it turned out they’d been using bits of napkin or even gauze to “pad” the brackets. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it just makes things messier.
Wax gets a bad rap, but sometimes it’s about how you apply it. I remember one kid who hated wax because it kept falling off, but when we dried the bracket and really pressed the wax on, it stuck much better. Not perfect, but better than nothing. That said, everyone’s mouth is different—some people just can’t stand the feeling or taste, and I get that.
The toughening up part is real, though. I had braces myself back in college, and those first two weeks were a nightmare. Couldn’t eat a sandwich without feeling like my cheeks were being shredded. But after a while, you really do develop a sort of “callus” inside your mouth—almost like breaking in a new pair of shoes. Not a fun process, but it does pass.
If things get really rough, I’ve seen a few people use orthodontic silicone instead of wax—it’s a little firmer and seems to hold up overnight better. Not always easy to find at the drugstore, but worth a shot if nothing else works. And for what it’s worth, saltwater rinses always seemed to help me with healing, even if they don’t stop the rubbing directly.
I guess there’s no perfect answer—just a lot of weird hacks and a bit of patience.
Has anyone found a cheaper alternative to orthodontic silicone? I looked it up and the prices are kinda wild for such a tiny amount. Wax is hit or miss for me—if I get it dry enough, it stays, but I swear it vanishes the second I eat anything warm. Anyone ever try making their own “wax” with something else? I’m tempted but also don’t want to end up with a mouthful of regret.
