I get where you’re coming from—wax is a lifesaver, but it’s not perfect. I’ve seen people struggle with the silicone guards, but honestly, they’re not as scary as they look. If you follow the instructions and don’t overheat them, they usually mold just fine. I do think ortho pain is underrated. People act like it’s no big deal, but those first few weeks are rough. The mouth does toughen up, but it’s wild how much anxiety wires and new adjustments can trigger. Have you tried salt water rinses? They’re simple but sometimes help with the soreness.
Man, those first couple weeks are brutal. I remember feeling like my teeth were just throbbing nonstop. Salt water rinses helped a bit, but honestly, ice water was my go-to for calming things down. Chewing on soft bread or pasta instead of anything crunchy made a difference too. It does get easier, promise.