Saw this article floating around about a kid who had to go to the ER because his braces wire actually poked through his cheek—like, all the way. Not to be dramatic but I felt that in my soul. I remember back in high school, my own wire would randomly pop out and jab me in the gums or lips and I’d just sit there trying to eat spaghetti like nothing was wrong. (Spoiler: everything was wrong.)
The article mentioned using wax, but honestly, that stuff never stayed on for me. I ended up using a tiny piece of gum once and the orthodontist gave me a look like I’d committed some sort of dental crime. Anyone else have weird tricks that actually worked? Or did you just suffer through it until your next appointment? Curious if anyone’s got a hack I haven’t tried yet…
I ended up using a tiny piece of gum once and the orthodontist gave me a look like I’d committed some sort of dental crime.
That’s hilarious because I literally did the same thing last week—Orbit gum, in my case. Didn’t even last through lunch, but it was better than nothing. Honestly, I’m new to braces and already paranoid about wires going rogue. The wax just slides off for me too, especially if I drink anything warm. I tried folding a tiny piece of tissue over the wire once (not recommended... it dissolves). At this point, I just keep a mini mirror and tweezers in my bag like some kind of anxious dental MacGyver.
That tissue trick brings back memories—I tried that in high school and ended up with soggy bits stuck everywhere, so yeah, wouldn’t recommend either. For the wax, I found it helps if you dry the bracket and wire with a tissue before sticking it on. It’s a pain, but it actually stays put longer, even with coffee. I used to carry a little dental kit too... felt like I was prepping for a dental apocalypse. Hang in there, it does get easier.
I used to carry a little dental kit too... felt like I was prepping for a dental apocalypse.
Honestly, I still do this and I’m not even embarrassed about it anymore. Who decided braces wax should be so tiny and impossible to find in your bag, anyway? Drying the bracket definitely helps, but sometimes I feel like the wax just melts off if you even think about hot drinks. Has anyone here tried those silicone covers instead? I’m convinced they’re a game-changer, but maybe I’m just buying into the hype.
Silicone covers were a lifesaver for me, honestly. The wax just disappeared any time I had soup or coffee, and half the time I’d bite into it by accident anyway. The silicone ones stuck around way better, even if they felt a bit bulkier at first.
I totally relate to the dental kit thing—mine was basically half floss picks and half random stuff that probably wasn’t even dentist-approved. Once used a bit of a bandaid wrapper in a pinch... not proud of it, but desperate times.
I do think drying the area helps with both wax and silicone though. Sometimes I’d just use a tissue and hope for the best. It’s weird how something so tiny can make eating feel like an extreme sport.
