Honestly, the only thing that’s ever sort of worked for me is silicone earplug putty. Sounds weird, but it holds up way better than the wax and doesn’t have that weird plasticky taste.
I tried that too, but honestly the cost adds up if you’re using a new chunk every day. I ended up going back to wax, even though it’s a pain. Sometimes I just let the wire poke and hope it toughens up my mouth (not the smartest, I know). The bread trick made me laugh—been there, tried that with tortilla once... didn’t help much.
Yeah, the cost of silicone putty adds up fast—totally get that. I tried stretching it out, but it always got gross after a day or two. Wax is annoying, but at least it’s cheap and easy to stash everywhere. I’ve done the “just let it poke” thing too, thinking I’d get used to it. Ended up with a nasty sore that made eating way worse. For me, cutting a tiny bit of wax and really drying the bracket before sticking it on helps it stay longer, but it’s still a hassle. Tortilla trick made me laugh—I once tried a piece of apple skin... not my best idea.
I totally relate to the struggle with wax—it’s cheap but honestly, it never stays put as long as I want. Drying the bracket first does help, but sometimes I still end up reapplying it halfway through the day. Tried bread once in a pinch, but it just turned into a weird mushy mess. The sores are the worst part, though... I always regret letting the wire poke, thinking I’d just tough it out.
Honestly, I’ve never had much luck with the wax either—it just slides right off after a couple hours for me. But I actually found that using a tiny bit of orthodontic silicone (the kind you can get at most pharmacies) holds up way better than the regular wax. It’s not as cheap, but it doesn’t come off as easily when I eat or drink. Also, if a wire starts poking, I usually call my ortho and they’ll squeeze me in for a quick trim. I used to think I could just deal with it too, but the sores really aren’t worth it...
But I actually found that using a tiny bit of orthodontic silicone (the kind you can get at most pharmacies) holds up way better than the regular wax. It’s not as cheap, but it doesn’t come off...
I get what you’re saying about the sores not being worth it, but honestly, I’ve always found the regular wax works if you dry the bracket or wire off first. Silicone’s cool, but it felt bulkier to me. Maybe I’m just picky, but sometimes less is more...
