Totally get where you’re coming from—poking wires are the worst. I actually lean toward wax too, just because it’s quicker to slap on, even if it vanishes mid-sandwich. Silicone does last longer, but I’ve never managed to get it to stick right when my hands are cold or I’m in a rush. Wish there was a magic fix for those moments between ortho visits...
I totally relate to the frustration of wax disappearing right when you need it most—especially during meals. I keep a stash in every bag just in case, but honestly, I get nervous about running out since those little packs aren’t cheap if you use them often. Silicone is supposed to last longer, but I’ve had trouble getting it to stay put too, especially if my hands are damp or I’m in a hurry. Sometimes I wonder if it’s worth the extra cost for how finicky it can be. The waiting between ortho visits just makes me anxious—I always worry something will get worse before I can get it fixed.
Totally get the nerves around waiting for ortho appointments—my kiddo had a wire poking for almost a week before we could get in, and I felt like I was counting down the hours. That said, I’m actually kind of on the fence about the whole wax vs. silicone thing. I hear people say silicone is trickier or not worth it, but honestly, we’ve had better luck with it sticking around during meals. Wax always seemed to just disappear halfway through a sandwich, and then we’d be back to square one.
The trick for us was making sure everything was bone dry before putting the silicone on, which is a pain, especially for kids who just want to eat and go. But once it’s on, it does seem to last longer—even through snacks and drinks. The price is annoying, though, I’ll admit. Those tiny packs add up, especially when you’re already shelling out for appointments and all the extras.
What surprised me is how much of a difference just having *something* on there makes for my kid’s mood. If we run out of both, he’s way more anxious and fidgety at school. I started keeping a backup in my car and purse, just in case. At this point, I’d probably pay double just to avoid those “something’s stabbing me” days.
I do wish the ortho had more samples or cheaper options—sometimes I wonder if they realize how fast we go through this stuff. But yeah, for us, silicone’s been less hassle once we got the hang of it. Not perfect, but I guess nothing with braces really is...
I totally relate to the stress of waiting for an ortho fix—felt like ages when my bracket popped off and I couldn’t get in for days. I’m with you on the silicone being a pain to apply (drying everything is such a hassle), but honestly, I found it way more reliable than wax. Wax just vanished after a few bites, and then I’d be back to dealing with the wire digging in. Silicone’s not perfect, but for me, it was the lesser evil. The price is wild though—sometimes I wonder if the orthodontists even realize how quickly we go through those tiny packs.
I’m with you on the silicone being a pain to apply (drying everything is such a hassle), but honestly, I found it way more reliable than wax. Wax just vanished after a few bites, and then I’d be back to dealing with the wire digging in.
That feeling when you finally get the silicone to stick, only to have it fall off after a snack... ugh, I hear you. The drying part is such a pain, especially if you’re out and about and don’t have a mirror or a tissue handy. But yeah, compared to wax, it usually holds up better for most folks—especially if you’re eating or talking a lot during the day.
It’s wild how fast those little packets disappear, right? I’ve seen so many people come in saying they went through an entire pack in a weekend. Honestly, I don’t think most orthodontists realize how much of a hassle it is for patients between appointments, especially when something breaks on a Friday and you’re stuck waiting till Monday. The frustration is real.
I know the price can feel like adding insult to injury. It’s one of those things where you’re already dealing with the discomfort and then you’re shelling out for tiny bits of silicone or wax that barely last. If it helps at all, sometimes pharmacies have generic versions that are a bit cheaper (not always as good, but worth a try if you’re burning through them).
Hang in there—it’s tough, but you’re definitely not alone in this. Braces can feel like a marathon sometimes, especially when things go wrong at the worst possible moment. If you ever get desperate, I’ve seen people use a bit of sugar-free gum as a temporary fix (not ideal, but in a pinch...). Just keep an eye out for any sharp wires poking your cheeks or gums and try to avoid anything that could make it worse until you can get in for your appointment.
You’re doing great getting through the rough patches. It really does get easier over time, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now.
