My youngest went through a phase where she’d just chew the wax like gum—orthodontist said “no big deal,” but I still wasn’t thrilled about it.
That made me laugh—I've seen so many kids do the exact same thing, and parents always look horrified. The wax is harmless, but yeah, it’s definitely not a snack. I hear you on the silicone too. It’s sturdier, but I swear, getting it to stick in the right spot when you’re running late is like threading a needle with mittens on. I’ve even had parents tell me they keep backup wax in the car, the backpack, and their purse, just in case.
One thing that sometimes helps: make sure the area is bone dry before you try to put anything on. A tissue or even a little air from a hairdryer (on cool!) can work wonders. Still, neither product is perfect. I wish there was a magic fix too—until then, it’s just a lot of trial, error, and random wax bits showing up in laundry.
Drying the area really is key—my kiddo’s wax kept sliding off until we started using a tissue first. I do like how silicone stays put longer, but it’s such a pain to shape. Wax is just easier in a pinch, even if it disappears into the laundry half the time...
Wax is just easier in a pinch, even if it disappears into the laundry half the time...
That laundry comment made me laugh—I've lost count of how many wax blobs I've found stuck to random socks. Wax is definitely the MVP when you're on a budget and need something quick. I tried the silicone once because my ortho gave me a sample, but honestly, shaping it was like trying to mold a tiny, stubborn marshmallow. Plus, that stuff isn't cheap, especially if you have to keep buying more.
The tissue trick really does help with wax sticking, though. I used to just slap it on and wonder why it fell off five minutes later. Now, I do a quick dry and press it on, and it actually stays put most of the day... unless I eat, then it's game over.
Silicone might last longer if you get it right, but for me, wax wins just because it's simple and doesn't cost much. If it goes missing, you don't feel bad about it. And I swear, half the time I find a piece in my pocket or at the bottom of my bag days later.
Not saying silicone's bad, but between the price and the hassle, wax just makes more sense—especially when you're already spending a ton on braces.
Wax is definitely the MVP when you're on a budget and need something quick.
Totally get this. I’ve had the same “lost wax in laundry” saga—at this point, finding it stuck to my hoodie is just normal. Wax isn’t perfect, but for how cheap and easy it is, I can’t complain. The silicone just felt like more work and more money for not much extra benefit. You’re not alone—sometimes simple wins.
Honestly, I keep going back to wax too. It’s just so easy to pop on when something’s poking, and I don’t feel bad if I lose a chunk halfway through the day. Silicone felt like it was supposed to be this “upgrade,” but it never really stuck for me—literally and figuratively. Did anyone else find it harder to get off your brackets? Maybe I’m just impatient, but wax wins for convenience in my book.