Every time my braces start digging into my cheek, I do this little wax trick that helps a lot. First, I dry off the bracket with a tissue (otherwise the wax just slides right off, learned that the hard way). Then I roll a tiny ball of wax and squish it right onto the bracket, making sure it covers any sharp edges. Usually feels way better within a few minutes. Sometimes I even use a bit of salt water rinse after, which seems to calm things down faster. Anyone got a better method or maybe something less sticky?
I keep trying the wax thing but honestly, it just feels weird in my mouth and I get super anxious about accidentally swallowing it.
Even after drying, mine sometimes still comes off when I eat or drink. Is that just me? I've tried those little silicone covers instead of the regular wax—they’re less sticky and don’t taste as weird, but they’re harder to find. Still kinda nervous about using anything new though. Has anyone else had trouble with the wax not staying put? Maybe I’m doing it wrong or just overthinking...“First, I dry off the bracket with a tissue (otherwise the wax just slides right off, learned that the hard way).”
Honestly, I feel the same way—
I’ve definitely swallowed a piece or two by accident... no harm done, but it is annoying. Wax always comes off when I eat, too. I just take it out before meals now, way less stressful. The silicone ones are pricier where I am, so I stick with wax for now. You’re not overthinking—it’s just awkward sometimes.“it just feels weird in my mouth and I get super anxious about accidentally swallowing it.”
Honestly, I get why you stick with wax, but I gotta say, silicone’s been a game changer for me. Yeah, it costs more, but it actually stays put—even when I eat. Wax just never lasted for me, no matter what I tried. I’d end up with bits everywhere and that gritty feeling... not fun. If you can swing it, maybe give silicone a shot for the worst spots. Sometimes paying a bit more up front saves a ton of hassle.
I’ve heard a lot of people swear by silicone covers, but I’m honestly a bit nervous about switching. I get anxious about trying new stuff in my mouth, especially with how sensitive my cheeks get. Wax is definitely messy—sometimes I do find little bits stuck to my teeth after eating, which is gross—but at least I know what to expect with it. I’ve had patients mention that silicone can be a bit harder to mold around the brackets, and I worry I’d end up swallowing it by accident if it slipped off mid-meal.
Has anyone noticed if the silicone is harder to remove or leaves a weird taste? The gritty feeling from wax is bad enough, but I’d hate for it to be even more distracting. I guess for me, convenience wins out, but the idea of something lasting longer is tempting. The salt water rinse is still my go-to for calming the irritation, though. Not perfect, but it helps me feel like I’m doing something proactive when things get rough.
