42
items 
I went through six brands of orthodontic wax before I found ones that survived a burrito. These actually grip the bracket and stay put even when you're chewing.






















Those first 48 hours after a tightening feel like someone is slowly crushing your skull through your teeth. These got me through every single adjustment appointment.





















Regular flossing with braces took me 45 minutes until I found the right tools. Now it takes seven minutes and my hygienist actually complimented me for the first time.






















Nobody warned me that braces can leave white squares on your teeth when they come off if you don't use the right toothpaste. Panicked, researched, and landed on these.






















After every adjustment I lived on yogurt and applesauce until I got creative. These made adjustment week something I could actually look forward to eating during.






















Learned the hard way at a concert that a poking wire with no tools is pure misery. Now I carry a tiny kit everywhere and it has saved me at least a dozen times.




















