Gone are the days of orthodontic headgear that looks like a medieval torture device. Putting wax on braces is just one way that the entire orthodontic process has become more comfortable for patients. By choosing to put wax on braces, you can mitigate tooth pain and prevent your braces from cutting the soft tissue inside your mouth. To help you decide whether or not you’d like to try dental wax on your braces, let’s take a closer look at what dental wax is and how you can put it on your braces. 

What is tooth wax?

Dental wax for a broken tooth or braces is made of paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba wax and comes in flavored or unflavored choices; some brace waxes may be made from microcrystalline, a derivative of petroleum. As wax, it’s a malleable substance that is solid at room temperature but gets softer when exposed to warmth. Generally speaking, it’s transparent in color, unnoticeable to the naked eye, and sold in small packets you can carry with you. 

Orthodontic wax is specifically designed to relieve pain when braces rub against your mouth’s interior. By providing a cover from the sharp edges of your brace’s metal, it protects the soft tissue in your mouth and sensitive areas like your gums, lips, and cheeks. Don’t be alarmed if you find yourself gnawing on a bit of the wax coating, as it’s expected to fall off sometimes when speaking or chewing. 

How dental wax works

The instructions for how to use orthodontic wax are relatively simple. You can smooth the wax onto the sharp surfaces of your braces, press into it so it sticks, and create a barrier between the wire and your gums. The barrier also gives open sores time to heal without being torn open again. With its easy application and safe materials, orthodontic wax is safe for kids and adults. To make things even better, it’s extremely affordable– only $2.99 at Walgreens!

Keep in mind that dental wax is not meant to be used for long periods of time. Remove it daily and replace it immediately if it comes off prematurely. Keeping the wax for longer than a day could mean bacteria and cavities growing in your mouth, as food particles will get stuck in the wax. 

Wondering how to apply wax to braces? Call Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists today.

What is tooth wax used for?

Dental wax is a safe, simple way to protect your mouth’s most sensitive areas from the roughness of your braces. Covering your braces brackets with the soft material will relieve the uncomfortable feeling, and the wax can temporarily fix problems with broken braces. For example, if a wire is out of place and you’ve already tried pushing it back in, but it’s still not sitting right, the wax can cover the area, acting as a solvent until you can get to the dentist. 

How to put wax on braces

If you’ve been Googling how to use wax for braces, your search is over. In a few short steps, you can learn how to apply dental wax like a pro: 

1. Wash your hands and brush your teeth to prevent bacterial infection, then dry your braces.
2. Locate the painful areas where braces wires are poking. 
3. Roll a pea-sized amount of wax into a ball for at least 5 seconds to warm it. 
4. Place the ball of wax on the painful area, rubbing lightly. Apply a little pressure to ensure it sticks. 

From there, you only have to relax and enjoy your pain-free braces experience. Allow the wax to stay on for a while to heal your mouth without the wounds being ripped open again. 

When you’re ready to remove the wax, make sure to brush your teeth thoroughly, getting those hard-to-reach places. It’s recommended that you brush twice a day, floss, and rinse with mouthwash to strengthen your teeth, especially when wearing braces. 

If you need further help with applying wax to braces, give us a call. We’ll happily assist you. 

 

Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

The do’s & don’ts of dental wax

 

Can you eat with wax on your braces?

While technically yes, it’s not exactly smiled upon. Eating with orthodontic wax applied to your teeth can cause food to stick, the flavor to be altered, and bacteria to grow. If drinking with the wax on, it may be knocked loose and fall off. To avoid causing problems with the wax, remove it before eating or drinking and reapply after to ensure it works properly. 

Can I reuse my dental wax?

Reusing dental wax is not recommended. When taking it out, toss it in the garbage and replace it with a fresh piece. Reusing wax will allow bacteria to fester in your mouth. 

Can I sleep with braces wax?

If your braces often cause discomfort, sleep with the wax on. This will offer your mouth a soft layer between it and the metal brackets, protecting it from getting scraped and cut during the night. You can finally get a solid night of rest!

Is it okay to swallow dental wax?

If you’ve kept the covering overnight and accidentally swallowed some, that’s okay. Because of the natural materials used to construct the barrier, orthodontic wax is safe to ingest. While it’s not intended to be eaten intentionally, a little by accident won’t harm you. 

Can I remove wax from my braces without going to the dentist?

Absolutely! Although the wax will eventually fall off on its own, if you’d like to remove it before then, use your fingers or a toothpick to remove it carefully. If the wax is difficult to remove, try using dental floss as an aid. Use gentle hands to avoid damaging your braces or teeth. 

 

Have more questions about dental wax for braces? Call today!

Contact Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists for all your dental wax 101 questions

Orthodontic wax is a great choice to help relieve dental irritants, whether caused by braces, a chipped tooth, or uncomfortable dentures. Dental wax is a safe, natural orthodontic tool that can be extremely helpful when your braces are bugging you to no end. However, it’s only a temporary fix. 

The team at Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists can help you create a permanent solution to all your dental issues by recommending appropriate treatments and taking action to fix them. But until you get on the books with us, picking up some dental wax would be a good investment. 

Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists offer each customer a unique treatment plan that our team will closely monitor to ensure you get the results you’ve been waiting for. After all, your smile is your best feature.

Sure, we have all seen individuals trying to straighten their teeth with traditional braces. Having metal wires on your teeth may not be the best thing to look at. Fortunately, an alternative method is available to help individuals straighten their teeth less visibly.

One of the most revolutionary methods for teeth straightening is lingual braces. These are hidden braces that work exceptionally well for helping individuals straighten their smiles. You can determine if this is the best option for you with a better understanding of lingual braces.

What are Lingual Braces?

Lingual braces are a modern orthodontic option that provides a discrete and effective way for individuals to straighten their teeth. Unlike traditional braces that are typically attached to the front surface of the teeth, lingual braces are a type of braces on back of teeth.

These braces work exceptionally well for addressing a wide range of orthodontic issues. These problems can range from a simple misalignment to extremely complex bite problems. Whether you are dealing with an overbite, a crossbite, spacing issues, or overcrowding, hidden braces can effectively tackle the problems without drawing any unwanted attention to your mouth.

How Do Lingual Braces Work?

After deciding on this treatment method for straightening your teeth, you will meet with an orthodontist, who will develop a detailed treatment plan designed specifically for your mouth.

Each pair of lingual braces is customized to fit the user’s mouth. These custom-made brackets and wires are crafted to meet the unique dental structure of the recipient. The braces are then bonded to the inner surface of your teeth using advanced technology. This ensures the optimal level of comfort for users.

Advanced computer software and fabrication techniques are then used to create custom-made brackets for each tooth in your mouth. These custom brackets are designed to ensure a precise fit, maximizing the effectiveness and comfort you experienced during the treatment.

Like traditional braces, hidden braces also have to be adjusted. Your orthodontist will schedule an appointment every 6 to 8 weeks to adjust the braces to continually guide your teeth into the desired position.

In addition to providing a more visibly pleasing solution for straightening teeth, these braces on back of teeth also provide functional benefits for users. Similar to traditional metal braces, lingual braces work the same way to align and reposition the teeth gradually over time. Lingual braces apply gentle yet constant pressure on specific points along the dental arches. This allows your teeth to gradually slide into their ideal position.

The Advantages of Lingual Braces?

There are several benefits when it comes to the use of hidden braces to straighten your teeth. Unlike traditional braces, lingual braces are nearly invisible from the outside. This allows you to straighten your teeth without feeling the added self-consciousness.

Another advantage of braces on back of teeth is that they can effectively correct various orthodontic issues. This allows you to achieve a beautiful and straight smile over time. Furthermore, braces behind teeth are more comfortable than traditional braces because they are custom-made to fit your mouth precisely and won’t constantly be against your gums.

Finally, you also benefit greatly from not worrying about taking out any aligners when you eat or drink anything. This makes it far easier for you to maintain good oral hygiene without the inconvenience.

Contact Our Atlanta Orthodontist Specialists

Lingual braces are an exceptional option for individuals who desire to enhance their smile without sacrificing any functionality or aesthetic appeal of traditional braces. Contact the Atlanta Orthodontist Specialists today if you believe that lingual braces may be the best option for you or your child. Our team will work with you to determine if lingual braces are the best route for helping you achieve your desired outcome.

With a personalized treatment plan tailored specifically to your unique needs, our team will work closely with you at every step to ensure success in reaching all your orthodontic goals and helping you achieve the smile of your dreams.

A healthy smile encompasses more than just straight teeth; it involves proper bite alignment. Failure to address misaligned bites, such as overbites or underbites, can result in various dental issues. Understanding what constitutes a normal bite and how to fix an overbite or underbite can assist you in attaining a healthier and happier smile.

What is a Normal Bite?

A normal bite, also known as an ideal occlusion, occurs when the upper teeth slightly overlap the lower teeth and the molars interlock perfectly. This alignment ensures optimal mouth functioning for eating, speaking, and comfort.

What is an Overbite?

An overbite is characterized by the upper teeth extending noticeably over the lower teeth. While a slight overbite is generally considered normal, a more pronounced overbite can lead to challenges in speech and chewing functionality and, in some instances, it may even cause damage to the adjacent teeth.

What is an Underbite?

In contrast to an overbite, an underbite is characterized by the protrusion of lower teeth beyond the upper teeth. This condition can also result in difficulty eating and speaking and often contributes to the wear and tear of teeth.

How to Fix an Overbite or Underbite?

There are multiple effective options when it comes to addressing overbites and underbites. The severity of the misalignment is a critical factor in determining the most suitable approach, and a dental professional will provide expert advice and devise a tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs.

Orthodontic treatment is the most commonly utilized method for underbite and overbite correction. Several effective treatments have been developed to correct and prevent the uncomfortable side effects of an underbite or overbite. These treatments correct misalignments and offer lasting relief and improved oral health.

• Braces: Braces are the most frequently prescribed treatment for correcting an overbite. Braces guide the upper front teeth that are sticking out into their proper alignment. This method is highly effective in rectifying most cases of overbite.
• Herbst appliance: The Herbst appliance is an orthodontic device that gently pushes the lower jaw forward and the upper jaw backward, correcting overbites and aligning the jaws for better facial aesthetics and functionality. Typically, Herbst appliance treatment lasts about 12 months. Besides orthodontic benefits, it enhances your child’s appearance, creating a more pronounced jawline, and is a great replacement for orthodontic headgear.
• Invisalign: Invisalign is an effective solution for correcting mild overbites in teenagers and adults. However, it is important to note that it is generally not recommended for children to treat an overbite with Invisalign since they typically do not have the maturity to consistently wear aligners as prescribed.

Surgical correction may be necessary in cases where the misalignment is more severe. However, surgical intervention is typically a last resort, pursued only when non-surgical options have proven ineffective. Surgical correction involves precise adjustments to the jawbone to achieve the desired alignment.

By carefully considering your unique needs and the severity of the misalignment, you can work with a dental professional to determine the most appropriate approach for correcting your overbite or underbite. Rest assured that effective methods are available to restore proper alignment to your smile, ultimately enhancing your oral health and well-being.

Can Overbites and Underbites Be Prevented?

In many cases, overbites and underbites are genetic and cannot be prevented. However, certain habits in early childhood, like thumb sucking, prolonged use of a pacifier, or tongue thrusting, can contribute to developing these conditions. Encouraging children to break these habits can help in preventing misalignment.

Maintaining regular dental check-ups from a young age also plays a key role in the early detection and intervention of bite problems. The sooner these conditions are identified, the simpler the treatment.

Remember, underbite and overbite correction aren’t just about improving the aesthetics of your smile; it’s also about maintaining oral health and function. If you’re wondering how to fix an overbite, underbite or just looking for more information about achieving a normal bite, contact us today. We’re here to guide you through every step of your orthodontic journey.

A smile is said to be the gateway to the soul. Sometimes that confidence and smile can’t be expressed due to underlying orthodontic issues. Straight teeth help you achieve a healthier and more fulfilled smile filled with confidence, and that is why modern advancements in materials and dental techniques mean that traditional braces are more comfortable than ever before. In this blog, we shall discuss how traditional braces are a time-tested technique which enables you or your child to enjoy all the benefits of a healthier smile.

How Do Traditional Braces Work?

Traditional braces comprise a series of metal and sleek surgical brackets and wires. Brackets are attached to the front surfaces of the teeth, and the wires are used to bond them together as they run between each bracket. Each wire is fastened with a metal or rubber ligature, which pulls the braces on teeth closer, applying gentle, consistent pressure and moving the teeth into their proper positions. Each time you go for checkups, the wires are slightly adjusted, which allows the metal braces to move the teeth into their ideal position to achieve a well-aligned bite and give the patient a functional and perfect smile. The duration of braces on teeth is usually between one and three years, but it also depends on certain factors such as: the specific condition of the patient, compliance with instructions, and age. Even after removal, a retainer is required by the patient to protect their teeth after braces and prevent them from drifting back to their old position.

What Orthodontic Issues Do Traditional Braces Fix?

Traditional braces work to fix dental issues by correcting the teeth. Some conditions are:

• Crowded and Crooked teeth: When the teeth are improperly positioned with no space to brush or floss properly, your oral hygiene is severely diminished. Bacteria and other microorganisms easily stay hidden and burrow into the cavities, causing tooth decay and offensive breath. Braces on crooked teeth help create the necessary space and improve oral hygiene.

• Bite misalignment: these could be crossbites, overbites, or underbites. Bite misalignment is also the cause of chronic jaw pain. It makes chewing or even biting down on food difficult. Braces fix this and move the teeth into better alignment.

• Gap teeth: This can be embarrassing for some people as it makes their mouth look hollow, and bacteria can easily be trapped there, causing cavities. Metal braces close the gap and give the face a brighter smile.

Advantages of Traditional Braces

1. They are stylish and come in a wide variety of colors.
2. Traditional braces remain one of the cheapest forms of orthodontic treatment, as they are within the budget of most dental healthcare insurers.
3. Metal braces that fix crooked or crowded teeth are very light.
4. It is very dependable, as it helps set the teeth straight and prevents oral problems like gum disease, malocclusions, and tooth decay.
5. Shorter Treatment Time: In some cases, traditional braces may offer faster treatment times than alternative orthodontic options. This is especially true for more complex cases where clear aligners may be less effective. The constant pressure applied by metal braces can expedite the tooth movement process.

How to Maximize the Benefits of Traditional Braces

Once the braces are on, several tips help to maximize the results:

• Observe strict oral hygiene; Regular brushing helps prevent plaque buildup during treatment, which helps avoid dental decay and bad breath.
• Hard and sticky foods damage braces, so adjustments in diet may be necessary. Also, soft foods are advisable, as the gums will be sore when adjustments to your braces are made.

• Always attend your orthodontist appointments because the periodic adjustment of your braces helps ensure your teeth are well aligned.

Conclusion

Whether you’re considering braces for yourself, a member of your family, or even a friend, from the moment you walk in the door to one of our 6 Metro Atlanta locations, you’ll know you’ve made the right choice. At Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists, we review all treatment options and determine if you are a good candidate for traditional braces or if another treatment may better suit your lifestyle and goals. Book an appointment today to schedule your consultation and begin your journey to a bright and straight smile.

Your orthodontist isn’t just someone who helps you get a picture-perfect smile. He or she should be someone you trust, recommend, and respect. This means doing more than just Googling “best orthodontists near me” and randomly picking the practice closest to your home or office is important. Rather than leaving your patient experience and outcome to chance, take the time to evaluate all the top orthodontists. That way, you can feel more confident moving forward with your or your child’s smile improvements.

How can you determine the best orthodontist for your family’s current and anticipated needs? Keep the following considerations in mind as you’re conducting your initial search. Each one will help narrow the field and allow you to pinpoint exactly the right orthodontist or team of orthodontists to serve you.

1. Choose An Experienced Orthodontist.

All orthodontists go through years of schooling. However, education is only part of the equation. Having real-world expertise matters, especially with pediatric or adult patients with complicated smile issues.

To ensure that your orthodontist has the skills and know-how to bring customized solutions to every patient case, look for a team with decades of collective knowledge and practice. The more imperfect smiles they’ve successfully corrected, the better.

2. Opt For a Tech-Forward Practice.

Like all medical fields, orthodontics has advanced thanks to technology. Though technology includes software, it’s not limited to computer systems. Orthodontic technology can be anything from the materials used to make corrective orthodontic appliances to the equipment used to accurately scan patients’ teeth, jaws, and gums.

What are some pieces of tech to ask about when investigating orthodontists in your area? You can always ask about the in-house tools they use. For instance, are they equipped with a 3D printer to make habits and other appliances more efficient and cost-effectively? Do they offer the latest types of orthodontic solutions like SureSmile® braces? Their answers will indicate whether or not the practice has invested in future-forward technology.

3. Look For a Variety Of Treatment Options.

Maybe you have your heart set on visiting an Invisalign orthodontist because you want to get a straighter smile discreetly. That’s fine, but try not to limit yourself to an orthodontist who only offers Invisalign. Why? Invisalign is a phenomenal orthodontic treatment but may not be the ideal answer for you or your child. If you end up with an orthodontist who only offers Invisalign, you may have less-than-perfect results.

Unless you’re an orthodontist, you can’t be sure of the right orthodontic system for your circumstances, lifestyle, or health history. It only makes sense to go to an orthodontist who offers a range of orthodontic choices, including those that move the teeth gently with clear aligners, metal braces, ceramic braces, or lingual braces.

4. When To See an Orthodontist

Most orthodontists offer comprehensive consultations with first-time patients and, if applicable, the patient’s family members. During these consultations, the orthodontist should take diagnostics and an opportunity for the patient to talk in-depth because:

• This will allow you to ask questions and discuss your options
• Your teeth and gums will be examined to determine treatment options during a consultation
• You can also ask about the orthodontist’s experience, credentials, and approach to treatment.
• You can inquire about the cost, the length of treatment, and what to expect throughout the process.
• You will understand the practice and ensure you feel comfortable with them.

A naturally straight smile can make you or your child feel more confident and less self-conscious in social situations. But orthodontics does more than just improve your smile’s appearance. When your teeth and jaw are corrected and aligned, you won’t have as much trouble caring for your mouth. Plus, you’ll lower your chance of developing problems like TMJ.

It’s worth setting up an appointment with an orthodontist at your earliest convenience. Contact Atlanta Orthodontic Specialists’ caring team of orthodontic experts to begin your search.