How to Put Wax on Braces
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:
- Wash your hands and brush your teeth to prevent bacterial infection, then dry your braces.
- Locate the painful areas where braces wires are poking.
- Roll a pea-sized amount of wax into a ball for at least 5 seconds to warm it.
- 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.
