Dental Wax For Braces: What Is It & 7 Steps For How To Apply It

Braces are a popular choice for people of any age looking to get a perfect smile.

When the new braces are first applied, you may experience some minor discomfort caused by the wires rubbing on the soft tissues of your mouth.

Thankfully, dental wax for braces can provide immediate pain relief, so you can keep smiling.

What is Dental Wax?

Dental wax (also called braces wax or orthodontic wax) is a wax made from paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba developed to relieve pain as a result of orthodontic treatment. They are designed to make wearing braces less painful.

Here are some situations where braces wax can be helpful:

• When you experience irritation from new braces or adjustments.
• If a wire pokes out and causes discomfort.
• To create a smoother surface on sharp edges of brackets.
• For extra comfort during specific activities like playing sports or playing instruments.

Braces wax is sold in small packets that you can buy at pharmacies to keep at hand whenever you need them.

What Does Braces Wax Do?

Braces work their magic by applying constant pressure to your teeth, gradually shifting them into their ideal positions. However, this process can sometimes come at the cost of some discomfort, especially during the initial adjustment period or after getting your braces tightened.

Braces wax is a pliable material that acts like a second skin for your braces. Here’s how it creates a protective barrier:

• Moldable and smooth: The wax is soft and easily moldable. When applied to the brackets, wires, or any other part of your braces that’s causing irritation, it creates a smooth, rounded surface. This smooth cover fills in any gaps or sharp edges that might rub against the delicate tissues inside your mouth.
• Friction reduction: The smooth wax surface significantly reduces friction between the braces and the inner lining of your cheeks, lips, and gums. Imagine a rough sandpaper versus a soft cloth – that’s the difference between the uncoated braces and the wax-covered ones. With less friction, there’s less chance of the braces rubbing and causing irritation.
• Protective barrier: The wax layer acts as a physical barrier between the braces and your soft tissues. This prevents the metal components from directly contacting your mouth, eliminating the potential for scratches, cuts, or sores that can develop from constant rubbing.

Why You Should Consider Using Braces Wax

The use of braces wax is ideal for individuals having braces fit for the first time as it can take some getting used to. Orthodontic wax is recommended for the initial stages of treatment to help you adapt and reach peak comfort while wearing your braces.

Dental wax can be used with the following braces types:

• Damon braces
• Lingual braces
• Symetri clear braces
• Twin block braces
• Metal braces

Oftentimes corners and any loose pieces can cut the inside of your mouth and cause mouth sores. Braces wax can be used as a temporary treatment to protect your mouth from any sharp edges until your orthodontist can permanently fix any parts causing discomfort.

Precautionary Advice when Using Orthodontic Wax at Home

Braces wax is perfectly safe and non-toxic. This means, if you have a child with braces that accidentally swallows it, they’ll be fine. However, there are some things to consider to ensure you are using the orthodontic wax effectively.

You should not keep braces wax in your mouth for an extended period. We recommend replacing it at least twice per day. If it is coming off on its own, this is a good indication that it is time to replace it with fresh wax.

We recommend changing your brace’s wax regularly because if left to sit for too long it can cause cavities from a build-up of bacteria in your mouth. This is because food particles tend to get stuck on the surface of the wax. Therefore, we recommend replacing the brace’s wax on clean, freshly brushed teeth.

How to Apply Dental Wax to Your Braces

If you are experiencing discomfort from braces, contact us for advice as we may need to trim them. In the meantime, you can use wax to stop it from irritating your mouth. Here’s how to apply dental wax, step-by-step:

1. Wash your hands
2. Brush your teeth
3. Dry your braces (use a tissue if needed)
4. Pinch off a small piece of wax, approximately the size of a pea
5. Roll it into a ball until it softens, then flatten if needed
6. Gently push it over and smooth it over the bothersome area of your braces (use your tongue to adjust the wax if it’s helpful)
7. Voila! Goodbye painful braces

How to Use Wax for Braces: DOs and DONTs

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Final Advice

It’s normal that braces feel a bit strange at first. Whether you opt for braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, they’ll take several days to get used to.

For minor irritation and temporary relief, dental wax is a perfect solution. However, if the pain persists or your braces get damaged, contact us for help today. Or simply give us a call on 020 3811 7625.

Our team can help pave the way to your perfect smile.

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