Wondering How To Use Wax For Braces?
We’ve got you covered!
We’ve got you covered!
Getting new braces can be exciting, but the first few days can also be uncomfortable. Luckily, we have many tools available to ease discomfort in those first days with braces, including orthodontic wax for braces. We’re here to show you how to use dental wax for braces!
What Is Dental Wax?
Dental wax is pretty much what it sounds like! It’s a braces wax used to cover a portion of your brackets or wires that might create painful areas in your mouth. It’s usually made from all-natural ingredients, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, and paraffin. Some wax comes in different flavors, but it’s typically flavorless.
You will use dental wax to create a barrier between your braces and mouth. After your braces, your lips and cheeks may become sensitive to these new, foreign objects in your mouth. Until they “toughen up,” the friction between your braces and the inside parts of your mouth may cause irritation and even pain. Dental wax will help protect the inside of your mouth in areas that may become too irritated.
How to Apply Dental Wax to Braces
Applying braces wax is simple! But there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. For example, you don’t want to use too much or keep it in too long, and you don’t have to worry if you accidentally swallow a piece of wax.
- Use a small piece of wax about the size of a pea. Wash your hands, then roll it into a ball in your fingers to soften it. Then squeeze it into a thick disk of wax.
- Floss and brush your teeth before applying the braces wax to have a clean surface and not trap plaque against your tooth.
- Place the wax over the bracket irritating your mouth and gently push it around the wax with your finger. Use your tongue if needed.
- Keep the wax on the bracket overnight if needed.
- You can drink liquids or eat soft foods with the wax on your bracket.
- Use the wax temporarily over a broken wire or bracket, but call our office right away for emergency repair.
- Remove the orthodontic wax with your fingers or a toothbrush.
- Don’t use too much ortho wax at once because it can impede chewing or speech or come off more easily.
- Do not reuse the same piece of wax. Once you remove it, throw it away.
- Don’t keep the wax in your mouth if food gets stuck after you apply the wax. Remove and replace it after flossing and brushing thoroughly.
- If you accidentally swallow orthodontic wax, don’t panic! Dental wax is nontoxic and should pass through your digestive system naturally.
- Don’t try removing your wax with a sharp or pointed object like a fork or toothpick. You could damage the wire or bracket underneath.
Get the FAQs about Braces Wax
We’ve given you a lot of information about dental wax, but we know there are certain questions that nearly every patient has regarding braces wax. So we’ve put the most common braces wax questions together. Hopefully, it will answer your burning questions. If not, you know Hentscher-Johnson Orthodontics is always here to help!
Can you reuse dental wax?
It’s not recommended. If you remove your braces wax, throw it out and add a new piece. Don’t reuse it, or you’ll just put a lot of bacteria back into your mouth.
How long can you keep braces wax on?
You don’t want to keep braces wax on longer than two days at a time. Realistically, that won’t be possible since you remove your braces wax to eat, but two days is the maximum amount of time. Otherwise, you can keep your braces wax in until it’s time to eat. Then remove it and put new wax in your mouth. Don’t reuse your braces wax!
Can you eat with wax on your braces?
Can you eat with dental wax? You should not eat with wax on your braces. Chances are, the dental wax would come off as you chewed, and you’d end up swallowing it with your food. It’s best to take your dental wax out before you eat and throw it out.
Can Dental Wax Be Used to Deal With Emergencies?
Dental wax is meant to help with minor irritation. If your irritation or pain gets worse, or if it persists beyond a few days, you should give us a call. Remember that dental wax is not meant to relieve pain but to prevent it. If you ever feel like you have an orthodontic emergency or have questions about your oral care, we want you to call us right away.
Top Questions About Braces
Now that you know how to use dental wax, how else can we help you? Getting braces or Invisalign can leave you with a lot of questions! Many patients have questions about food particles, tooth decay, and other dental appliances like retainers.
