#DENTAL WAX FOR BRACES HOW TO#

You should replace it while brushing and flossing or if it starts to fall off on its own, and you shouldn’t wear the same piece of wax for more than two days. Don’t worry if you accidentally swallow it - dental wax is non-toxic. Smooth the ball of wax over the problematic area of your braces and that’s it! You can keep it there for as long as you need, even while eating, drinking, and sleeping. Then, pinch off a small bit of wax, about the size of half of a pea, and roll it into a ball. How Is Dental Wax Used?ĭental wax is easy to use! First, be sure to wash your hands and brush your teeth to prevent trapping any bacteria or food debris underneath the wax. Dental wax can be put over the sharp parts of your braces to smooth them out and stop the abrasion while your soft tissues heal. In the meantime, dental wax can help minimize the discomfort. Over time, these areas will become tougher and won’t be bothered by your braces anymore. The metal wires and brackets may feel uncomfortable while they rub against the inside of your cheeks and lips. When you first begin to wear braces, it’s natural to feel some irritation in your soft tissues. Dental wax is flexible enough to be molded onto braces and sturdy enough to stay there for some time. While it’s not advised to eat or swallow any of these substances intentionally, they’re biocompatible and safe to be in your mouth. Thankfully, candle wax and wax for braces are very different! Dental or orthodontic wax is made from natural materials like carnuba, paraffin wax and beeswax. When you hear the word “wax,” candles are probably the first thing that comes to mind.

#DENTAL WAX FOR BRACES HOW TO#

Here’s everything you need to know about dental wax and how to best use it during your orthodontic treatment! What Is Dental Wax? It may not be obvious at first, but this material can make all the difference when it comes to making your treatment go as smoothly and comfortably as possible. If you’re unfamiliar with day-to-day life with braces, you may be confused when your orthodontist sends you home with a container of dental wax. Use the wax as your sidekick to help you survive the day-to-day and always be sure to make an appointment with Wess & Low Orthodontics if you need help or have questions about living with your braces.While there are plenty of orthodontic treatments to choose from nowadays, traditional braces are still one of the most effective and reliable ways to get a straighter smile. Your orthodontist and dental wax are both there to help. Life with braces can be a drag sometimes, but it is well worth it. You can use floss to remove the wax as long as you are careful not to damage your braces or gums. It wouldn’t do any good to your smile if you had old food stuck to your teeth. You can remove it before eating, but if you decide to leave it on, be sure to replace any dirty wax after you eat. You could also use your tongue to get it exactly where you want it.Įating with the wax on can be a little difficult since it may stick to your food. Once the wax is soft enough, simply push it onto the part of the braces where you need it. You will want to stick with a small amount, maybe the size of a pea. The wax itself is solid at room temperature, but you can soften and shape it by squeezing and rolling it around in your hands. Then, you will want to brush your teeth, specifically focusing on where you want to apply the wax. How to Apply Itīefore you do anything, wash your hands to avoid putting unwanted germs and bacteria in your mouth. If your braces get uncomfortable, simply apply another layer. That is totally normal, and again, it’s safe to digest. Over time, dental wax will wear away and rub or flake off your braces. Some waxes may even be flavored with mint or other natural and safe ingredients. Dental wax is perfectly safe and it’s ok to accidentally swallow some as it wears away. It wouldn’t make much sense to put a toxic product in your mouth, now, would it? (I’m looking at you, tobacco users).

Unfortunately, if you accidentally digest even the smallest amount, you’ll need to go to the ER to have it removed from your stomach. It’s great when your braces feel “scratchy” or when a wire breaks and you need to keep it from stabbing into your mouth while you wait for an orthodontist visit. The wax provides a buffer between the hard metal and your soft mouth. Like a knight in pearly-white armor, dental wax is here to save the day! What is Dental Wax?ĭental wax is a natural wax, usually made from beeswax, carnauba, or paraffin that you apply to your braces to give them a smoother, more comfortable surface. Braces can be uncomfortable at times, but luckily, that is exactly what dental wax is for.

Dental wax for braces