The braces we provide at Shoe Orthodontics are designed to be comfortable and to move your teeth in the most efficient way possible. Sometimes, though, your braces can irritate spots on your cheeks, lips, or tongue. You might have a braces wire poking you that you can’t cut off and need to cover, or perhaps you have a broken wire that needs to be repaired, but it’s hurting your mouth at the moment. This is where braces wax comes in!
Braces wax, also known as dental wax, can soothe spots in your mouth that may be irritated by brackets or wires. Braces wax is specially formulated to be non-toxic and to stick to your braces. What exactly is braces wax or dental wax, and how do you use it? Shoe Orthodontics has the answers!
What Is Dental Wax for Braces?
Dental wax, or braces wax, is a non-toxic form of wax usually made from all-natural ingredients such as beeswax, carnauba wax, or paraffin. Though there are some braces waxes out there in different flavors, it’s usually flavorless. Dental wax is designed to mold easily and stick well to your braces. It provides a smooth surface that reduces or eliminates any irritation your braces may be causing.
Eventually, the inside of your mouth will become more used to your braces and will get less irritated from them. Until then, it’s safe to use your dental wax whenever you need it.
How Do You Use Braces Wax?
How do you use braces wax correctly? It’s relatively simple, but there are some rules you need to follow when it comes to using braces wax safely. Here are a few dos and don’ts you need to know when it comes to braces wax.
- Apply the dental wax by washing your hands, then pulling off a pea-sized piece and rolling it in a ball to soften it.
- Squish the ball into a small disk and place it over the bracket or wire that is causing your irritation.
- Be sure to brush and floss well before putting on your dental wax. Otherwise, you trap bacteria and food particles against your teeth, which can increase your chances of tooth decay.
- Mold the wax over the trouble spot with your fingers, but it’s OK to use your tongue if necessary.
- It’s OK to drink liquids with the wax in, but take it out for eating and put new wax in after you have brushed your teeth or at least rinsed your mouth thoroughly.
- It’s OK to keep the wax in your mouth overnight.
- Do NOT reuse your dental wax. It will have bacteria in it that you will be putting back into your mouth. Yuck!
- Remove the wax with your fingernail or a toothbrush. Never use a sharp object that can damage your teeth or braces.
- Don’t use too much or it may come off or make it more difficult to talk.
- Don’t worry if you accidentally swallow some of your dental wax. It’s non-toxic and should pass through your digestive system normally.
Can Braces Wax Help in Dental Emergencies?
What happens if a bracket loosens or pops off or if a wire breaks? Can braces wax help? Yes, it can. You can use the braces wax to cover the broken bracket or wire temporarily, but be sure to call Shoe Orthodontics at our Hanover, PA or Reisterstown, MD, office and let us know you have a problem with your braces. Depending on the severity of the issue, we may bring you in right away to take care of your braces problem.
Dental Wax and Braces Treatment in Hanover, PA
Shoe Orthodontics offers braces and clear aligners designed in part for comfort, but sometimes your braces can irritate parts of your mouth. Braces wax is a perfect temporary solution. However, if there is a problem, you should contact us right away so we can determine whether you need an immediate fix or whether your braces wax will get you to your next regular appointment with us. You can always contact us if you have questions about your braces, your braces wax, or any issues with either. Shoe Orthodontics is here to help!
