Orthodontic Wax: A Guide for Patients
When most people get braces, their biggest concern is the discomfort they’ll get from the braces applying pressure to their teeth. However, this pain is usually much more tolerable than people imagine it will be. It’s often more of a dull ache than an intense pain.
A discomfort that isn’t always on the minds of patients, and can come as a bit of a surprise, is the irritation caused by the brackets and wires rubbing on the soft tissues of the mouth. This friction can cause cuts and sores, and make movements as simple as chewing or smiling painful.
So what does this mean? Are you going to have painful sores in your mouth the entire time you have braces? Of course not, so don't sweat!
First off, the tissue in your mouth will toughen up and adapt to your braces usually within 1 to 2 weeks. Secondly, to help minimize your discomfort while your mouth becomes more resistant, you can use something very simple but effective: orthodontic wax.
In this blog we’ll talk about what orthodontic wax for braces is, how to use orthodontic wax, and where to buy wax for braces. So let’s get right into it!
What is Orthodontic Wax?
Orthodontic wax, also referred to as dental wax, oral wax, or mouth wax is a soft, moldable material that can be pressed onto the brackets and wires of braces in order to create a barrier between those rigid structures and the soft tissues in the mouth.
Without this barrier, the rough surface of the brackets and wires can rub against your cheeks, lips and tongue causing irritation, sores, and cuts. These sore spots are common when you first get braces or after you get an adjustment, but just because they’re common doesn’t mean they’re fun!
The good news is that over time the tissues that are rubbing against the braces will get more resistant to the friction. However, before that happens, dental wax can be a life saver. Trust us, once you get braces, you’ll be glad you figured out where to get dental wax ahead of time!
What is Orthodontic Wax Made From?
Orthodontic wax is made from simple, medical-grade waxes ranging from materials like beeswax, to paraffin wax, to carnauba wax, to microcrystalline wax. While many waxes are unflavored, there are some that will add a mild flavor like mint. For example, if you type into Google gum wax mint you’ll see a dental wax from GUM that is mint flavored.
Traditional waxes like the ones you’re most likely to get from your orthodontist are typically paraffin based. They’re super soft and easy to mold, making them a great option for most patients. One of the downsides is that when the area is too wet when applying it, it can fall off more easily. If this is something you’re experiencing, then a silicone-based wax could be worth trying, as it tends to stick better on wetter surfaces.
If you’ve ever heard anyone mention Gishy Goo this is one of the silicone-based alternatives to traditional wax.
In the end, the best wax type is whatever works best for you!
Quick note! Orthodontic waxes are designed to be non-toxic and if you happen to accidentally swallow a little bit while speaking or chewing that’s generally not a problem. You’re not supposed to snack on it of course, but ingesting a tiny amount occasionally is completely normal.
How to Use Orthodontic Wax
Now that you know a little bit about what orthodontic wax is, you’re probably wondering how to use orthodontic wax. Well, luckily it’s actually quite easy. Let’s break it down step-by-step:
- Wash your hands.
- Brush your teeth.
- Dry the bracket or wire that you’ll be applying the wax to with a tissue.
- Break off a small piece of dental wax, about the size of a pea.
- Roll the wax between your fingers until it’s a smooth ball. The heat of your fingers will help make it more malleable.
- Press it onto the problematic bracket or wire.
- Adjust the wax as needed, smoothing it out so that it stays in place.
See, pretty simple stuff! One tip if you’re wondering how to use dental wax properly, is make sure the spot is dry and you’re putting enough pressure on the wax to get it to properly adhere.
Patients also ask, how often should I use orthodontic wax? The answer is really whenever you need it.
You can use dental wax for braces but can also use wax for teeth appliances that aren’t braces related. For example, some people might use orthodontic wax for retainers like if they have a Hawley retainer that has a rough spot.
Best practice is to remove wax before eating or drinking, because it can trap food and bacteria, and never reuse wax as this could cause bacteria to accumulate on your teeth.
Tips for Effective Application
While learning how to put on orthodontic wax might not be rocket science, there’s a few tips and tricks that can make the process a bit easier.
- Use a small amount, because using too much can make it feel bulky
- Make sure the surface is dried off before application
- Replace it daily or when it becomes dirty
- If a specific area continues to cause irritation for more than a few days or a wire is significantly poking out then let us know and we can see if an adjustment is necessary
You’ll typically need orthodontist wax the most one or two weeks after you get your braces on and then after adjustment appointments, because the change in positioning can create new hot spots.
Benefits of Using Orthodontic Wax
The benefit of orthodontic wax is simple: it’s your comfort. By creating a barrier over the rigid brackets and wires, you’re able to reduce friction and help prevent the rubbing from creating repeated trauma. The soft tissues of your mouth are delicate and when brackets are rubbing repeatedly over the same area, uncomfortable sores are bound to form. Simply put, when you use wax for teeth braces become more comfortable.
So now you’re probably wondering where can I buy dental wax?
Where to Buy Orthodontic Wax
The big question: where to get wax for braces. Luckily it’s pretty easy to find and is pretty inexpensive. In fact, you can usually find dental wax at places like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart and many grocery stores that have a dental care aisle. A good rule of thumb, if you’re wondering where to buy ortho wax; if a store has a pharmacy, they’re likely to have wax for teeth.
However, if you aren’t sure, a quick Google search of something like “where to get orthodontic wax” can get you pointed in the right direction and you might even be able to find some good options from online retailers as well.
Conclusion
Orthodontic wax is a simple but powerful tool that can help eliminate uncomfortable sores and cuts caused by your braces.
The biggest piece of advice? Make sure you ask yourself, “where can I find dental wax?” before you need it, so you’re not scrambling once you’re already in pain. But odds are you already asked yourself that question considering you’re here reading this blog!
At Blacker Orthodontics we’re here to answer questions for the big stuff and the small stuff, so if you have questions about anything at all, even if it’s about something like orthodontic wax, just give us a call!
And if you’re in the Chandler, Tempe, or Phoenix area and you need a trusted and quality orthodontist for you or your child, then schedule an appointment with us today!
