When you get your braces, we will send you home with lots of information on how to care for your braces. We also will send you home with some braces wax, also called dental wax.
We know what you’re thinking: How do you put wax on braces? Why do you need dental wax for braces? What is braces wax?
Braces wax is a very important tool you will use throughout your braces treatment. It has several uses, from relieving pain from braces to protecting a broken wire or bracket.
What Is Wax for Braces?
Braces wax isn’t like other types of wax, such as candle wax. Dental wax is made of non-toxic, natural materials such as paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba wax. It’s usually flavorless, though you can find some flavored options.
Why Do I Need Dental Wax?
Your new braces may irritate your cheeks and lips in the first couple of weeks. The longer you wear them, the more the inside of your mouth will toughen up and become less sensitive to braces.
Until that happens, you may experience a few sore spots in your mouth. This happens when your cheek or lip connects to a braces bracket or wire. Braces wax can reduce that irritation by forming a barrier between your mouth and the bracket or wire. The wax will give your mouth time to heal.
You’ll use your dental wax less often once your mouth gets used to your braces. However, other issues may pop up, so it’s a good idea to have braces wax handy throughout your braces treatment.
How Long Does Dental Wax Last?
The wax itself will last for years if stored properly. Otherwise, it can dry out and be nearly impossible to mold around your braces bracket.
How long does braces wax last on your teeth? You shouldn’t keep braces wax on longer than two days. However, you probably won’t keep it in that long.
Can You Eat With Wax on Your Braces?
We do not recommend eating meals while you have braces wax in your mouth. You’ll need to remove it. Otherwise, you’ll likely add braces wax to your meal.
Do not ever reuse braces wax. It will have bacteria, germs, food particles — and you’d be putting all that back into your mouth. YUCK! If you remove your braces wax, start with fresh wax once you’ve brushed your teeth after your meal.
Can You Sleep With Wax On Your Braces?
Yes, it’s safe to sleep with orthodontic wax on your braces. Applying wax helps prevent irritation or discomfort caused by brackets or wires. However, it’s essential to remove and reapply fresh wax as needed to maintain comfort and ensure oral hygiene.
How Do I Use Dental Wax?
You’re probably wondering how to put wax on your braces. It is easier than you think! Here are a few tips for how to use wax for braces.
- First, wash your hands! Otherwise, whatever germs you have on your hands will go onto the wax and then into your mouth.
- Brush and floss your teeth before applying the dental wax if you can. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth well with water to remove as many food particles as possible.
- Grab a small piece of wax, roughly the size of a pea. Roll it into a ball between your thumb and forefinger to soften it.
- Press the ball of wax into a disc big enough to fit over the sharp edge, broken bracket, or protruding wires.
- Apply the wax to the problem area and gently push it around the edges with your finger to cover it completely. You can also use your tongue to help press the wax against your braces.
You now have dental wax on your braces.
More Tips for How to Use Wax With Braces
We have a few more tips for using wax with braces. These are common questions we’ve had about dental wax.
- You can sleep with braces wax overnight.
- You can drink liquids with braces wax and eat soft foods.
- Remove your braces wax before eating meals.
- Remove the wax by pulling it off with your fingernail or a toothbrush. Don’t try to poke it with things like a fork or toothpick. You could damage your braces instead.
- Throw away any wax you remove. Never reuse your dental wax. Replacing the wax is important to your oral hygiene.
- Orthodontic wax is non-toxic, so don’t panic if you accidentally swallow some. It should pass through your system normally.
Getting Wax for Braces in Annapolis, MD
At Smiles by the Bay, we can offer you a bit of braces wax to take home. After that, braces wax should be easy to find at major retailers and pharmacies.
If you’re having trouble finding braces wax in the Annapolis, MD, Kent Island, MD, or Denton, MD areas, contact us. We’ll be happy to help you out with all of your orthodontic treatment needs.
