How to Use Dental Wax for Braces
Braces are a popular choice for people of any age looking to get a perfect smile.
When the new braces are first applied, you may experience some minor discomfort caused by the wires rubbing on the soft tissues of your mouth.
Thankfully, dental wax for braces can provide immediate pain relief, so you can keep smiling.
What is Dental Wax?
Dental wax (also called braces wax or orthodontic wax) is a wax made from paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba developed to relieve pain as a result of orthodontic treatment. They are designed to make wearing braces less painful.
Orthodontic dental wax is completely safe and natural, so it’s safe for patients to accidentally swallow a little wax if it falls off.
Braces wax is sold in small packets that you can buy at pharmacies to keep at hand whenever you need them.
Why You Should Consider Using Braces Wax
The use of braces wax is ideal for individuals having braces fit for the first time as it can take some getting used to. Orthodontic wax is recommended for the initial stages of treatment to help you adapt and reach peak comfort while wearing your braces.
Oftentimes corners and any loose pieces can cut the inside of your mouth and cause mouth sores. Braces wax can be used as a temporary treatment to protect your mouth from any sharp edges until your orthodontist can permanently fix any parts causing discomfort.
Precautionary Advice when Using Orthodontic Wax at Home
As mentioned above, braces wax is perfectly safe and non-toxic. However, there are some things to consider to ensure you are using the orthodontic wax to effectively.
You should not keep braces wax in your mouth for an extended period of time. We recommend replacing it at least twice per day. If it is coming off on its own, this is a good indication that it is time to replace it with fresh wax. We recommend changing your brace’s wax regularly because if left to sit for too long it can cause cavities from a build-up of bacteria in your mouth.
This is because food particles tend to get stuck on the surface of the wax. Therefore, we recommend replacing the brace’s wax on clean, freshly brushed teeth.
How to Apply Dental Wax to Your Braces
If you are experiencing discomfort from braces, contact us for advice as we may need to trim them. In the meantime, you can use wax to stop it from irritating your mouth. Here’s how to apply dental wax, step-by-step:
- Wash your hands
- Brush your teeth
- Dry your braces (use a tissue if needed)
- Pinch off a small piece of wax, approximately the size of a pea
- Roll it into a ball until it softens, then flatten if needed
- Gently push it over the bothersome area of your braces (use your tongue to adjust the wax if it’s helpful)
- Voila! Goodbye painful braces
How to Use Wax for Braces: DOs and DONTs
| DOs | DONTs |
| Replace the wax every day (or as needed, for example after a meal) | Keep wax in place if food becomes stuck to it. |
| Eat and drink with the wax in place. | Worry if you swallow it while sleeping or eating. |
| Keep the wax in place overnight. | Try to bend wires yourself to relieve the discomfort. |
| Contact your orthodontist if the pain persists or becomes worse. |
Final Advice
It’s normal that braces feel a bit strange at first. Whether you opt for braces or clear aligners like Invisalign, they’ll take several days to get used to.
For minor irritation and temporary relief, dental wax is a perfect solution. However, if the pain persists or your braces get damaged, contact us for help today. Or simply give us a call on 020 3811 7625.
Our compassionate team can help pave the way to your perfect smile.
