Dental wax for orthodontic devices: learn how it can make your treatment more comfortable

If you have or have ever had braces or aligners, you will know that they can cause some discomfort, especially when they’ve first been fitted. If this has happened to you, you should know that this is completely normal, as your mouth is not used to these "external" elements. Sometimes, the braces (the metal wire or any bracket) or the aligners (sharp edges, attachments or buttons) can irritate the inner cheeks or tongue. This is where dental wax can help.

What is dental or orthodontic wax and what is it for?

Dental wax, otherwise known as orthodontic wax, is a type of natural and easily mouldable wax which is used for creating a protective barrier between your braces or aligners and your mouth. It is specifically used in cases where the orthodontic device is causing pain or discomfort.

What is dental wax made from?

Dental wax for braces or aligners is made from safe and natural materials such as beeswax, paraffin wax and carnuba. Using these types of wax means the product is malleable enough to easily mould the product around your braces or aligners, yet solid enough to stick for some time.

When to use dental wax for your braces or aligners

If you’re wondering what dental wax is for, we’ll outline when you need to use it for your braces or aligners.

If you have recently had braces fitted or adjusted, you may find that the metal wire can poke into your gums or inner teeth, causing discomfort. In some cases, you may need to have the wire trimmed by your orthodontist, but in order to provide immediate relief or to create a barrier, you can mould dental wax around the part of the wire that is causing pain or discomfort.

Likewise, you may find that the edges of aligners are uncomfortable when you first start to use them, or that the added attachments or buttons irritate your inner cheeks. Dental wax can be moulded over any sharp edges or attachments to provide relief from this discomfort.

How do you use dental wax for your orthodontic braces or aligners?

So, how do you use dental wax? Here we’ll describe how to use orthodontic wax and how you should apply it to your braces or aligners.

• Firstly, you should ensure that both your teeth and hands are clean to avoid any excess bacteria accumulating. We recommend that you brush your teeth and wash your hands thoroughly before you apply the wax.
• Take a small pea-sized amount of the dental wax.
  
• Roll the wax around your hands to warm it up so that you can easily mould it into a ball shape.
  
• Gently push the wax over the part of your braces or aligners that is causing pain or irritation. Smooth down the wax so that it adheres better. The wax will form a barrier around your braces or aligners, minimising any discomfort you feel.
  

How to make dental wax stick properly when it’s not sticking

If you find that your dental wax is not sticking, there are a few measures you can take to ensure it adheres to your braces correctly.

• First of all, you should make sure your braces or aligners are clean and that there are no excess food particles which can cause the wax to dislodge.
• Secondly, you should dry the area where you want to apply the wax as excess saliva can stop the wax from sticking correctly. You can use a clean tissue or cloth to try and dry the area slightly.
  
• Finally, after you’ve warmed and applied the wax to the area causing discomfort, you should shape the wax around the brace or aligner, and smooth down the edges, creating a greater surface area for the wax to adhere to.
  

How to remove dental wax

It is very simple to remove dental wax, although the ease of removal depends on how much the wax is stuck.

You can simply remove the orthodontic wax using clean hands, but in some cases, you may find there is some wax left over, which should be removed to ensure bacteria doesn’t accumulate. You can remove any excess wax by gently brushing with a toothbrush, or by using dental floss or an interdental brush. To ensure you remove any leftover wax that might be remaining, you should rinse your mouth with water.

Where to buy dental wax for braces or aligners

If you need orthodontic wax for your braces or aligners and you’re wondering where to buy some, you can purchase it from most pharmacies.

Impress clear aligners - a painless alternative to metal braces

Although orthodontic wax can be used for both braces and aligners, it is much less commonly used for aligner treatment. Traditional braces generally cause more discomfort and irritation to the mouth, and this discomfort can last for the duration of your treatment. With aligners, this very rarely happens. You may feel some discomfort the first few days after having them fitted (while your mouth adapts to them), but, once a few days have passed, it is rare for aligners to cause discomfort or irritation to the mouth.

If you want to avoid the pain and discomfort of traditional braces and are seeking a discreet and comfortable alternative, a clear aligner treatment from Impress could be the solution for you.

To find out more about our clear aligners, or to discover what other treatments we offer, you can visit our team at your nearest Impress clinic. Alternatively, you can also book an appointment online, by calling us at +44 20 3808 1072 or via WhatsApp.