Find out how to use dental wax for orthodontic appliances like braces or aligners
If you currently have or have previously worn braces or aligners, you're likely familiar with the initial discomfort they can cause. This feeling is normal since your mouth needs time to adjust to these elements. Occasionally, the metal wire or brackets of braces or the sharp edges, attachments, or buttons of aligners can irritate your inner cheeks or tongue. In such cases, dental wax can provide relief.
How does dental wax work and what is it for?
Dental wax, also known as orthodontic wax, is a natural and easily moldable material. Dental wax works by creating a protective barrier between your braces or aligners and your mouth. It is particularly useful when your braces or aligners are causing pain or discomfort.
What is dental wax made of?
Many wonder what dental wax is made of and whether it is safe. The dental wax for braces or aligners is made from safe and natural materials such as paraffin wax, beeswax, and carnauba. These types of wax are chosen because they are malleable enough to be easily molded around your braces or aligners while remaining solid enough to adhere for an extended period.
What is dental wax used for?
If you're wondering what dental wax is used for, we'll explain when you might need to use it for your braces or aligners.
After you have recently had braces fitted or adjusted, the metal wire might poke into your gums or inner cheeks, causing discomfort. Sometimes you may need your orthodontist to trim the wire, but to create a barrier between your mouth and braces for immediate relief, you can mold dental wax around the part of the wire causing pain.
Similarly, when you first start using aligners, their edges might feel uncomfortable, or the added attachments or buttons might irritate your inner cheeks. In these cases, you can mold dental wax over any sharp edges or attachments to relieve discomfort.
How to use dental wax on your orthodontic appliances
So, how do you use orthodontic wax? Here, we'll explain how to use dental wax and how to apply it to your braces or aligners.
- First, ensure that your teeth and hands are clean to avoid bacteria. We recommend brushing your teeth and thoroughly washing your hands before you apply the wax.
- Take a small, pea-sized amount of wax.
- Roll the dental wax between your fingers to warm it up, making it easier to mold into a ball shape.
- Gently push the wax over the part of the aligners or braces that is causing discomfort. Smooth the wax down so that it adheres to the appliance better. The wax will create a barrier around the problem area of your braces or aligners, minimizing the discomfort you feel.
By following these steps on how to apply dental wax to braces or aligners, you can effectively reduce irritation and enhance your comfort.
How to get dental wax to stick properly
If your dental wax is not adhering correctly, below we’ve outlined a few tips on how to get it to stick properly.
- Firstly, make sure your braces or aligners are clean and free of any food particles that could cause the wax to dislodge.
- Next, dry the area where you want to apply the wax since excess saliva can prevent it from sticking properly. You can use a clean tissue or cloth to dry the area.
- Finally, after warming and applying the wax to the area causing discomfort, shape the wax around the brace or aligner and smooth down the edges to create a greater surface area for the wax to adhere to.
How to remove dental wax from your orthodontic appliance
It is usually quite simple to remove dental wax, although how easy it is to remove can vary depending on how firmly the wax is stuck.
You can usually remove orthodontic wax with clean hands. However, if some wax remains, it should be removed to prevent bacterial buildup. Gently brush with a toothbrush or use dental floss or an interdental brush to remove any excess wax. To ensure all leftover wax is gone, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.
Where to buy orthodontic wax for braces or aligners
If you need to purchase orthodontic wax for your braces or aligners and are wondering where to buy it, you can find it at most pharmacies.
A comfortable and pain-free alternative to metal braces with Impress clear aligners
While dental wax can be used for both orthodontic braces and aligners, it is less commonly needed for aligner treatment. Treatment with metal braces often causes more discomfort, which can last throughout the treatment period. In contrast, aligners rarely cause such issues. You may feel some discomfort in the first few days as your mouth adapts, but after this initial period, aligners seldom cause ongoing discomfort or irritation.
If you’re looking for a discreet and virtually pain-free alternative to traditional metal braces, a clear aligner treatment from Impress may be the solution for you.
If you would like to hear more about our clear aligner treatments or find out about what other treatments we offer, you can visit your nearest Impress clinic to talk to our team of experts.
You can also schedule a complimentary consultation online or by calling us at 888.490.1421.
Frequently asked questions about dental wax
Can you eat with dental wax in your mouth?
Although you can eat with dental wax applied to your orthodontic appliance, it is recommended to remove the wax before eating and apply fresh wax afterward. Eating with the wax in place can trap food particles around it, leading to bacterial buildup in your mouth. Additionally, you might accidentally swallow the wax. While the wax is non-toxic and occasional ingestion is not harmful, it is best to avoid this when possible.
Can I reuse dental wax?
While dental wax can be reused, it is not recommended. Keeping the same wax in your mouth for an extended period can lead to bacterial buildup. Therefore, you should use a new piece of wax after brushing your teeth or after eating.
What happens if you swallow dental wax?
Dental wax is natural and non-toxic, so swallowing a small amount occasionally is harmless. However, it is recommended you avoid swallowing the wax as much as possible.
Can you brush your teeth with dental wax applied to your braces?
While you can brush your teeth with dental wax on your braces, it’s best to brush your teeth before you apply the wax. This allows you to prevent bacteria from accumulating around the wax and to ensure a clean surface for better adhesion of the wax.
Can you sleep with dental wax in?
Yes, you can sleep with dental wax on your braces or aligners. It is perfectly safe to use dental wax overnight since it helps protect your mouth from pain caused by braces or aligners. However, you should ensure you apply the wax securely to prevent it from coming off during the night and to avoid swallowing it while you sleep.
Can I drink with orthodontic wax on my braces?
Yes, you can drink with orthodontic wax on your braces or aligners. However, there are important considerations to keep in mind when doing so. Cold or iced drinks can cause the wax to harden, while hot drinks can cause the wax to soften, affecting how it sticks to your braces. Sugary drinks can reduce the effectiveness of dental wax and promote the accumulation of bacteria around it, increasing the risk of cavities. Therefore, we recommend drinking only water while you have wax on your braces or aligners. Additionally, be mindful that drinking in general can dislodge the wax, so take care to avoid accidentally swallowing it.
Is dental wax safe?
Dental wax is safe to use since it is made from natural ingredients such as carnauba, beeswax, and paraffin wax.
How long does dental wax last?
When you apply dental wax, it can usually last for up to a few hours, depending on how much you apply and how often you eat or drink. You may need to reapply it throughout the day to ensure optimum comfort as it begins to lose its effectiveness after a few hours.
