How to Use Wax for Braces for Maximum Comfort and Relief?
Everyone wants to achieve a straight and bright smile in this era. If you or your kid has braces, you might feel the discomfort now and then. Using braces to straighten up crooked teeth comes with several challenges. But with an orthodontic aid, it’s now possible to reduce the inconvenience, and that’s all possible with dental wax for braces.
Orthodontics Scottsdale has a team of professionals available to help with your concerns about braces and teeth. Explore our blog to learn how to treat unhealthy gums, maintain teeth cleanliness in kids, and more.
Visit our clinic in Scottsdale and get an expert opinion about how to keep wearing braces, the correct braces type, and how to use orthodontic wax with braces.
What is Braces Wax?
A braces wax, also known as dental wax, is specially formulated to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by the braces.
Initially, the brace wires start pinching against the soft gums, which causes inconvenience. The dental wax is applied to reduce the friction between your mouth and braces.
This is also a fantastic product that helps heal sore gums due to braces and prevents them from further injury.
Moreover, it is a very user-friendly and cost-friendly product that the dentist highly recommends.
Studies reveal that medicated braces wax that contains benzocaine has a potential effect on the pain and irritation caused by the wires and brackets of the braces.
What is Braces Wax Made Up Of?
The wax is formulated with natural ingredients such as beeswax and carnauba wax.
A few ingredients, such as mint, cinnamon, and honey, are added to the natural wax to enhance its flavor and texture color.
Some waxes are made from beeswax; others are formulated from microcrystalline or paraffin wax derived from petroleum.
The wax flavor is changed with additional substances to make it more user-friendly. Some of its flavors include:
How Does Braces Wax Work?
It offers several benefits to patients who use braces to straighten their teeth. The unique properties of different ingredients in the wax offer protection to the teeth and gums.
Moreover, when stored at room temperature, the wax is solid but can be converted into liquid with the warmth of your hands.
Apply the wax on the braces to soothe the irritated gums as it stick to them, creating a barrier between brackets and gums.
Once you apply it, your wax may get separated from your teeth via the layer formation as it breaks down and peels off easily.
The application of wax is simple and easy to remove after use. It is an ideal product for kids and adults at the beginning of their braces journey.
According to the Canadian Association of Orthodontists, a small amount of ingested by the kids is safe.
How to Put on Braces Wax?
Whether you are trying to create a buffer between your braces and teeth or looking for a product to protect your gums, ensure you learn and apply the wax correctly.
Make sure you take wax and follow these instructions:
Avoid using large quantities of wax in a single go. If the wax protrudes or moves from its place, consult your orthodontist. With the help of an interdental stick or floss, remove it.
How Long Wax is Safe in the Mouth?
Luckily, there is no harm in keeping the mouth wax on the teeth for a long time. You can replace the wax with new wax twice a day.
The best way is to pull it off when it starts coming, as it indicates that the wax needs to be replaced.
Keeping the wax in the mouth for long, such as for more than a day, is harmful as it allows the bacteria to grow and develop cavities.
The food residues get stuck on the wax surface, providing excessive surface area for the oral bacteria to grow.
So, the best way to apply it for a longer time is to have a meal, clean the teeth, and then use wax.
Avoid eating or drinking when the orthodontic wax is in your mouth to let it stay long.
FAQs
Is it safe to sleep with wax on braces?
Yes, an orthodontic wax can be used at night before sleep. If the braces irritate your gums, the best way is to apply the wax at night to prevent any disturbance with food intake.
Is orthodontic wax safe to swallow?
Yes, the minute quantities of wax are safe if swallowed. The dentists don’t recommend eating or drinking while the wax is applied, as it can be ingested with the food. The minor toxic dental wax will naturally pass through your system without causing any harm.
How much does the best wax for braces cost?
There are several braces wax options to choose from. Usually, the dental wax comes in pieces of 10 for only $9.99, whereas you can also choose other options that are slightly expensive.
Is it reasonable to put wax on braces?
Yes, it is safe and considered an excellent tool to protect your gums from damage. It helps reduce the pain and discomfort due to the friction between teeth and braces.
