How to Put Wax on Your Braces?

At Hook Orthodontics, we believe in running a practice, not a business. We will provide all the information and recommendations necessary to parents, for making the best decisions they feel is best for their child or themselves. Our staff and Dr. Hook, are always available to answer questions and help you understand every aspect of your orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure about anything, let us know at your next appointment or give us a call with a question, one of our staff members will give you the tools and knowledge to help you understand everything during your treatment.

So, you now have braces! Congratulations, your on your way to a healthier beautiful smile. When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures. Overall you may feel uncomfortable the first few days with braces. That is where dental wax comes in.

How to Put Wax on Your Braces:

• Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best. 
• Step 2: Wash your hands.
• Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax 
• Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
• Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
• Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces

If you want to remove the dental wax, you can use floss. Be gentle, not to damage your teeth or gums.

What is Dental Wax?

Dental wax is “a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface,” according to Colgate. Dental wax is important for discomfort relief when a bracket breaks or a wire breaks and pokes out. Just add some dental wax on your gums and can help prevent pain while your wait for your next appointment. Dental wax is used as a temporary relief.

Is it Safe? 

Dental wax is safe to apply in your mouth. It is made from natural waxes and is perfectly safe, “Some dental wax products are made from beeswax or carnauba wax, while others are made from paraffin.” If you accidently eat (swallow) a little bit of wax, maybe while speaking, applying the wax or eating food, don’t worry, it is safe. Dental wax is flavorless, however some are slightly flavored.

How Does it Work?

According to Colgate, “the special properties of dental wax make it perfect for protecting your gums from the metal edges of braces. The wax is solid at room temperature, but can be softened and shaped by the warmth of your hands. Smoothed onto braces, it sticks to them and creates a buffer between the brackets and the gums. Dental wax remains smooth while in the mouth, and harmlessly flakes away or peels off as it breaks down.”

Care for Your Teeth: 

You can live your life while dental wax is on your braces and do normal things, such as eating, drinking water, brushing your teeth and of course, smiling bright. Follow your ordinary healthy routines when it comes to your teeth, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash, to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay while wearing braces.

Brushing your teeth with braces, can be a bit difficult, especially at the beginning. A rule we always stick to, is to always brush your teeth after every meal. Before you brush, rinse your mouth with water. This will loosen food stuck in and around your braces. Start brushing at the gumline, and place the toothbrush on top of the brackets, and brush on top of each bracket. Then brush the bottom of the bracket and wires. Gently and slowly, make sure not to miss a tooth and go above and below the bracket. This is to reach almost all of the tooth’s surface.

“Use a floss threader to make flossing with braces easier. Soft picks can help brush very tight spaces. After brushing, you can help prevent cavities by rinsing with a mouthwash.”

Dental wax is available to help you ease the discomfort while wearing braces. It’s also a great temporary fixture that will help you transition from the beginning stages of orthodontic treatment, while you adjust to braces. You can always ask Dr. Hook or our staff advice, questions or how to apply dental wax, if you are still unsure how to.


Sources:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/how-to-brush-teeth-with-braces-0513
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/early-orthodontics/how-to-use-wax-for-braces