After we put on a patient’s braces here at Shirck Orthodontics, we always send them home with a small container of dental wax. This often inspires people to ask, “Why?” Are we encouraging them to make little pieces of art while they wait for their treatment to conclude? While that’s a great idea, in truth, dental wax can help make adjusting to braces much more comfortable, ensuring someone’s journey towards a new smile starts as smoothly as possible. Your orthodontist in Powell explains below.
What Exactly is Dental Wax?
The wax we provide is quite different from the kind you’ll find in candles or those used for spa treatments. Dental wax is usually made of natural materials, such as carnauba wax, beeswax, or paraffin wax, which are mixed with modifiers to make it more durable and easily pliable.
Why is Wax Used with Braces?
Right after someone receives braces, their mouth will need a few days to adapt. The presence of metal brackets and wires can often irritate the nearby cheeks and lips. Rather than just enduring the discomfort, a patient can take a small portion of the wax and apply it to cover the part of the braces that is causing the problem. This will stop the unwanted rubbing instantly while also allowing the soft tissue to heal. The mouth receives a lot of blood flow, so this process is usually quite quick. Afterward, the oral tissue will be a bit tougher than before, so the braces shouldn’t cause an issue moving forward. If they do, the patient can simply apply more wax to repeat the process.
How to Use Dental Wax
After washing your hands and brushing your teeth to remove any bacteria and food debris, pinch off a small amount of dental wax and roll it into a ball. Most of the time, you will only need a piece that is about half the size of a pea. Take this ball and use it to cover any area of the braces that is causing discomfort.
It’s OK to eat with dental wax in your mouth, but depending on its location, it may be easier to take it out and replace it after your meal. If you end up accidentally swallowing some wax, don’t worry—it’s non-toxic.
What to Do When Wax is Not Enough
If dental wax doesn’t seem to be helping with you or your child’s sore spots due to metal braces in Powell, then you should definitely call your orthodontist. They’ll take a look at the brackets and wires and make small changes so that the fit is more comfortable.
Braces might not feel great at first, but the smiles they create are well worth the initial tenderness, and with the help of dental wax, a patient can enjoy complete comfort from the very beginning of their treatment.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Shirck has helped countless children and adults achieve the smiles of their dreams using personalized care along with the latest techniques and technology, and he’s done so while always making people’s comfort a top priority. Enhancing the smile should be a pleasant experience, which is why he goes the extra mile to ensure everyone’s appliance fits perfectly. To learn more about dental wax or braces, you’re always welcome to give Shirck Orthodontics a call. If you or your child could benefit from braces, be sure to schedule a FREE initial consultation today.