Do I Need To Use Orthodontic Wax?

If you are an orthodontic patient, you might have come across situations where the sharp edges of your braces of a broken wire would impinge on your oral soft tissues and cause discomfort. Unfortunately, many orthodontic patients face the same problem during their treatment and are not aware of what to do in such situations. 

If you’ve recently started wearing braces and your orthodontist has given you a pack of wax, you might be wondering what it is used for. This type of wax is called orthodontic wax and it is primarily used for preventing injury to the oral soft tissues caused by the sharp edges of braces or broken wire edges. If you want to know more about orthodontic waxes, this article is for you. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about them. 

How To Use Wax For Braces?

According to the British Orthodontic Society, it is possible to experience some discomfort or pain after wearing an orthodontic appliance such as braces or fixed retainers. This discomfort should go away in a few days as your mouth gets used to the appliance. However, as a temporary measure, you may apply orthodontic wax over the sharp edge of the bracket to minimise the discomfort. The purpose of orthodontic relief wax is to provide temporary relief against pain or discomfort caused by impinging sharp edges of orthodontic appliances. 

I Just Got My Braces And The Wire Is Sticking Out. What Do I Do?

If you have one end of your orthodontic wire sticking out, it can injure your soft tissues. So, the best solution to prevent injury is to apply orthodontic wax over it so that its sharp edges are rounded off. If orthodontic wax is not available, you can chew a sugar-free gum and place it over the exposed edge of the wire. 

How To Prevent Braces From Rubbing The Inside Of My Cheek?

The sharp edges of orthodontic brackets can cause irritation in the mouth. The best way to prevent this is to apply orthodontic wax over the sharp edge. However, if someone doesn’t have utility wax, they can also apply a chewed piece of sugar-free gum over it. However, it should be remembered that this is only a temporary measure and if the irritation persists, you should contact your orthodontist for the identification and treatment of the underlying cause. Remember, a bracket or a broken wire that is persistently causing irritation can cause various complications. So, the problem should be addressed timely. 

Are Braces The Cause Of Canker Sores?

According to Healthline, a canker sore is an open, painful ulcer of the mouth. It is also the most commonly occurring type of oral ulcer. While it may not be possible for dental braces to cause canker sores or aphthous ulcers, it is certainly possible to trigger them. Why? Because oral aphthous ulcers can also be triggered due to stress and local tissue irritation. In fact, canker sores are more commonly seen in braces wearers who have had oral ulcers in the past. 

How To Make Braces More Comfortable?

Many braces wearers experience discomfort and pain immediately after getting them. However, in most cases, it goes away in a few days as they get used to the new appliances in their mouth. But if someone is experiencing irritation or discomfort due to the sharp edges of their brackets, they can apply a piece of utility or orthodontic wax to reduce the pain. Moreover, if the discomfort is due to a broken edge of a wire, it should be covered with utility wax or sugar-free gum and replaced by your orthodontist as soon as possible. 

Can You Eat With Orthodontic Wax?

Technically yes, you can eat while having wax in your mouth, but it is not recommended to do so. Why? Because it is possible for the food particles to stick to the wax, making cleaning difficult and increasing the risk of plaque and tartar deposition. However, you may drink liquids and eat a soft diet with dental wax. If it is not possible to eat without dental wax because of a broken wire, you should remove it immediately after eating and replace it with a fresh piece. 

Can You Eat Orthodontic Wax?

Dental waxes are non-toxic. So technically yes, you can eat dental wax. In fact, you may swallow small amounts of dental wax with the saliva. While it is not recommended to ingest dental wax, don’t worry or panic if you accidentally do so. It will cause adverse effects and your body will dispose of it like other food items. 

Where To Buy Orthodontic Wax?

If you have just started orthodontic treatment with braces, chances are that your orthodontist will provide you with a pack of utility or orthodontic wax at your first appointment. If you have already used the wax given by your orthodontist, you can head over to any local pharmacy and ask for “dental wax” or “utility wax” for braces. You may also buy orthodontic wax online. 

Are you considering orthodontic treatment for straightening your teeth in Middlesbrough? Your best option is Cleveland Orthodontics. With a highly qualified and experienced team of dentists, and state-of-the-art dental diagnostic and therapeutic equipment, we will ensure that you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment with us. So, contact us today for a consultation to discuss your treatment options. 

A lasting, healthy, and beautiful smile awaits you at Cleveland Orthodontics.