Your braces can cause irritation and discomfort, especially during the first few weeks of wearing them. One way to relieve this discomfort is to apply wax to the braces. Wax can help to create a barrier between the braces and your gums and cheeks, preventing them from rubbing against the metal and causing irritation. In addition, wax can help to keep food particles from getting stuck between the braces and your teeth, which can lead to cavities.
There are two types of wax that can be used on braces: orthodontic wax and dental wax. Orthodontic wax is specifically designed for use on braces, and it is available in a variety of flavors. Dental wax is a more general-purpose wax that can also be used on braces, but it may not be as effective as orthodontic wax. To apply wax to your braces, simply take a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball. Then, place the ball of wax on the area of the braces that is causing irritation. The wax will soften and mold to the shape of the braces, creating a protective barrier.
Wax can be applied to braces as needed, but it is important to remove the wax before eating or drinking. Wax can also be removed by brushing your teeth or rinsing your mouth with water. If you have any questions about how to apply wax to your braces, be sure to talk to your orthodontist.
Applying a Thin Layer of Wax
To prevent discomfort from the sharp edges of braces, a thin layer of wax can be applied to the areas that are rubbing against your gums or cheeks. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
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Clean your braces:
Use a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove any food or debris from your braces. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
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Soften the wax:
Roll a small piece of orthodontic wax between your fingers to soften it and make it pliable.
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Apply the wax:
Gently roll the softened wax into a small ball and place it on the sharp edge of the bracket or wire that is causing irritation. Use your finger or a cotton swab to smooth the wax over the edge.
| Tips: |
|---|
| – Use a small amount of wax at a time. Too much wax can make it difficult to speak or eat. |
| – If the wax becomes dislodged, replace it as needed. |
| – You can also use orthodontic wax to secure loose brackets or wires. |
Covering the Brackets and Bands
Waxing braces can provide relief from discomfort caused by brackets or bands rubbing against the inside of your mouth. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply wax:
1. Clean and Dry Braces
Before applying wax, ensure your braces are clean by brushing your teeth. Rinse your mouth thoroughly and dry your braces with a clean towel.
2. Prepare Wax
Use a pair of clean scissors to cut off a small piece of wax. The size should be about the diameter of a pencil eraser.
3. Roll Wax into a Ball
Roll the wax between your fingers to form a small, smooth ball. This will help the wax adhere better to the braces.
4. Apply Wax to Brackets and Bands
Take the wax ball and gently press it onto the brackets or bands that are causing irritation. Use a light touch to avoid dislodging the wax.
Pay particular attention to the areas where the metal is protruding or where the wire ends are poking out. These points can cause the most discomfort.
You can also apply wax to the inside of your lips or cheeks to prevent them from rubbing against the braces.
5. Trim Excess Wax
Use a pair of scissors to trim off any excess wax that may have spread beyond the brackets or bands.
Avoiding Over-Waxing
While waxing is essential for reducing irritation from braces, it’s crucial to avoid over-waxing, as excessive wax can trap bacteria and plaque, leading to gum disease and tooth decay. Here are some tips to prevent over-waxing:
- Use the appropriate amount of wax: Apply only a thin layer of wax to each bracket. Overloading the wax can make it difficult to remove and may cause gum irritation.
- Don’t re-apply wax too frequently: Wax usually lasts for several hours at a time. Avoid re-applying it unless you experience significant discomfort.
- Remove excess wax: After eating or brushing your teeth, gently remove any excess wax from your braces using a cotton swab or orthodontic floss.
- Check for trapped food or debris: If you notice any food or debris trapped beneath the wax, remove it promptly. This will prevent bacteria from accumulating.
- Consult your orthodontist: If you consistently need to re-apply wax or feel excessive discomfort, consult your orthodontist. They can assess your individual situation and provide personalized recommendations.
| Signs of Over-Waxing | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Accumulation of excess wax around braces | Traps bacteria and plaque |
| Difficulty brushing and flossing | Increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay |
| Gum irritation and inflammation | Discomfort and potential bleeding |
Reapplying Wax Regularly
Reapplying wax on your braces is essential to ensure comfort and protect your mouth from irritation. Here are a few tips for reapplying wax effectively:
1. Choose the Right Wax
There are two main types of wax for braces: relief wax and orthodontic wax. Relief wax is softer and more comfortable, while orthodontic wax is more durable. Choose the type of wax that best suits your needs.
2. Wash Your Hands
Before handling wax, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This will help prevent the transfer of bacteria to your braces.
3. Soften the Wax
To make the wax more pliable, soften it by rolling it between your fingers or placing it in warm water for a few seconds. This will make it easier to apply.
4. Apply the Wax
Use a cotton swab or your finger to apply a small amount of wax to the areas of your braces that are rubbing against your cheeks or lips.
5. Remove Excess Wax
Once you have applied the wax, remove any excess by gently rubbing your finger over the area.
6. Check the Wax Regularly
Wax can wear off over time, so check it regularly and reapply as needed. This will help keep your braces comfortable and prevent irritation.
7. How Often to Reapply Wax
The frequency with which you need to reapply wax will vary depending on how much you eat, drink, and talk. As a general rule, you should aim to reapply wax every 2-3 hours, or more often if needed. Here is a table that provides an estimate of how often you may need to reapply wax based on your activities:
| Activity | Frequency of Wax Reapplication |
|---|---|
| Eating or drinking | After every meal or snack |
| Talking extensively | Every 2-3 hours |
| Playing sports or exercising | Every hour or more often |
Removing Wax When Necessary
In the event that your wax becomes dislodged or begins to cause discomfort, it is important to remove it promptly. To do so, follow these steps:
1. **Gather your materials:** You will need a pair of tweezers, a mirror, and a glass of water.
2. **Position yourself:** Stand in front of a mirror so that you can see your braces clearly.
3. **Gently remove the wax:** Use the tweezers to carefully lift the wax off your braces. Be sure to avoid pulling or tugging on the brackets.
4. **Rinse your mouth:** Rinse your mouth with water to remove any residual wax.
5. **Inspect your braces:** Check your braces to make sure that they are not damaged. If you notice any loose or broken brackets, contact your orthodontist immediately.
Tips for Removing Wax
Here are a few tips to make removing wax from your braces easier:
- Use a warm, damp washcloth to soften the wax before removing it.
- If the wax is particularly stubborn, you can try using a dental floss threader to gently remove it.
- Do not use your fingers to remove wax, as this could damage your braces.
Troubleshooting
If you are having difficulty removing wax from your braces, there are a few things you can try:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| The wax is too hard to remove. | Use a warm, damp washcloth to soften the wax before removing it. |
| The wax is stuck to my braces. | Try using a dental floss threader to gently remove the wax. |
| I can’t remove the wax without causing discomfort. | Contact your orthodontist for assistance. |
How To Put Wax On Braces
Putting wax on braces is a simple process that can help to prevent irritation and discomfort. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Take a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball.
- Place the ball of wax on the part of the braces that is causing irritation.
- Press down on the wax until it is flat and covers the area of irritation.
You can change the wax as often as needed, but it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
People Also Ask
How often should I put wax on my braces?
You should put wax on your braces as often as needed to prevent irritation and discomfort. However, it is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection.
Can I put wax on my braces before I eat?
Yes, you can put wax on your braces before you eat to help prevent food from getting stuck in them. However, it is important to remove the wax after you eat so that you can brush and floss your teeth properly.
What happens if I swallow wax from my braces?
If you swallow a small amount of wax from your braces, it is not likely to cause any harm. However, if you swallow a large amount of wax, it could cause an obstruction in your digestive system.
