Apply Dental Wax on Braces

If you have braces you may find that they rub against the insides of your cheeks or lips. Sore spots on the inside of your mouth can develop because of this, especially in the first days and weeks of you wearing braces. The best way to treat this is simply by applying a little dental wax to your braces. The wax helps to make a barrier between your braces and your lips, cheeks, tongue and gums.[1] The wax is easy to apply and will most likely have been supplied to you by your orthodontist.

Steps

Getting Ready

  1. Acquire a box of dental wax. When you first received your braces, it is likely that your orthodontist gave you a pack with some essential supplies. Dental wax should have been included in the pack.[2] If you lose it or run out, you can easily buy another box from your local drugstore, or ask your orthodontist for some more.
    • You will probably find that your braces irritate the inside of your mouth most when you first have them, so they will require more wax.
    • Over time, the skin on the inside of your mouth may toughen up and you may find you require less wax.[1]
  2. Wash your hands. Scrub your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, then dry them thoroughly. You don't want to bring any bacteria into your mouth, especially if you have a cut or sore.
  3. Shape a small ball of wax. Pull off a little piece of wax from the pack and roll it with your fingers into a ball shape. You want it to be just big enough to cover the bracket or wire irritating your mouth.[3] A blob the size of a popcorn kernel or pea will usually do the job.
    • Roll the wax for at least five seconds. The warmth from your fingers will soften it and make it easier to use.
    • Using too much wax may result in the wax falling off.
  4. Locate painful areas. Wax can cover up any area where sharp or rough metal is irritating your inner lips and cheeks. The most common places are the brackets on your front teeth, and the sharp wires at the far back of your mouth. Pull your cheek out and look for any bright red or swollen areas, or gently probe your cheek to find tender areas. You should protect all of these before they develop into cuts, or get infected.
    • If you're having trouble seeing, use a metal rod or small spoon to push out your cheek.
  5. Brush your teeth. This isn't completely necessary, but it may reduce bacteria buildup and keep the wax cleaner.[1] At least remove any food stuck in the braces where you plan to apply the wax.
  6. Dry off your braces. Before you apply the wax, dry off your braces with a tissue.[2] The drier the area is, the longer the wax will stick.

Applying the Wax

  1. Press the wax over the painful area. Using your thumb and forefinger, press the ball of wax over the bracket or wire causing you pain. If the wire is at the back of your mouth, push as far as you can, then withdraw your thumb and use your forefinger and tongue to position the wax.
    • The wax is edible and non-toxic, so it doesn't matter if you swallow it.[1]
  2. Rub it in place. Rub your forefinger over the wax a couple times to stick it in place. The wax should still stick out a little, forming a small bump.
  3. Allow the wax to work. Once you have applied wax to your braces, your mouth should heal itself quite quickly.[2] The wax barrier stops the irritation and allows the mouth the time to heal any sore spots. As you become accustomed to your braces, you will find they cause less and less irritation and you won't have to use the wax as often.
  4. Reapply the wax regularly. Keep some wax on you when you are out and about.[3] Replace the wax twice a day, or whenever it starts to fall off. Do not leave it on for more than two days, as bacteria can build up in the wax.
    • The wax will pick up food as you eat. If the braces are too painful to let you eat without wax, replace the dirty wax after you finish your meal.
    • Take off the wax before brushing your teeth, or you'll get wax caught in your toothbrush.[3]
  5. Consider dental silicone. One common alternative to dental wax is dental silicone. This comes in strips that you apply to braces. The silicone is more resilient as it impervious to the saliva and enzymes in your mouth, which means that you will have to reapply it less frequently.[3]
    • The downside is that your braces must be completely dry before you apply it.[1]
    • If you want to try silicone, ask your dentist for a tester pack, or buy a small amount from the store and test it out for a few days.
  6. Contact your orthodontist if the pain persists. If you have tried wax and silicone and they haven't helped, get in touch with your orthodontist. Persistent irritation and sores can become infected and lead to more serious problems. If you are having a really tough time with your braces, don't be shy about getting in touch with your orthodontist. They will help make them more comfortable.[2]

Tips

  • Some orthodontists give wax for free.
  • Don't be afraid that the wax will get stuck permanently. The wax will start to crumble after a day or so.
  • If you don't have any store-bought wax or unable to find any, you can use the red wax rind of the Babybel (Edam) cheese as an alternative. Just take a small piece and warm it up in your clean hands. Once it has softened, place over the area that is bothering the inside of your mouth.

Warnings

  • Never put chewing gum on your braces. It may stick permanently, or you could accidentally swallow it.
  • When done applying the wax, some people may have a small to large lisp depending on how big the wax is.
  • Aches are not caused by sharp metal, and will not be fixed by wax. Your teeth will ache for a while after your orthodontist installs or tightens you braces. If they ache for more than a few days, contact your orthodontist.

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 http://www.archwired.com/FAQ-Keeping_Your_Braces_Clean.htm
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 http://craigdavisorthodontics.com/first-days-with-braces/
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 http://www.dental-care-advisor.com/dental-wax-for-braces.html
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