What Is Orthodontic Wax?
Orthodontic wax is a small strip or block of soft, pliable material designed specifically for use on braces. Most orthodontic wax is made from paraffin wax, beeswax, or carnauba wax. It is non-toxic, tasteless, and safe to use inside your mouth.
When you have braces, the brackets and wires create rough edges that can rub against the soft tissue inside your cheeks, lips, and tongue. This is especially common during the first week or two after braces are placed and after each adjustment appointment. Orthodontic wax creates a smooth, protective layer over those rough spots so the tissue can heal.
How Orthodontic Wax Works
The wax sticks to the metal surface of your brackets and wires by body heat and gentle pressure. Once in place, it forms a barrier between the braces hardware and your mouth tissue. This prevents further friction and allows any existing sores or irritation to heal.
Orthodontic wax does not interfere with your braces or slow down your treatment. It simply sits on the surface and can be removed and replaced as needed. Your orthodontist may provide wax at your appointments, and it is also available at most pharmacies and online.
How to Apply Orthodontic Wax: Step by Step
Applying orthodontic wax correctly takes less than a minute. Follow these steps for the best results.
Step-by-Step Application
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling the wax.
- Identify the bracket, wire, or hook that is causing irritation. Use a mirror and good lighting.
- Dry the area around the bracket with a tissue or cotton ball. The wax adheres better to a dry surface.
- Tear off a small piece of wax, about the size of a pea. Too much wax will not stick as well.
- Roll the piece between your fingers for a few seconds. Your body heat softens it and makes it easier to mold.
- Press the wax firmly over the bracket or wire. Push it into any gaps or rough edges so it forms a complete seal.
- Smooth the edges of the wax with your finger so it blends over the bracket surface.
How to Remove Orthodontic Wax
Remove old wax before applying new wax and before brushing your teeth. In most cases, you can peel the wax off with your fingers. If a small piece stays stuck to the bracket, use an interdental brush or your toothbrush to gently dislodge it.
Always brush and floss thoroughly after removing wax. Food particles can get trapped between the wax and the bracket, so maintaining your normal oral hygiene routine is important.
When to Use Orthodontic Wax
You can use orthodontic wax any time your braces are causing discomfort. Some situations call for it more than others.
Common Situations for Using Wax
- The first 1 to 2 weeks after braces are placed, when your mouth is adjusting to the new hardware.
- After adjustment appointments, when tightened wires and repositioned brackets create new friction points.
- When a bracket edge or hook is rubbing a sore spot on your inner cheek or lip.
- When a wire end is poking out past the last bracket and irritating your cheek (as a temporary measure before your orthodontist can trim it).
- Before playing sports or physical activities where impact could push braces hardware into soft tissue.
- At bedtime, when you cannot consciously avoid pressing your cheek against a rough spot.
How Long Does Orthodontic Wax Last?
A single application of orthodontic wax typically lasts several hours under normal conditions. Eating, drinking, and talking can cause the wax to loosen and fall off sooner. Hot drinks and foods are especially likely to soften the wax and reduce its hold.
Most patients find they need to reapply wax 2 to 4 times per day, particularly after meals. There is no limit on how often you can apply it. Keep a container of wax with you so you can reapply whenever needed.
As your mouth adjusts to braces over the first few weeks, you will likely need wax less frequently. Many patients stop needing it entirely after the initial adjustment period, except occasionally after tightening appointments.
Can You Eat with Orthodontic Wax On?
You can eat with orthodontic wax on your braces, but it may come off during the meal. Chewing can dislodge the wax, especially with sticky, crunchy, or hard foods. If the wax falls off while eating, you may accidentally swallow it. This is not a health concern because orthodontic wax is non-toxic and will pass through your digestive system without any effect.
For best results, remove the wax before eating, brush your teeth after the meal, dry the bracket, and apply fresh wax. This also prevents food from getting trapped under the wax and against the bracket, which could contribute to plaque buildup.
Alternatives to Orthodontic Wax
While orthodontic wax is the most common solution for braces irritation, several alternatives are available.
Silicone Dental Covers
Silicone-based bracket covers are a newer alternative to traditional wax. They are made from medical-grade silicone and tend to stay in place longer than wax, including during meals. Some brands are reusable after washing. Silicone covers are typically more expensive than wax but may be worth it for patients who find themselves reapplying wax frequently.
Oral Pain Relief Products
Topical oral anesthetics containing benzocaine can numb sore spots caused by braces. These are applied directly to the irritated tissue and provide temporary pain relief. They do not prevent further irritation the way wax does, so they work best when used alongside wax, not as a replacement.
Saltwater rinses (half a teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water) can also soothe irritated tissue and promote healing of minor sores. Rinse gently for 30 seconds and spit.
When to Call Your Orthodontist Instead of Using Wax
Orthodontic wax is a temporary comfort measure. It is not a substitute for professional adjustment when something is wrong with your braces.
Contact your orthodontist if a wire has broken or shifted significantly out of position. A loose or broken bracket that spins freely on the wire needs professional reattachment. If a wire end is poking your cheek and cannot be covered adequately with wax, your orthodontist can trim it in a quick appointment. Persistent sores that do not improve after a week of using wax may indicate a bracket or wire that needs repositioning.
If you develop signs of infection around a sore spot, such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge, contact your orthodontist or dentist promptly.
Cost and Where to Buy Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax is inexpensive and widely available. A single container typically costs $2 to $5 and contains enough wax for several weeks of regular use. It is sold at most pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers. Look for it in the oral care aisle near toothbrushes and floss.
Most orthodontic offices provide a starter supply of wax when your braces are placed and will give you additional wax at appointments if you ask. Some offices include wax in a take-home care kit along with a special toothbrush, floss threaders, and other braces care essentials.
Find an Orthodontist Near You
If your braces are causing persistent discomfort that wax alone cannot resolve, it may be time for a professional adjustment. Search for orthodontists on My Specialty Dentist to find a provider in your area with verified specialty credentials.
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