What is orthodontic wax, how to use it, the different varieties of dental wax, and most importantly, where can you buy it are all covered in this article. Read till the end.
What is Orthodontic Wax?
What is orthodontic wax made of?
Orthodontic relief wax is normally made of a mixture of synthetic compounds, including paraffin and microcrystalline waxes. Orthodontic relief wax is solid at room temperature but becomes soft as it heats up from being manipulated. It is malleable enough to be applied in different configurations in the mouth and on dental appliances. It is also specially formulated to adhere to appliances and create a reliable barrier between them and the soft tissues of the mouth.
Benefits of orthodontic relief wax?
This product’s main benefit is protecting your mouth’s soft tissues, including gums, lips, tongue and cheek lining from coming into contact with certain parts of dental appliances.
- Adaptable and User Friendly
- Secures Broken Appliances
- Relieves New Braces Discomfort
- Safe to Use
Orthodontic relief wax is simple, easy-to-use and adaptable to many situations. Because it can take almost any shape, it works just as well for braces as it does for partials and other dental appliances.
Since most orthodontic relief wax is odorless and colorless, it’s very discreet once it’s applied. Some relief waxes are flavored, which adds to the soothing sensation of the wax.
Whatever the reason the appliance is creating discomfort, relief wax can provide a soothing barrier. Applying it is as simple as opening a small, portable box, tearing off a piece of wax, and sticking it directly to the affected area.
Types of Orthodontic Relief Wax
Orthodontic relief wax is typically sold as a packet of wax strips in a small, convenient plastic box. Each strip can be separated and pieces torn off as needed. Most relief wax is colorless and flavorless. Some types come infused with other ingredients, including:
1. MINT WAX
2. WAX WITH VITAMIN E
3. MINT WAX WITH VITAMIN E AND ALOEVERA
There are a variety of box options for relief wax as well, including crystal clear, colorful and scented boxes. Although not as popular as the colorless wax, coloured relief wax is also available on the market.
As with any dental product, consult your dentist for more information before using orthodontic relief wax.
How to use Orthodontic wax
Summary: Use clean hands, to roll some dental wax into a ball. Brush your teeth, then dry off your braces. Press the wax over the bracket or wire and rub it in place. Be sure to reapply the wax regularly, especially after meals.
We have divided the whole process into Two parts for better understanding and make easy to follow steps.
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Getting Ready - Steps mentioned in this part has to be done before applying dental wax on braces. We highly recommend to you follow all.
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Applying Wax - Steps mentioned in this part is the process of applying dental wax on your braces.
PART 1 - GETTING READY
Before Applying The Wax
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- 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. 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.
- 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.
- Brush your teeth. This isn’t completely necessary, but it may reduce bacteria buildup and keep the wax cleaner. At least remove any food stuck in the braces where you plan to apply the wax.
- Dry off your braces. Before you apply the wax, dry off your braces with a tissue. The drier the area is, the longer the wax will stick.
PART 2 - APPLYING THE WAX
How To Apply The Wax?
- Press the wax over the area causing the pain. Using your thumb and forefinger, press the ball of wax over the bracket or wire causing the 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.
- 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.
- Allow the wax to work. Once you have applied wax to your braces, your mouth should heal itself quite quickly. 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.
- Reapply the wax regularly. Keep some wax on you when you are out and about. 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.
- Contact your orthodontist if the pain persists. If you have tried wax a andit has not 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.
FAQs
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Can you eat with Orthodontic wax?
Yes, You can eat while orthodontic wax is applied to your braces. However,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. -
How long does Orthodontic wax last?
Do not leave it on for more than two days, as bacteria can build up in the wax. It is recommended to Replace the wax twice a day, or whenever it starts to fall off. -
Can you brush your teeth with Orthodontic wax?
No, Take off the wax before brushing your teeth, or you’ll get wax caught in your toothbrush. -
Is flavored Orthodontic wax available?
Yes, you can buy Mint flavor Orthodontic Wax, Vitamin E Orthodontic Wax, Vitamin E + AloeVera + Mint Orthodontic wax and Scented color packet orthodontic wax from Carmel Industries. -
From where can I buy best Orthodontic Wax?
You can buy The best Orthodontic wax from Carmel industries. We provide various types of flavored, Scented color packet, Unscented color packet orthodontic wax.