Ortho Living: Does Wax for Braces Dissolve?

Everything You Need to Know About Dental Wax

One of the burdens of braces is that sometimes they poke and prod at the inside of your mouth. Luckily, dental wax (also called orthodontic wax) is the go-to solution for anyone adjusting their smile with braces! Today, we’re going to talk to you about one of the best tools that you can use to keep comfortable during your transformation – including what dental wax is, how to use it, and what it’s like!

Does wax for braces dissolve or just stick around in your mouth? Does it taste funny? Can you swallow the wax? If these questions have been bugging you, stay tuned! The professionals at Pachter Orthodontics are here to give you the low-down.

What is Dental Wax for Braces?

We’re not going to beat around the bush. Dental wax is just plain rad. It’s an all-natural wax that is designed to protect your gums (and the soft tissue of your mouth) when a bracket or wire is a little too sharp.

Most orthodontic waxes are made from beeswax, carnauba wax, or paraffin wax. Why are these materials so good for your metal or ceramic braces? At room temperature, the wax is hard – but once you warm it up in your hands, it becomes soft and easy to shape! When you apply the wax, it coats the brackets and creates a wall between your mouth and the metal.

That’s right, it’s an easy path to pain-free protection!

How to Apply Dental Wax

Applying dental wax is probably the easiest thing you’ll do with your braces (besides just wearing them).

• Wash Your Hands: This is always the first step since you’ll be putting your fingers in your mouth. Washing your hands prevents any unwanted germs from transferring from your fingers!
• Brush Your Teeth: You’ll be putting the wax directly on your braces. Brushing your teeth will keep food particles from being trapped against your teeth. Always take care of your oral health!
• Pinch Off a Piece of Wax: You’ll only need a small amount of wax – a pea-sized pinch will do just fine!
• Soften the Wax: Rolling the wax between your fingers will warm it up and get it soft enough to move around.
• Apply to Braces: Simply press the softened wax onto your braces where the brackets or wires are poking you. Smooth it over with your finger or press it into place with your tongue until you’re comfortable!

Replace the wax after you eat or every two days. Dental wax does not dissolve, but over time the wax will flake off or peel away as it wears down. Replacing it frequently will keep the wax clean and your mouth comfortable!

Where Can I Get Orthodontic Wax?

At the start of any orthodontic treatments, your orthodontist will probably give you a care kit that includes a packet of dental wax. Right after you get your braces (and any time they are adjusted) you’ll want to make sure to have plenty of wax on hand to protect your mouth from the bits of metal.

Once you’ve gone through your first installment of orthodontic wax, it’s simple to get more. Just visit your local pharmacy and pick it up in the dental care section!

Staying POsitive with Pachter

Getting braces or Invisalign can be scary. Many patients worry about unpleasant pains and how braces look. However, with today’s tooth tech, orthodontic offices can offer low-profile, comfortable braces for all of their patients! And when the going gets tough? We have the power of dental wax.

If you need help with your braces or have a question about orthodontic wax, call and schedule a check-up with Pachter Orthodontics. We’re always here to help you keep your smile journey simple, comfortable, and POsitively awesome!