Dental Wax Facts

McClellan Orthodontics

You have braces! Congratulations…you are now on your way to a healthy beautiful smile. When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Overall you may feel uncomfortable the first few days with braces. That is where dental wax comes in.

What is Dental Wax? Dental wax is a soft, harmless gum protector for children and adults with braces that can be used in a pinch to cover brackets and protruding wires with a smooth surface. Dental wax is important for discomfort relief when a bracket breaks or a wire breaks and pokes out. Dental wax is used as a temporary relief.

Is it Safe? Dental wax is made from natural waxes and is perfectly safe. Some dental wax products are made from beeswax or carnauba wax, while others are made from paraffin. If you accidentally swallow a little bit of wax, maybe while speaking, applying the wax or eating food, don’t worry, it is safe.

How Does it Work? The special properties of dental wax make it perfect for protecting your gums from the metal edges of braces. The wax is solid at room temperature, but can be softened and shaped by the warmth of your hands. Smoothed onto braces, it sticks to them and creates a buffer between the brackets and the gums. Dental wax remains smooth while in the mouth, and harmlessly flakes away or peels off as it breaks down.

How to Put Wax on Your Braces:

Step 1: Be sure you have dental wax, you can ask us for recommendations on which we feel is best.

Step 2: Wash your hands.

Step 3: Brush your teeth, where you want to apply the dental wax

Step 4: Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea

Step 5: Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly

Step 6: Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces

Dental wax is available to help you ease the discomfort while wearing braces. While dental wax is on your braces, you can do normal things, such as eating and drinking water. Follow your ordinary healthy routines when it comes to your teeth, brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and using a mouthwash, to keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay while wearing braces.

At McClellan Orthodontics, we provide all the information and recommendations necessary to patients for making the best decisions. Our staff is always available to answer questions and help you understand every aspect of your orthodontic treatment. If you are unsure about anything, let us know at your next appointment or give us a call with a question, one of our staff members will give you the tools and knowledge to help you understand everything during your treatment.