More than 4 million people in the United States have braces. Of those people, around 25% are adults.
Whether you or your child need braces, you might be wondering about whether braces hurt or not. One thing you may have heard of is wax for braces. Using dental wax on traditional braces can help protect your mouth and prevent irritation, making braces more comfortable.
Are you interested in learning more? Stick with us as we cover everything you need to know about braces and dental wax.
A Note on the Types of Braces
Many people envision the traditional metal style when they think of braces. However, there are actually many types of braces, and you have plenty of options when choosing one.
Metal braces have brackets and wires. Traditional braces made of metal are fairly common and aren’t as noticeable or uncomfortable as they once used to be. In fact, the special heat-activated wires used can help move the teeth as you wear them, meaning adjustments are less painful, and the braces align your teeth more efficiently.
Ceramic braces are less noticeable than metal braces. They work much like traditional braces but are more expensive. They can also stain if the patient doesn’t care for them the right way.
Lingual braces go inside the teeth, meaning they’re invisible from the outside. This type can be a little more uncomfortable, and both cleaning and adjustments are a little tougher.
Lastly, there are clear aligners, sometimes called clear braces. While these might be the most comfortable type of braces, it does take longer to align the teeth using this method.
Certain types of braces may cause more irritation than others. Talk with your orthodontist about your options.
What Is Dental Wax?
Dental wax is a clear wax made from natural materials such as beeswax, carnauba, or paraffin wax. You can get orthodontic wax in flavorless or flavored options.
The point of this wax is to help protect the inside of your mouth from wires and brackets that can irritate the soft tissue.
Early on in treatment, it can take some time to get used to the feeling of traditional metal braces until you adjust. The tongue and cheeks can be particularly sensitive. Thankfully, using wax for braces can help alleviate this discomfort.
Can Using Wax for Braces Help?
First off, many people wonder, do braces hurt? The answer to that is while braces can cause some discomfort, even pain, there are plenty of things you can do to make the experience more comfortable.
Using OTC pain medicine, such as Tylenol, can help. Using braces wax can also protect your mouth as you get used to the feeling of having braces. In time, it gets easier to adjust to the sensation.
Your orthodontist can also make adjustments if the pain seems like too much.
Make sure to listen to your orthodontist regarding foods you should avoid when wearing braces, as certain foods can damage or even break your braces. Food particles like popcorn kernels can also get stuck in your braces or gums, making cleaning harder and increasing the chance of infections.
If you follow the rules for cleaning your braces, avoid the foods you’re supposed to, and use tools like orthodontic wax, then you can make your experience more comfortable.
How to Use Dental Wax
Now that you know a little more about dental wax, you should understand how to use it. Your orthodontist should walk you through the process, but this is what you can expect:
- Step 1: Brush your teeth and clean your braces
- Step 2: Wash your hands to prevent spreading bacteria
- Step 3: Take a small piece of wax and roll it between your fingers to soften it
- Step 4: Press the wax over the bracket causing the irritation
Make sure not to use too much wax, as it can sometimes fall off in your mouth or become uncomfortable. When you need to remove the wax, do so using your fingers or a toothbrush.
Common Questions About Braces Wax
If you or your child is new to the possibility of braces, it’s likely you have a lot of questions. You’re not alone. Here are some common questions people have about using braces wax.
Can You Eat or Drink With Dental Wax?
If you’re wearing dental wax, you can eat and drink. However, food can stick to your wax, meaning it’s often best to remove the wax before eating. If you find it too uncomfortable, make sure to remove the dirty wax after meals.
Is Orthodontic Wax Safe to Swallow?
If you’ve accidentally swallowed your wax, there’s no need to worry. Dental wax is non-toxic and safe since you have to place it in your mouth.
Can You Get It in Different Flavors?
Most orthodontic wax has no flavor, but you can get yours flavored. Mint is the most common flavor you’ll find. Some types of wax even have vitamin E to help protect your mouth further.
How Often Should You Apply It?
You can apply orthodontic wax as often as you feel you need to. In the beginning, you may notice more soreness and discomfort, and you may rely more heavily on using the wax. Many people with braces also find it helps to apply dental wax after an adjustment.
Dental wax eventually wears away by itself, but it’s important to remove dirty wax after eating. You can reapply it as needed.
Talk to Your Orthodontist for More Tips
Using braces shouldn’t be a scary experience, and the beautiful smile you’ll have afterward will make the process worth it.
Are you ready to imagine your beautiful teeth after braces? Hopefully, this guide taught you more about what to expect regarding using wax for braces to minimize the discomfort you might feel. Don’t be afraid to speak to your orthodontist, especially if your pain persists.
Are you interested in more tips like these? Make sure to go and check out our other helpful posts on healthy living, self-improvement, and much more!