Dental Wax for relief from irritation that may be caused by wires and brackets.
The unique 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. When smoothed onto the braces that irritate, 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.
Directions:
1. Wash your hands
2. Brush all of your teeth
3. Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a small pea
4. Squeeze until it softens and roll it into a ball, then flatten the ball slightly
5. Gently push the wax onto the problem area of the braces. You can also use your tongue to adjust the wax if it’s helpful.
Keep in mind, if your wire continues to protrude or become out of place, contact your orthodontist so that they can adjust it.
As far as how long dental wax should stay in place, you can wear it overnight and replace the wax as needed, though you should replace it every two days. While you can eat and drink with wax, you should remove it if food becomes stuck or the wax gets dirty.
You can remove the wax and then brush your teeth and make sure you clean the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Brush twice a day, and use your floss or interdental cleaning device to clean between the teeth. Rinse with a mouthrinse with fluoride to strengthen the teeth while wearing braces.