How to use orthodontic wax

Orthodontic wax is a very effective product to mitigate the discomfort that this type of treatment can cause.

The truth is that all dental appliances intended to correct the alignment of the teeth require an adaptation period.

Sometimes only a couple of days are necessary, while on other occasions this adaptation can last up to the first two or three weeks of treatment.

Orthodontic wax prevents friction injuries caused by brackets or other elements used during treatment. It also protects the oral mucosa when there is already an ulceration or sore.

The pain or discomfort are derived mainly from the tooth movement itself that produces the treatment.

However, the appliances used can cause friction to the oral mucosa (tongue, inner face of the cheeks and lips) and cause injuries such as sores or wounds that can cause pain and make it difficult to eat and even speak .

It is precisely in this aspect where orthodontic wax plays a key role both in terms of prevention and protection.

On the one hand, dental wax prevents injuries due to friction; while on the other, it helps protect the mucosa when there is already a sore or wound.

These types of injuries are especially frequent in the case of orthodontic treatments with brackets , whether metal, sapphire or lingual (when the brackets are placed on the inside of the teeth) due to the direct friction they cause on the mucosa oral.

In addition, the orthodontic arch (the metal wire that joins the brackets together) can cause similar injuries if it protrudes more than necessary.

This is why orthodontic wax is often referred to as "bracket wax" .

However, dental wax can also be effective in invisible orthodontic treatments where transparent removable splints are used. Mainly, when the orthodontist must place ' attachments ', small balls of ' composite ' that stick to the surface of the tooth to facilitate the grip of the splint.

Although these items are soft to the touch, they can sometimes be bothersome if there is a pre-existing sore in the area. If so, dental wax can prevent the ' attachment ' from rubbing against the lesion.

Considering the advantages of this product, it is essential to know how to use orthodontic wax so that it is as effective as possible throughout the entire treatment.

Orthodontic wax: how is it used?

Orthodontic wax is presented as fine white bars, completely malleable, which can be easily found in pharmacies and parapharmacies.

But for them to perform their function correctly, you have to know how to use orthodontic wax optimally.

In this sense, the steps to follow are the following:

Brush your teeth, insisting on the area between the device and the part that bothers you. To do this, you can use an interdental brush or an oral irrigator.

Wash your hands well before handling the wax.

Cut a piece of dental wax large enough to cover the surface of the support (bracket or 'atache' ) or the wire that causes chafing. For reference, it should be about the size of a grain of rice.

Soften the wax by rolling it for a few seconds between your fingers. The idea is to give it a rounded and flattened shape.

Thoroughly dry the area where the wax will be placed. It can be done with the help of gauze, a cotton bud or a cotton pad.

Place the wax on the bracket, wire or ' atache ', pressing lightly so that it adheres well.

Remove the wax once its use is finished.

Orthodontic wax should be removed for eating and should not be ingested. Even so, if it happens accidentally, it should not be a cause for concern since it is an innocuous product that is not toxic.

Due to the mouth movements that are made when speaking, it is normal for the wax to fall out. If so, it can be reapplied whenever needed.

When to use dental wax for orthodontics?

The use of orthodontic wax is recommended especially in the first days of treatment, which is when the greatest discomfort usually appears. However, dental wax can be useful in other circumstances.

Mainly, after adjustment reviews, when elements of the orthodontic appliance break and the orthodontist has not yet been seen, or if discomfort appears at any other time during treatment.

It should also be remembered that wax can help protect pre-existing sores from rubbing against brackets, ' attachments ' or other elements of orthodontic appliances.