Traditional braces have helped millions and millions of patients leave crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth in the past. In fact, they are one of the most reliable orthodontic treatments when it comes to addressing mild, moderate, and severe cases of malocclusion. Of course, that does mean that you’ll need to wear the silver brackets and wires, which can feel sharp, especially in the beginning. Luckily, there is a way to combat this issue: wearing dental wax.
Why You Should Keep Dental Wax Close
As previously mentioned, dental wax can be used to prevent your brackets and wires from irritating your lips, tongue, and cheeks. That’s why it’s always a good idea to keep some on-hand. That way, whether you’re relaxing at home, catching up with friends over lunch, or running errands, you can easily cover any protruding edges that are causing you discomfort. The best part is that you only need a little bit, so one packet of dental wax should last your whole treatment!
How to Apply Dental Wax
When you first see dental wax, you may be uncertain of how to go about applying it. The good news is that it’s quite easy! Of course, the first step is to wash your hands. After you have done so, grab a small piece of dental wax, roll it into a ball, and place it over the bracket or wire that’s giving you trouble. Since the material is non-toxic, you can keep it in place throughout the day. In fact, you can even eat and drink with it in! Just make sure to take it out when you brush your teeth for a thorough clean.
What to Do If Dental Wax Doesn’t Work?
If you’re still struggling with discomfort even after putting the dental wax on, don’t panic. There are several other ways to minimize any soreness you’re experiencing. First, you can try rinsing with a mixture of salt and warm water. This natural disinfectant can clean your mouth and reduce puffiness simultaneously. Second, place a cold compress (or towel-wrapped ice pack) against the outside of your cheek for 10 minutes at a time to numb the area. If all else fails, you can take an OTC pain reliever.
Any orthodontic treatment will come with some discomfort, but that doesn’t mean you just have to deal with sharp brackets and wires. With dental wax close by, you can cover any areas that are causing irritation with ease!
About the Practice
Dr. Sam Alkhoury, Dr. Barrett Nordstrom, and the rest of our phenomenal team have years of experience with braces, but we know that isn’t the case for many of our patients. That’s why we always do our best to share what tricks and tools can make your orthodontic experience a positive one, like wearing dental wax! If you want to learn more about life with braces or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (860) 774-2008.