When should you use wax for braces and does it help? Orthodontic wax is an indispensable product for caring for braces and the oral cavity. How can you replace dental wax?

If you wear braces, you may find that they rub against your cheeks or lips. Inflamed spots on the inside of the mouth may develop due to this, especially in the first days and weeks. The use of dental wax is The best way treatment of the oral mucosa, which saves it from injury. This wax is constantly changing and improving. He's just vital important person, who installed the braces system.

Wax for braces - description, composition

Wax helps create a barrier between your braces and your lips, cheeks, tongue, and gums. It is quite easy to apply and is prescribed by the orthodontist who is treating you. Part this drug included only organic ingredients, which are not harmful to the body. Dental wax is based on silicone, which is not capable of causing allergic reactions.

Why do you need wax for braces?

Wax is intended protect the mouth from chafing. This is done in this way: a piece of wax is glued to that part of the braces system where it rubs a lot. It is thanks to wax that all not very pleasant sensations are reduced to a minimum amount, and Comfort during this use increases.

Never use gum instead of wax because it will easily stick to various parts of your braces. Chewing gum that sticks will be too bad for your appearance, as it has the ability to become dirty very quickly. It will be very difficult to clean your braces from chewing gum, so it is better not to experiment.

Rules of application

Be sure to carefully read the instructions for using the drug.

Wash your hands with soap first for at least 20 seconds and then dry them thoroughly.
It is also advisable to brush your teeth This is not necessary, but brushing will reduce bacteria and remove any food that is stuck in the braces.
Wipe with a cloth and dry them.
Find painful areas. Wax is capable of covering any area where sharp or rough metal irritates your inner lips and cheeks. The most common locations are on the front teeth and also in the back of the mouth. Lift your cheek and look for any bright red or swollen areas.
Tear off or cut off a piece of the braces preparation with scissors.
Roll the wax for at least five seconds. The warmth from your fingers will soften it and make it easier to use. Form into balls.
Using your thumb and index finger, press the wax ball over the area that is bothering you. Rub it in place. Rub your index finger over the wax a couple of times to set it in place. The wax should still stick out a little, forming a small bulge.
The protective material from the injured mucosa should be distributed gradually over the area that is injured. Residues can be removed with your hands or a toothbrush if necessary. The wax is edible and non-toxic, so it's okay if you swallow it.
Let the wax work. Once you apply the wax, your mouth is bound to heal itself pretty quickly. The protective wax is reapplied on a regular basis. Apply wax every time it starts to fall off, preferably twice a day. Do not leave it for more than two days as bacteria may accumulate in it.
Remove wax before brushing your teeth, or wax will accumulate in the toothbrush.

Benefits of use

Protective material for orthodontic braces has many benefits. This material very easy to use, is not harmful to the human body and does not have any contraindications.

Such a serious problem of rubbing the soft tissues of the oral cavity can be solved by just a small portion of organic matter.

The big advantage is the absence of discomfort throughout the entire period of wearing the system. It's enough convenient to take with you anywhere, since the dental component is compactly vacuum packed.

When using wax with aromatic additives, the appearance of the braces and the pleasant taste are also very big advantages.

What can replace dental wax?

Dentists very often advise using other methods to eliminate discomfort in the dentition and mucous membranes.

For example:

To prevent and strengthen the immune system, it is advisable to use folk remedies , which are available in pharmacies. For example, rinse your mouth with decoctions based on medicinal herbs. Infusions containing chamomile or calendula are very effective.
An alternative to wax for orthodontic braces can also be dental silicone., it does not require frequent application because it is less exposed to saliva and friction. Silicone is more durable because it is not susceptible to saliva and enzymes in the mouth, meaning you will have to reapply it less often. The downside is that your braces must be completely dry before applying it. If you want to try silicone, ask your dentist for a test packet, or buy a small amount from the store and test it over a few days.
What if your braces rub your cheeks or lip too hard, and you don’t have any dental wax on hand? You can use beeswax or paraffin. These substances are absolutely not harmful, so you don’t have to worry about it and use them as much as you like.

Price

This product is absolutely inexpensive, the price is low - approximately 100 rubles per box. Special wax is sold in specialized stores selling medical equipment and in pharmacies. You can also purchase the coveted packaging in the online store.

Be sure to make sure that this miracle box is always close to you. To make wearing orthodontic systems more or less pleasant and as comfortable as possible, modern manufacturers produce wax for braces with various flavors that can be used to diversify the course of teeth straightening.

The choice is quite large, so you can buy wax, and not only increase the comfort of the process of straightening your teeth, but also enjoy your favorite taste of berries and fruits.

These protectants come with fruit fillings in different flavors:

Mint;
Orange;
Apple;
Vanilla;
Grape;
Cherry;
Bilberry;
Pineapple.

Orthodontic wax for braces Helps prevent the development of wounds and various mouth irritations, which were caused precisely by the use of braces. It will take you many months or even years to correct your malocclusion.

If the pain persists and the wounds from rubbing do not heal, it is advisable to contact the orthodontist again; it will never be unnecessary. Persistent irritation and sores can become infected and lead to more serious problems.

Thus, let's conclude about the importance of using braces wax when straightening your teeth. The most important thing is that he makes the process of wearing braces much easier, also prevents unpleasant chafing and can even provide a taste of your favorite fruits and berries thanks to its aromatic properties.

In situations where the task is to correct uneven teeth, braces are almost the most ideal solution to the problem. However, for all its positive aspects Such systems in almost all cases cause a certain irritation of the mucous membrane. This causes a lot of problems and troubles, but their solution can be wax for braces, which is used in dentistry to reliably cover all the necessary elements of the braces system.

Definition

We should immediately clarify this point - wax for braces is not medicinal drug, it is used only to protect the mucous membrane from possible injury. This is its main, but only function. In addition to the protective effect, wax can perform an aesthetic function, additionally hiding the arc and clasps of the system from prying eyes. The production of wax is based on silicone, that is, there is no danger to human health, even if he swallows this material. The wax does not contain toxins or allergy-causing materials.

Externally, the product looks like a narrow long plate, which can then be cut and successfully used; some manufacturers initially supply the consumer with wax already cut for their convenience.

What is wax used for?

Even if the installation of a brace system is performed by a professional of the highest qualifications, this does not guarantee the absence of minor problems for the patient, in particular, rubbing of the oral mucosa and gums will occur with almost one hundred percent probability. That is why any dental office should have wax for braces, especially since the procedure for using it is incredibly simple - you just need to take a small piece of the substance and place it in the problem area. Such a simple manipulation will allow you to quickly and painlessly get rid of the inconvenient problem.

What is wax made of?

It is made of silicone and comes in a small plastic box, which can easily fit even in a wallet, not to mention a bag. The material itself is soft, but holds its given shape well; it can even be used to fasten the arc if such a nuisance occurs with it as it jumping out of the system. Of course, this is a temporary measure; you cannot use wax like this on an ongoing basis, but if you have to postpone a visit to the dentist a little, then such a solution will be most welcome.

Benefits of use

The main benefits received by those patients who use this orthodontic material will be:

reliable protection of the mucous membrane from chafing;
prevention of wounds and ulcers on the mucous membrane;
comfort of wearing the structure throughout the entire period of its operation;
pleasant taste sensations;
increasing the aesthetics of the structure;
no contraindications for the material;
adequate price;
convenience of packaging.

After listing these advantages, it will not be surprising that many patients continue to use wax for braces even after getting used to the system, right up to its removal.

Contraindications

There are no clinically proven contraindications, but problems are possible if you are allergic to certain components. Isolated cases of this phenomenon have been recorded and they manifest themselves in the appearance of itching, redness of the gums and its swelling. However, it should be said that this was due precisely to allergic reaction on individual elements of the system, and not directly with wax.

Review of products from different manufacturers

The market for manufacturers of these products is very wide, you can find a suitable option for yourself, including based on financial considerations. In an effort to win the hearts and wallets of consumers, manufacturers add aromatic additives to their products that are absolutely harmless to human health. The best confirmation of this is the fact that orthodontic wax can be safely and fearlessly used even by children.

More specifically, you can consider several options for offers from different manufacturers, paying attention, among other things, to the financial aspect:

Products of the famous Spanish company Dentaid in the orthodontic field. The wax is supplied in the form of plates packaged in vacuum containers; the cost of one of them is about 170 rubles.
3M Unitek. Another world-famous manufacturer that supplies goods in sealed containers. One plate of the substance weighs three grams, although it costs around 350 rubles. At the same time, it must be said that one container will last about a week, and this is quite enough to get used to the braces system.
DynaFlex. The cost of records from this manufacturer is around 150 rubles; one set of five sticks attached to each other is supplied. Very easy to use and does not contain any dyes.
GUM. The price of the plate is 200 rubles, it contains useful substances that promote fast healing morning, as well as accelerating the adaptation period.

How to use wax?

It is not difficult to answer the question of how to use wax and how to apply it; the scheme for its use is very simple:

First you need to perform hand hygiene.
From existing total mass the required amount of material should be separated. It is important here to prevent the wax from stretching, otherwise there will be more of it than needed and this will simply be an example of its irrational use.
The most important point is the next action, namely preparing the place where the material will be attached. This place must be properly dried, this applies not only to the braces themselves, but also to the surface of the teeth.
Then you need to heat the wax in your hands and roll it into a ball.
This ball is attached to the problem area and pressed with some force. If you do not apply any effort, it will not hold on and will fall off.

It must be remembered that if the wax does not protrude above the structure of the system itself, then its use is meaningless; care and caution should be exercised in this matter. After applying the material and before eating, you should brush your teeth to remove any residue.

Where can I buy?

If the installation is carried out by a large and well-known clinic, then wax for braces is usually included in the cost of the services provided; in a pinch, it can be purchased there. In all other situations, you can buy this product in specialized stores or pharmacies; you can do it even easier by turning to the services of various and now very numerous online stores.

What to replace it with?

If at the moment it is not possible to use a specialized product, then beeswax, dental silicone or paraffin can be used as a temporary measure. Some patients even managed with cotton wool, but in no case should you use chewing gum, since it is very difficult to clean the system after it.

After completing the installation of the bracket system, it is imperative to purchase orthodontic protective wax to protect yourself from problems with rubbing the structure and irritation of the mucous membrane. This is exactly what dentists advise their visitors; in addition, their recommendations also concern the following points:

paraffin is suitable as a temporary and forced replacement for wax;
chewing gum should absolutely not be used, it will then be incredibly difficult to remove even with the help of special brushes;
wax is safe for digestive system, but it can be choking, so it should be removed before eating;
Material that has already been used once cannot be reused.

Video on the topic

Orthodontic wax

When you sign up for a brace-bearing team, be prepared for the fact that you will have to significantly expand your arsenal of products for caring for braces and teeth. These are various brushes, pipe cleaners, threads and other special things. But there is one thing that is especially useful in the first days after installing the braces system. It's called wax for braces.

What is it and what is it for? Let's figure it out.

At the initial stage of wearing braces, they often cause discomfort and pain. The most common cause of concern is rubbing of the inner surface of the cheeks or lips by parts of the braces system. Sometimes this leads to the appearance of quite painful bleeding ulcers in the mouth. To prevent this, special dental wax for braces is used.

Its purpose is to protect the mucous membrane from injury. This is done by gluing a piece of wax to the part of the braces that is rubbing.

- the answer is whether these concepts are compatible in this article.
— we talk about the accessories necessary for a brace bearer.

Orthodontic wax for braces can be purchased both in pharmacies and in specialized stores that sell medical equipment. Although usually in serious orthodontic clinics, doctors supply their patients with something much needed at the first stage.

Instructions on how to use wax for braces

Wash your hands thoroughly.
Tear off a small piece of wax. It is better to tear off by unscrewing parts from the whole piece. If you pull it to separate a piece, it will begin to stretch and you will end up with a thin, long piece of wax that will be difficult to shape.
Thoroughly dry the part of the brace system that causes discomfort and will be covered with wax. The easiest way to do this is with regular cotton swabs. Wet the rubbing bracket and the tooth around it with a stick until it becomes completely dry.
Take a torn piece of wax, warm it up a little in your hands and use your fingers to roll it into a small ball.
Take this ball in your hand and press it to the place that causes discomfort. Press firmly enough so that the wax adheres well. But don't overdo it too much. There is no need to push the wax so that it gets into all the tooth crevices. Remember, the wax should extend slightly above the brackets.
Repeat these same steps with the remaining parts of the brace system that cause you discomfort and rub the oral mucosa.
Be sure to remove any wax from your braces before eating. You can easily do this with a toothbrush or even just remove it with your hand. If this is not done, then during meals you will most likely swallow the wax along with your meal. Although there is nothing wrong with this, since it is absolutely safe for human body and will not cause harm to health.

- advice from a professional.

If in your city it is difficult to buy dental wax for braces, you can use beeswax or paraffin. They can also protect against wounds.

Never use chewing gum instead of wax. It easily adheres to the components of orthodontic braces. Sticky chewing gum will quickly become dirty and will not have the best effect on your appearance. And cleaning your braces from stuck chewing gum will not be easy.

Almost all patients at the beginning of wearing braces experience a feeling of discomfort and periodic pain in their teeth. Problems with diction appear, the structure begins to rub and injure the mucous membrane. This does not depend on the type of device or the experience of the doctor. To avoid such situations and to facilitate the adaptation process, the doctor will recommend using wax for braces.

Wax is a special product with a specific composition for application to individual parts of complex orthodontic systems in order to protect surrounding tissues from the effects of individual elements of this structure. Each case requires the use of such a remedy. Sometimes it is used to mask metal elements to make them less noticeable.

The adaptation process is different for everyone. Quite often, the system initially touches the surface of the gums, cheeks, and lips. In addition to pain and discomfort, ulcers may appear when rubbed. Medical wax for braces is prescribed precisely to protect the mucous membranes from injuries and wounds when such problems occur. And this is its only purpose.

To do this, a piece of the product is attached to the problem area of the system. Even if the arc of the system accidentally falls out, you can stick a piece, the arc will not injure the mucous membrane until the patient gets to the doctor.

Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
Important! Wax does not serve as a medicinal preparation. It is needed during the initial period of wearing braces.
Wax composition
Externally, orthodontic protective wax for braces looks like a long narrow strip, from which the required amount is cut off if necessary. It comes inside a small plastic package that fits easily in your wallet. Although some companies are already producing cut pieces for the convenience of patients. In addition, the package may contain a small mirror to facilitate application of the product.
The wax consists of natural ingredients that do not cause allergies:
The product itself has soft consistency, but holds its shape well. It covers metal structural elements so that they do not come into contact with soft tissues.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
Attention! If dental wax is not available, some people temporarily use beeswax, sometimes paraffin wax or dental silicone.
How to use it correctly?
Patients, even small ones, usually have no problems using wax plates. But it is still advisable to ask your doctor about how to use wax for braces on initial stage treatment.
Using rotational movements, cut or tear off a small piece. There is no need to pull the strip out, otherwise too much wax will break off. Can be cut with scissors.
The cut piece needs to be warmed up with your hands and formed into a ball.
Attach the ball to the desired location and press down firmly. It should be distributed over the surface of the system and adhere well to the problem area.

After gluing, the product should protrude slightly above the surface of the bracket system. Excess is removed with a brush or finger. Before eating, the product should be removed from the surface of the system.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
Important! You cannot use the same piece twice. After eating, you need to brush your teeth, rinse your mouth, and stick a new piece in its original place.
Where can I buy the product?
Sometimes wax for braces is provided in dental clinic during installation of braces. The product is sold in stores selling specialized orthodontic products or in online stores. The cost is low, packaging costs from 150 to 350 rubles.
Made from natural ingredients, no harmful ingredients chemical substances, therefore, a person is not in danger if a piece of the product gets into the stomach, although it is not recommended to do this on purpose.
Wax is sold with various additives, for example, chocolate, pineapple, grape, mint, cherry, strawberry flavors. This helps to refresh the oral cavity and make the process of using it enjoyable.
However, it is not recommended to be used as a hygiene product. Your doctor will explain how and how long to use wax for braces. It is only necessary for the adaptation period. But if desired, it is used throughout the entire treatment with braces. The product helps maintain the quality of life at the same level.
During bite treatment soft fabrics needs to be protected and strengthened. In addition to brushing your teeth while wearing braces, your doctor will recommend rinsing with decoctions of medicinal herbs. Chamomile and calendula, which have an antibacterial effect, are usually prescribed.
Therefore, dental wax when wearing braces is not considered the only preparation for the care and protection of the oral cavity. But medicinal herbs cannot protect soft tissues from mechanical injuries: there is no alternative to wax. Therefore, you should always carry it in your pocket or bag.
Oksana Shiyka
Dentist-therapist
Important! Some patients sometimes stick on chewing gum if they don't have wax on hand. Chewing gum sticks to metal parts of the structure and becomes a source of development of pathogenic bacteria. In addition, substances in chewing gum can cause irritation.
At first, to prevent problems, you need to talk less. Do not underestimate the importance of a calm state of the oral cavity; it ensures an easy adaptation process and reduces painful sensations. During this period, you should carefully monitor your own feelings, how the adaptation period proceeds, and, if necessary, use wax for braces. You should not drink or eat too hot. The temperature contrast causes problems with braces, destroys tooth enamel, and affects the mucous membranes, especially if there are wounds on them.
Wax is the only option to protect mucous tissues and facilitate the adaptation period. It is effective, safe and accessible to everyone. When problems arise, a small piece can eliminate pain and discomfort. In addition, the packaging is compact and is usually carried with you at all times.

After installing bite-correcting systems, you will have to stock up on a whole range of different tools that will allow you to go through this period with the greatest benefit and comfort.

The list of useful things will probably also include wax for braces, which will significantly facilitate the process of getting used to the installed braces.

You can buy orthodontic wax for braces at a pharmacy or from your doctor at very affordable prices. Almost all types of orthodontic treatment involve the use of this remedy.

What is it for?

Immediately after the brace can cause discomfort and often pain.

This happens because rough fragments of braces, touching the oral mucosa, rub the gums, cheeks and lips.

Contact between the brace system and the oral mucosa can sometimes even provoke the formation of small or scratches.

For such a case, orthodontic wax is intended, pieces of which can easily be used to seal the problematic parts of the structures.

The material can also be used to prevent injuries when braces break. That is, the product is used to cover a popped-up arc or, for example, a faulty lock until the problem is resolved by a doctor.

During the first days after installing the system, it is advisable to cover its entire surface with wax, and then only those parts of the structure that injure the mucous membrane. As a result, the product will not only protect the mucous membrane from chafing, but will also disguise unpresentable locks.

The product does not belong to the treatment group, but only helps protect soft tissues from chafing. You can use it in the amount needed to eliminate discomfort. Wax with fruit flavors perfectly freshens breath.

Compound

Externally, this material resembles a dense mass similar to plasticine. The product is made from natural wax and medical silicone. The first component helps to completely cover the structure or its individual parts, thereby protecting the mucous membrane from possible injury. And the second gives the substance the necessary elasticity.

Multicolored orthodontic wax

The material often contains fragrances and various flavorings typical of confectionery products or chewing gum.

Wax forms with the addition of antiseptic and anti-inflammatory components are also produced. This drug not only performs a protective function, but also promotes the healing of resulting wounds.

If it happens that you need the material urgently, but it is not in your home medicine cabinet, you can use one-time alternative means:

beeswax;
a small amount of paraffin;
a small cotton ball soaked in antiseptic.

It is important to take into account that the “substitutes” at hand are useful only as an “ambulance”. It is not advisable to use them often. The only medical alternative to orthodontic wax can be dental silicone.

The product does not belong to the treatment group, but only helps protect soft tissues from chafing. You can use it in the amount needed to eliminate discomfort. Dental wax for braces with fruit flavors perfectly freshens breath.

Wax for braces – how to use?

Like any product intended for the care of braces, the wax mass must be used correctly:

First, you should thoroughly brush your teeth and wash your hands well;
the problematic element of the system, as well as the surface of the tooth to which it is attached, must be dried with a cotton swab;
a small piece of material is “unscrewed” or carefully cut off from the block with scissors. Don't go overboard with the fragment size. It should cover, first of all, the protruding part. You shouldn't use a very small piece. As a guide, the material should show slightly above the staples;
the mass must be softened with your hands, given the shape of a small ball and covered with a sharp element;
There is no point in pressing down the product too hard, because the material is easily attached to the surface of the braces;
the wax will gradually distribute itself, after which it will be possible to easily remove its excess;
Although the product does not cause allergies and is considered harmless to the body, doctors recommend removing it with a toothbrush before eating. If necessary, the mass can be reused after eating;
If the first attempt to apply a wax fragment was unsuccessful, it can be repeated. Wax does not belong to the group medicines, therefore, it has no quantitative and time restrictions in the application system;
irritation or injury in the mouth after installing braces should not be attributed to bad work master or low quality of the selected system. Unfortunately, at first it is impossible to avoid this kind of discomfort even if you use the most expensive designs - and. This problem can only be solved with the help of orthodontic wax.

After using the material, small wounds from braces disappear after a few days. Deep injuries will take approximately a week to heal.

Where can I buy wax for braces?

You can buy dental wax for braces without a prescription in all pharmacies. You can also find it in medical equipment stores.

Many clinics include wax in advance in the total cost of the entire procedure for installing braces. In such cases, the drug is given by the orthodontist in the dental office.

Most often, manufacturers produce wax mass in the form of rods or integral plates.

In such cases, a piece of the desired size can be easily pinched off or cut with scissors. The product is also available in pharmacies in regular tubes. But the most convenient are considered to be packages with separate cells, where ready-made fragments of material are laid out.

Regardless of the form, wax is always sold in special containers. Often such packaging is also equipped with a small mirror, which facilitates the process of applying the product to system parts.

Price

Orthodontic wax is generally inexpensive, but the material from different manufacturers often differs in both quality and price:

Orthodontic material from any company does not cause addiction, is safe for the body and reliably protects soft tissues. For the first few days, the entire surface of the structures should be lubricated with wax, and then only their sharp parts. The consumption of the product can confidently be called economical - for the entire adaptation period, as a rule, one or a maximum of two packages is enough.

Wearing braces is a very long and important period in the life of people who have decided to correct their bite.

At this time, the oral mucosa becomes especially vulnerable, which obliges patients to pay special attention increased attention hygiene issues.

In addition to orthodontic wax, to protect soft tissues from chafing, you can use various herbal infusions that have anti-inflammatory properties. Products based on calendula and chamomile are especially useful.

The first days after installing the systems, when getting used to it, try to talk as little as possible. The advice may seem somewhat humorous, but it will really contribute to faster healing of the resulting wounds and chafing.

Eliminate very hot or too cold foods and drinks from your diet. Such food not only destroys tooth enamel, but also negatively affects the surface of braces. A sharp change in temperature also slows down the healing process of damaged areas of the mucosa.

After installing braces, it is advisable to spend some time in complete rest, providing comprehensive oral care. This is the only way to get through the difficult period of adjustment with the greatest comfort.

Video on the topic

Video material explaining why orthodontic wax is needed and how to use it correctly:

Orthodontic wax is included in the list of protective agents that are almost impossible to do without during the period of bite correction. The drug is inexpensive, safe for the body, so it can be used without restrictions. Convenient packaging and release form allows you to take it on the road (the box can even be put in your pocket) and use it not only at home. Experts advise choosing materials only from trusted manufacturers, because the final result of the entire bite correction process depends on the degree of protection of the oral cavity. It is advisable to store wax in a cool room so that its beneficial qualities do not decrease.