Orthodontic wax is used to reduce orthodontic injury inside the mouth, especially in the early days of orthodontic installation, and in this article we will learn about the importance of using orthodontic wax and how to use it.

How to use orthodontic wax

The following steps can be followed to use orthodontic wax:

• Wash your hands well with soap and water, then dry them, to avoid bacteria entering the mouth.
• Brushing your teeth to avoid exposure of the orthodontic wax to bacteria and food residue.
• Dry the braces before applying the wax.
• Taking part of the wax and forming it into a ball. Using fingers will help to soften the wax, and put it on the sore area in the mouth, and avoid using a large amount of wax, so that it does not fall out inside the mouth.
• Distribute the wax to the areas that are most in contact with the straightening wire, on the inside of the lips and cheeks.
• Change the wax every two days, to avoid a buildup of bacteria on the wax.

After a period of use of orthodontic wax, which isolates the friction between the mouth and the braces, the feeling of pain will gradually decrease, so that the use of wax can be reduced, when adapting to the use of braces.

What happens if I swallow an orthodontic wax?

Some people feel very afraid of swallowing orthodontic wax, but there is no need to worry when swallowing some of it, because it consists of non-toxic substances such as beeswax, paraffin wax and carnauba, and there is no harm in sleeping while applying orthodontic wax, but it is better to put it during sleep. To avoid any ulcers in the mouth.

Tips for using orthodontic wax

There are some tips that can be followed, to achieve the best results after using orthodontic wax, including:

• When you feel pain after applying the wax, another amount can be added to relieve the pain.
• Avoid leaving the orthodontic wax for a long time, so that bacteria do not accumulate and cause bad breath and gingivitis.
• Brushing the teeth to get rid of the wax, before applying a new amount of wax.

Orthodontic wax alternative

There are some temporary alternatives to orthodontic wax, and we mention the following:

1. Silicon

Silicone strips are one of the alternatives to using wax, and the person does not need to change them on a regular basis compared to wax, but before using it, the orthodontic must be completely dry, and a specialist doctor must be consulted before using it.

2. Sugar-free chewing gum

Sugar-free gum can be used and shaped into a ball in the same way as wax, although this solution is temporary and cannot be continued.

3. Cheese wax

The wax that covers the cheese can be used as a temporary substitute for wax, and it is used by rubbing it well until it softens, and then applying it to the places exposed to friction with the braces, and there is no harm if it is swallowed.

4. Beeswax

Beeswax is one of the components of braces wax, so it is one of the best natural alternatives to wax, which is easy to use and remove.

After learning how to use orthodontic wax, orthodontic wax is one of the effective means in getting rid of the pain associated with orthodontics, especially in the early days of its installation.