It should be OK if you’re just sipping water, depending on where the wax is located. Remove your dental wax before you eat or drink anything. If it falls out, you probably didn’t press it onto the wire or bracket firmly enough or secure it around the edges. If you do this correctly, it will remain in place. Press the wax gently onto the bracket or wire, then press the edges around the bracket or wire to ensure it stays put.

Place it over the bracket or wire causing the issue. Again, knead that piece between your thumb and forefinger until it’s soft, then roll it into a small ball. You don’t want a big piece, or you may look like you’re walking around with a marble in your cheek. Using those squeaky clean hands, pinch off a piece of wax the size of a pea or a little smaller. You have enough bacteria in your mouth you don’t want to add more. The first step is one of the most important: WASH YOUR HANDS. It’s easy to use dental wax, but there are steps to take to use it correctly. Dental wax should be available in any major retailer’s toothbrush aisle, so it’s easy to get more. Take it from us it’s best to toss your dental wax as soon as it leaves your mouth. You’re also putting in any food particles that might have gotten trapped. Those same nasties end up on the dental wax, too, which means if you reuse dental wax, you’re putting bacteria and plaque BACK into your mouth. You CAN, but that doesn’t mean you SHOULD.ĭental wax sits in your mouth just like your teeth, which you brush every day to remove bacteria and plaque. Can I Reuse Braces Wax?īelieve it or not, we’ve had people ask this question: “Can I reuse dental wax?” We have a simple answer. If you do have a wire poking you, give us a call! We’ll be able to trim it back and tuck it in, so it doesn’t hurt anymore. Dental wax is designed to be used with braces, but you can use it with clear aligners! The idea is to create a smooth area over your braces or clear aligners to reduce or eliminate irritation of your lips, cheeks, tongue, or gums.ĭo you have a wire that is poking you? Is a bracket rubbing your lip? Before you end up with a canker sore (also called a mouth ulcer), put a piece of dental wax on it! It should reduce irritation. It looks like a tough chunk when you take it out of the package, but the idea is to pinch off a bit the size of a pea and knead it between your thumb and finger until it softens (it won’t take long!). Don’t worry! Northwest Orthodontics is here to help! Here are a few tips and knowledge about orthodontic wax to get you started! What Is Braces Wax or Dental Wax?ĭental wax or braces wax (it’s the same thing!) is a special wax made from paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba wax. We know getting braces can be a bit stressful, and the last thing you need is more stress about dental wax. We have heard all of these questions and more, and we’re here to answer all of them. Can I reuse the braces wax? How do I apply dental wax? Will horrible things happen if I accidentally swallow a piece of braces wax? Can you eat with wax on your braces? Usually, when the team at Northwest Orthodontics hands a package of dental wax to the patient, we get a curious stare and a barrage of questions. Also known as braces wax and orthodontic wax, it is mainly used to help ease discomfort from brackets or wires poking into the tongue or cheek.

Dental wax is vital for those wearing braces.

Ortho wax