Dental wax: Effects, how to use and notes when using

1. What is dental wax? 

Dental waxis known by other names asorthodontic wax, braces wax. This is a familiar product that helps people with braces (especiallymetal braces) reduce pain and discomfort caused by braces sticking to their lips and cheeks. Wax is usually milky white, flexible, soft and malleable. 

Dental wax is milky white, soft, flexible and malleable.

Orthodontic waxhas main ingredients including organic compounds of naturally derived fatty acids or can also be a blend of these two types of fatty acids. Among them:

• Natural dental wax is usually paraffin, beeswax, palm wax (carnauba) or cocoa butter.

• Synthetic wax is made from natural wax and other chemical elements.

Currently on the market, orthodontic waxes contain about 40-60% paraffin. People often add additives, fats, etc. to help make the wax surface soft and smooth. They are usually packed into round sticks about 5cm long and packed neatly in small boxes. Thanks to that,dental waxis very easy to use and easy to carry when traveling.

At room temperature,orthodontic waxwill be in solid form. However, to use it, you can completely soften the wax with heat in the palm of your hand. Normally, orthodontic wax has no taste. However, currently there are some types of orthodontic wax that have added flavors such as mint, fruit flavor,...

Dental waxis considered very safe for users. So if you accidentally swallow it, don't worry too much!

2. Effects of braces wax

When you get braces, especially for those with metal braces, the braces can easily rub and scratch your lips and cheeks, causing scratches, burning or even bleeding. Because of that,orthodontic waxwas born and is considered a solution to help you minimize pain and discomfort during the braces process.Dental waxis attached to the bracket, creating a barrier between the bracket and the lips, inner cheeks and tongue. 

Orthodontic wax is an effective assistant to help reduce pain caused by braces sticking to the lips and cheeks, causing damage.

In addition,dental waxis also effective in placing on the damaged tooth area, helping to protect soft tissues in case the tooth is broken or chipped. Broken, chipped or sharp edges of teeth can puncture or create cuts and scratches to the soft tissues of the mouth.

In addition, if you have had a tooth filling and the filling comes out causing pain, you can also use orthodontic wax as a short-term pain relief solution. 

However,orthodontic waxonly provides short-term pain relief. Therefore, in case you have prolonged pain due to braces or tooth damage, you should immediately go to the dentist for treatment by doctors.

3. Instructions on how to use dental wax:

For orthodontic wax to be fully effective, Dr. Lac Viet Intech recommends that you choose quality wax and follow the wax usage process including the following 5 steps:

• Step 1:Clean your teeth to remove all plaque and food stuck between teeth.

• Step 2: Determine the location of the braces that are causing the cheekbones to stick. At that location, use cotton or paper towels to dry your teeth and braces. Dental wax will adhere better to dry surfaces.

• Step 3:Wash your hands thoroughly. Use a wax trimmer to take a small amount of orthodontic wax about the size of a pea. Use your hand to roll a ball of orthodontic wax to warm your palm to soften the wax.

• Step 4: Then you use a sufficient amount of wax to attach to the bracket where the cheek lip is sore so that the wax shields between the bracket and the cheek lip. Use your hand to flatten the wax onto the braces so that the wax will cover the braces. If the bracket is deep inside and difficult to attach, use your tongue and index finger to fix the wax until it is in the right position.

• Step 5: Use your hand to rub the wax a few times to make sure it is firmly attached. At the location where the wax is attached, it will rise. At first you will find it a bit confusing but you will get used to it.

4. Things to note when using orthodontic wax

• If the braces wax is chipped, chipped or loose, you should replace it immediately

• Make sure you change the orthodontic wax at least twice a day. Because during eating and drinking, food can stick to the wax, causing unhygienic and bad breath.

• When eating and drinking, it is best to remove the orthodontic wax because heat from food can cause the wax to peel off and you will most likely swallow the wax along with the food.

• You do not necessarily need to use orthodontic wax during the process of wearing braces. Should only be used when you experience braces sticking to your lips or cheeks, causing pain and discomfort.

• If you swallow dental wax, don't worry too much because orthodontic wax has ingredients that are safe for users.

• You should carry orthodontic wax with you wherever you go because you may need it at any time.

5. 3 most popular types of dental wax today

When getting braces atLac Viet Intech dental clinic, customers will receive orthodontic wax as a gift. However, you should still learn about the 3 best and most used types of orthodontic wax today in case you need to buy more.

5.1 Ortho Classic orthodontic wax:

Made in the United States with body-safe ingredients such as: Microcrystalline wax, Paraffin, Hydrotreated wax. Ortho Classic wax comes in a convenient box containing 5 small bars, each about 5cm long. This type of wax has 4 flavors: mint, vanilla, orange and unscented to help you choose according to personal preference

5.2 Curaprox dental wax: 

Originated in Switzerland, Curaprox dental wax has the ability to adhere and protect  soft tissues when you wear braces.. With safe and natural ingredients, Curaprox dental wax is chosen by many dentists. A box of Curaprox wax has 7 bars and each bar is 5cm long.

5.3 3M Unitek braces wax: 

3M Unitek braces wax is made in the US, helps reduce high friction, protects gums and cheek mucosa well. A box of 3M dental wax has 7 bars, each about 5cm long, contained in a small box that is very convenient to carry anywhere, anytime.

6. Alternative to orthodontic wax

If you don't useorthodontic wax, is there any alternative solution? The answer is: Yes. You can use quality silicone because they have the same effect as orthodontic wax. Silicon has a smooth, soft, flexible surface, is easy to roll, is waterproof and has better adhesion than orthodontic wax. 

However, silicon is quite expensive, so currently,dental waxis still the solution used by most people with braces to protect their lips and cheeks when installing braces.

You should be careful to avoid overusing dental wax as a long-term pain relief measure. Because in complicated cases such as misaligned brackets, wires popping out of the brackets and poking into the lips and cheeks causing pain, etc., Lac Viet Intech dentistry recommends that you immediately go to the dentist to be examined and treated by doctors. In case you want to dental implants Come immediately to Lac Viet Intech for examination and a reasonable treatment regimen!

Hopefully the above article has helped you answer questions related to orthodontic wax. If you need advice about your dental condition, please contact us immediatelyorthodontistLac Viet Intech via hotline 096.192.0606 for free consultation!