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Braces Wax – Options, Tips and Natural Alternatives!

Braces wax feature image dental aware

If told you need braces, there are a few different materials you may have also been told about.

So, what is wax for braces?

It can take time to get used to wearing braces. Braces wax, also called dental wax or orthodontic wax helps with this.

Designed to ease any discomfort you are feeling from where the braces appliances may have been rubbing, by forming a barrier between the brace’s wires and your mouth.

So, there will be no further contact between your braces and your mouth, preventing further injury, and allowing more time for any sores to heal.

Let’s get started, so you can familiarise yourself with this product.

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When Do You Need to Use Brace Wax?

You won’t need to use braces wax the whole time you have braces.

It’s generally used for small periods, to assist with easing pain.

This is most common during the initial stages of braces, as your mouth, tongue, lips, and teeth are particularly sensitive while getting used to the contact.

So, wax helps soothe and numb any discomfort, and shields you from abrasions, while you get used to braces being in your mouth.

With time, these soft tissues will toughen, and become resistant to the rubbing of the braces on their own.

It may still come in handy when brackets or wires protrude and rub against your gum line but won’t need to use it regularly.

A lady smiling who has dental braces

What Options Are There for Waxes?

Your orthodontist will give you some braces wax when first getting your braces, in an “orthodontic care kit”.

But, when you run out of this wax, you can purchase new wax directly from your orthodontist, or online, at your chemist, or even your supermarket.

They’re all fairly affordable, regardless of where you get them.

So, would we say there’s a big difference between that from your orthodontist or elsewhere?

Well, generally speaking, we recommend your orthodontist, as they have the knowledge to supply you with the most suitable wax.

It may also cost slightly less there.

But if you need wax ASAP, if, in pain, there’s nothing wrong with purchasing it from any of the places below.

You can go to your local supermarket for Woolworths Wisdom Wax for Braces.

Or, your nearby pharmacy or Amazon for Piksters Orthodontic Wax or GUM Orthodontic Wax.

Or, you can order these online:

Are There Natural Alternatives?

The wax your orthodontist provides is the best you can use to ease any pain, and keep your gums safe.

However, there may be times when you have used up your supply of braces wax without realising or forgot where you put it.

No judgement – it happens to the best of us.

If this does occur, it’s best to find an alternative, rather than let your gums stay unprotected.

Any of these alternatives listed, natural or otherwise, can be used temporarily until you can get more braces wax.

Though not as effective as braces wax, they will still perform essential jobs – help your mouth and the braces feel comfortable together, and shield your gums and other mouth tissues from abrasions.

It’s important to note though, these alternatives are best replaced regularly – not left in your mouth for long periods of time.

Now, these are all listed below, as you may have one or two laying around your house if you need them in an emergency.

Sugar-Free Chewing Gum

Most of the time, with braces, you’ll be advised not to chew gum.

But it can be a helpful alternative for wax.

If you roll a small bit of sugar-free chewing gum into a little ball and apply it in the same way as you would your normal wax, this can be a short-term resolution.

It is normally in your mouth anyway, so using it as an alternative is logical – it won’t put your health at risk if you accidentally swallow some.

Beeswax

Considering beeswax is one of the ingredients that is used to make braces wax, it’s a sensible alternative – natural, soft, and easy to remove.

If you have any beeswax, simply unroll it, and use enough you need to protect yourself (see sub-heading “How Much Do You Need”).

Beeswax can be used for longer than any other alternative for braces wax, and also performs better. Just be sure to replace it frequently.

Cheese Wax

The wax coating on some cheeses can be a handy alternative for braces wax.

It has been proven by health professionals to be a great short-term alternative.

To apply it to the problem area, put it in your hands, rolling it around until it is soft enough to place in your mouth.

It will stay attached to your braces for a lengthy time, so you have time to get more braces wax. But if you do happen to swallow it, it is safe, you won’t have any side effects.

Silicone Wax

If you have silicone available, you can use this temporarily.

This is secure, so will hold the braces effectively, and for quite some time.

It will also successfully shield your gums from any harm that may otherwise be caused by braces wire.

Candle Wax

Candle wax can be used as a short-term replacement for braces wax if you can’t find anything else.

Simply break a bit of wax off from the candle, and roll it into a small round ball.

When the wax has become shapable, place it on the area of your braces that is causing you difficulties.

But it is important to note that using candle wax does have its’ risks.

It is hard, so may end up breaking off, leaving the area exposed, and open to injuries.

Also, the candle wax may be uncleanly, so is not healthy to be swallowed.

So, candle wax is the last resort and only to be used for a short period, before you can get braces wax.

A woman with dental braces

What Are the “Cons” of Using Wax?

Braces wax is safe – some even tasty, flavoured with mint or other natural ingredients.

With time it will wear down and rub onto your braces or flake off.

This is nothing to worry about – it’s safe if you digest some.

The “cons” are in the reapplication. It does require a lot of upkeep, including:

  • When your braces aren’t comfortable, apply more wax.
  • You cannot keep it in your mouth for long periods of time. Replace it twice daily.
  • If you notice it rubbing off, replace it immediately.
  • You can leave it on overnight while asleep, but replace it in the morning.
  • Eating with wax on can be tricky, as it may stick to your food. Remove it prior to eating, or if leaving it on, replace it with well-brushed teeth afterwards.
  • When replacing, ensure you brush off any remaining wax on your teeth.

Why must it be changed so often?

If you keep the wax in your mouth for longer than one day, it’s possible you’ll get bacteria and cavities in your mouth, as food particles get stuck on its’ surface.

This is the same reason we recommend you change it after eating.

We don’t want you to be walking around with food stuck on your teeth.

Can You Reuse Brace Wax?

Many people often ask, as a way to save money, or to make things more convenient, can they reuse their wax?

This is a big NO.

It’s simply not safe.

If you’re stuck with absolutely no other options – you’ve run out of wax and have no other alternatives at hand, it’s okay to do once.

But please don’t make a habit of it.

And don’t leave it in your mouth for any longer than two days.

This is because the bacteria in your mouth may stick to your wax, which may lead to you developing bad breath.

The more time the wax is in your mouth, the more it becomes a potential threat to your oral health.

The wax can trap a lot of bacteria, which may then have an impact on your teeth, gums and more.

Such as gum disease which can potentially lead to heart disease.

Also, if you attempt to reuse the wax, it will fall off sooner, and not be as effective.

So, reusing wax can be dangerous to your overall and oral health.

How Much Wax Do You Need?

A suitable amount of wax is one that’s big enough to cover your bracket, as well as shaped above and below the bracket.

If too small, it won’t stick.

Generally, this is the size of a pea

Conclusion

Braces wax has many advantages.

It’s easy to apply, easy to remove, so ideal for both children and adults.

It’s also a low cost.

If you are new to braces, you’ll love it – it will make the braces more comfortable while you’re getting used to them.

While your orthodontist will give you some for free, if you run out, you can buy some online, or from your local supermarket or chemist.

By Dr Veronica Roller

Created at September 09, 2021, Updated at September 28, 2021

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