Braces have a lot of benefits. It can change a patient’s life, improve oral health, and improve how people view themselves. It’s important for anyone getting braces to make sure you are also using wax on your braces if they bother you while you are getting used to them. Understanding Dental Wax, and How to Use It Dental wax is mostly commonly made from beeswax, carnauba, or even paraffin wax. It is solid when it is at room temperature. It is usually flavorless, however, you can find some flavored options, like cherry, bubblegum, and mint. The wax is made to be almost clear so that it’s unnoticeable, and it’s safe to swallow in case of accidental ingestion. Dental wax is easy to use. Once you figure out which bracket is causing your pain, you dry it off, roll a small bit of wax between your fingers, and push the wax over the bracket. It should form a cushion to protect the delicate tissues inside your mouth within seconds. Once the wax is in place, your abrasions will have an opportunity to heal. Then you apply the wax as needed to protect irritated areas. After a short time, the soft tissue in your mouth will toughen, and you will need the wax less and less. Why Dental Wax Is Important for Braces These metal newcomers to your mouth can sometimes irritate some tissues in your mouth due to how delicate those tissues are. You may notice an increase in sensitivity in different areas of your mouth during the first 2-3 weeks of orthodontic treatment. By using dental wax, you have an ally that is there to help keep your mouth from getting injured as your tissues adjust to the new textures in and around your mouth. Plus, wax can also help if you ever happen to chip or break a tooth. Having dental wax is vital when you have braces because it helps the pain in your mouth. If you have any questions about dental wax or braces in general, give our orthodontists a call.