If you have braces, then this is likely to cause you some discomfort due to friction on the lips or inner cheeks. For this reason, painful areas may develop, especially in the first few days or weeks that the device is placed on you. The best thing to do to treat this problem is to apply some dental wax on the appliance. It is a product that acts as a barrier between the metal and the lips, cheeks, tongue and gums. You can apply it easily and most likely your orthodontist will have already given you a pack.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparation
Step 1. Get a pack of dental wax
When your orthodontic appliance is first fitted to you, your dentist will likely give you a package with some essential cleaning and maintenance accessories. Wax should be included in this kit. If you have run out or lost it, then you can easily buy it at the pharmacy or ask your dentist for more.
- At first you will most likely find that the appliance irritates the inside of your mouth and you will need more wax.
- Over time, the mucous membrane of your mouth will become more resilient and you will need less protection.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Scrub your hands with soap and water and then dry them carefully. You must avoid introducing bacteria into the mouth, especially if there are cuts or blisters.
Step 3. Model a small ball of wax
Take a small piece from the package and roll it with your fingers to give it a spherical shape. You need to use just enough to cover the tie or wire that is irritating you. An amount equal to one grain of wheat or one pea should be sufficient.
- Roll the wax up for at least five seconds. The warmth from your fingers softens the material, making it easier to apply.
- If you use too much wax, the ball may fall out.
Step 4. Identify the painful areas
The wax can coat any sharp or rough metal parts that irritate the inner lining of the lips and cheeks. Usually these are the brackets on the front teeth and the sharp threads in the back of the mouth. Spread your cheeks apart and check the inside for red or swollen areas, alternatively, gently touch the mucosa to see if it is slightly swollen. You need to protect these parts before they get cuts or become infected.
If you have trouble looking in your mouth, use a small metal stick or spoon to spread your cheeks
Step 5. Brush your teeth
It's not absolutely necessary, but it may reduce bacterial buildup and keep the wax clean. Remove at least any remaining food stuck where you decide to apply the wax.
Step 6. Dry the appliance
Before applying the wax, you need to dry the orthodontics with a tissue. The drier the surface, the longer the wax remains adherent.
Part 2 of 2: Application
Step 1. Press the wax onto the painful area of the appliance
Use your thumb and forefinger to squeeze the ball of wax onto the tie rod or thread that irritates your mouth. If the thread is in the back of your mouth, try to push the ball back as far as you can, retract your thumb and use your index finger and tongue to best position the wax.
The wax is edible and non-toxic, so don't worry if you ingest some
Step 2. Rub it in place
Rub your index finger on the wax a couple of times until you feel it sticks well to the appliance. The protective layer will likely create some thickness, forming a small bulge.
Step 3. Let the wax do its work
Once applied to orthodontics, you will see that the mouth will start to heal quickly. The waxy barrier blocks the mechanical action that creates irritation, allowing the mucosa to heal ulcers and heal. As you get used to wearing braces, you will find that you will feel less and less discomfort and you will not have to use wax as often.
Step 4. Reapply the wax regularly
Make sure there is always a layer of it when you go out and constantly carry it with you. Replace the liner twice a day or every time it comes off. Don't leave it in place for more than two days, or bacteria will build up in the wax.
- When you eat, the food sticks to the wax. If the appliance causes you too much pain to eat without a protective layer, then replace the wax at the end of each meal.
- Remove the wax before brushing your teeth, otherwise it will stick to the bristles of your toothbrush.
Step 5. Consider wearing silicone protection
It is a common alternative to wax, which consists of dental silicone, and is available in strips to be applied to the tie rods and friction points. Silicone is much more resistant and impermeable to saliva and enzymes present in the mouth; this means you need to reapply it less frequently.
- The downside to silicone strips is that the appliance must be perfectly dry before they can be applied.
- If you want to use dental silicone, ask your orthodontist for a trial kit or buy a small package at the pharmacy and test it for a few days.
Step 6. Call the orthodontist if pain persists
If you've tried both wax and dental silicone with no results, call your doctor. Constant irritation and pain can indicate an infection and turn into far more serious problems. If you really feel a lot of discomfort with the braces, don't be ashamed to call your dentist. It can help you to make you feel better.
Advice
- Don't worry if the wax gets stuck in the appliance, it is wax and it will come off.
- If you ingest the wax don't worry, it's not a major problem.
- Some orthodontists give wax to their patients.
- Know that after a day or two it starts to crumble.
Warnings
- Once the wax is applied, some people assume a slightly lazy pronunciation, based on the thickness of the wax itself.
- The pain is not caused by the sharp edges of the metal and will not resolve with the rubber. Your teeth will hurt for a while after the orthodontist inserts or squeezes your braces. If the discomfort lasts longer than a couple of days, contact your dentist.
- Never put chewing gum on the appliance. It may stick permanently or you may accidentally swallow it.
