As a dentists & someone who has gone through orthodontic treatment, I understand the discomfort that comes with wearing braces. One way of easing this discomfort is using braces wax.
But many people wonder if it is safe to sleep with braces wax on.
If you’re interested in knowing the answer, read on.
What is braces wax?
Braces wax, also called orthodontic wax, is a soft material that is applied to braces to improve comfort and prevent irritation. Its purpose is to act as a barrier between the braces and the soft tissues of your mouth, reducing the risk of friction and sores. It also helps alleviate discomfort caused by sharp edges or wires.
Can You Sleep with Braces Wax On?
The short answer is yes, you can sleep with braces wax on, and it can even be beneficial to do so. Sleeping with braces wax on helps protect your mouth’s soft tissues from irritation and soreness caused by your braces. It also serves to cushion your cheeks, lips, or tongue from the braces’ sharp edges or wires, providing a protective layer between the two.
However, there are a few things to consider for a comfortable and safe sleep experience.
While sleeping with braces wax on is safe, It is important to ensure that the wax is securely in place before going to bed, to clean your braces thoroughly before applying wax, and to try to sleep in a position that minimizes pressure on your braces.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is also crucial while wearing braces wax. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth, paying extra attention to cleaning around the braces and wax, helps prevent the buildup of plaque and reduces the risk of tooth decay or gum problems.
Key Takeaways:
- Braces wax serves as a barrier between the braces and soft tissues of your mouth, reducing the risk of friction and sores.
- Sleeping with braces wax on is safe and can enhance comfort during orthodontic treatment.
- Ensure that the wax is securely in place, clean your braces before applying wax, and try to sleep in a position that minimizes pressure on your braces.
- Maintaining proper oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing regularly, is crucial while wearing braces wax.
- Consult your orthodontist for personalized advice on using braces wax during sleep.
The Function of Braces Wax
Braces wax works by serving several essential purposes:
- It forms a barrier between the braces and the soft tissues of your mouth, reducing the risk of friction, sores, and discomfort.
- It helps alleviate discomfort caused by sharp edges or wires of the braces.
How To Put Braces Wax On?
Applying braces wax is a simple process that can help alleviate discomfort or irritation caused by braces wires or brackets rubbing against the cheeks, lips, or tongue. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to put braces wax on:
- Start with clean hands:
Wash your hands thoroughly to ensure that they are clean before handling the braces wax. - Prepare the wax:
Take a small piece of braces wax, usually about the size of a small pea. Roll it between your fingers to soften it and make it more pliable. - Dry the braces:
Ensure that the area of the braces where you plan to apply the wax is dry. If there’s moisture, the wax may not adhere well. - Identify the problem area:
Locate the part of your braces causing irritation. This could be a sharp wire, a protruding bracket, or any other component that’s causing discomfort. - Apply the wax:
Place the softened wax onto the problematic area. Use your fingers to shape the wax around the braces, covering any sharp edges or rough spots. Ensure the wax forms a smooth barrier between the braces and your cheeks, lips, or tongue. - Press and mold:
Gently press the wax against the braces, molding it to conform to the shape of your braces. Make sure it adheres securely and stays in place. - Repeat if necessary:
If you have multiple areas causing discomfort, or if the wax wears down over time, you can repeat the process as needed. - Maintain hygiene:
While the wax provides relief, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene. Remove the wax before eating or brushing your teeth, and replace it with a fresh piece if necessary.
Tips for Comfortable Sleep with Braces Wax
Here are some tips to help you sleep comfortably with braces wax:
- Thoroughly clean your braces before applying wax to reduce the risk of trapping food particles.
- Apply the wax to the offending wire or bracket.
- Try to sleep in a position that minimizes pressure on your braces, such as sleeping on your back.
- Make sure the wax is securely in place before going to bed.
Can you eat with wax on your braces?
It’s generally not recommended to eat with wax on your braces. Wax is not designed to withstand the forces and moisture associated with eating, and it can easily break or become dislodged.
- Hygiene: Food particles can get stuck to the wax, making it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene. Leaving wax on your braces while eating may increase the risk of dental issues.
- Potential for swallowing: Wax is not meant to be ingested. If you eat with wax on your braces, there’s a risk of accidentally swallowing it, which could lead to discomfort or other concerns.
- Wax breakage: Chewing or biting into food can cause the wax to break or become misshapen. This compromises its ability to provide a protective barrier.
Can you brush with wax?
No, it’s not recommended to brush your teeth with wax on your braces. While it can be helpful in reducing irritation, it is not designed to withstand the mechanical action of brushing.
Here’s why you should remove wax before brushing your teeth:
- Effectiveness of brushing: Wax can interfere with the effectiveness of your toothbrush in cleaning your teeth and braces thoroughly. It may prevent the bristles from reaching the surfaces of your teeth and braces, potentially leaving behind plaque and food particles.
- Hygiene concerns: Food particles and bacteria can adhere to the wax, creating an environment conducive to plaque buildup and potential dental issues. Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial when you have braces, and removing the wax before brushing allows for proper cleaning.
To maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine with braces:
- Remove wax: Before brushing your teeth, carefully remove any wax that you have applied to your braces.
- Brush thoroughly: Use a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to clean your teeth and braces. Brush at different angles to ensure that you reach all surfaces, including around brackets and wires.
- Floss regularly: Floss between your teeth and around your braces to remove plaque and debris that may be challenging to reach with a toothbrush alone.
- Use interdental brushes or a water flosser: These tools can be helpful in cleaning between brackets and wires where traditional floss may be challenging to maneuver.
More do’s and don’ts when using orthodontic wax
Orthodontic wax can be a helpful tool to alleviate discomfort caused by braces. Here are some dos and don’ts when using orthodontic wax:
Dos:
- Clean the area: Before applying wax, make sure the braces and the surrounding area are clean and dry. This helps the wax adhere better.
- Softening the wax: Roll a small piece of wax between your fingers to soften it before applying. This makes it more pliable and easier to mold onto your braces.
- Use a mirror: When applying wax, use a mirror to help you see the specific areas that need coverage. This ensures that the wax is applied accurately.
- Replace as needed: Wax can wear down over time or may need to be replaced after eating. If the wax becomes dislodged or loses its effectiveness, replace it with a fresh piece.
- Keep it clean: While wearing wax, maintain good oral hygiene. Remove the wax before eating and brushing your teeth to avoid trapping food particles and bacteria.
Don’ts:
- Leave wax on while eating: Again, wax is not meant to be eaten, and it can break or become dislodged if you try to eat with it on. Remove the wax before meals.
- Neglect oral hygiene: Wax can trap food particles, so it’s important to remove it before brushing your teeth. Maintain a regular oral hygiene routine to prevent dental issues.
- Use too much wax: A small amount of wax is usually sufficient to provide relief. Using too much may affect your bite or make it uncomfortable.
- Ignore persistent issues: If you consistently need wax in a specific area, it may indicate that your braces need adjustment. Consult with your orthodontist to address any ongoing discomfort.
- Use in place of professional advice: While wax can help with minor irritations, it’s not a substitute for professional guidance. If you have concerns about your braces or experience persistent discomfort, consult with your orthodontist.
Still experiencing pain? Try Tylenol
Tylenol, which contains the active ingredient acetaminophen, is a commonly used over-the-counter pain reliever. It can be used to help manage pain and discomfort associated with braces.
It’s important to note that while pain relievers like Tylenol can help manage discomfort, they do not address the root cause of the pain. If you are experiencing ongoing or severe pain related to your braces, it’s crucial to contact your orthodontist.
