Although some people may know what it is, most still don’t understand how to correctly use aligner wax. These products are quite helpful, especially to newer users of orthodontic appliances, by alleviating the discomfort associated with such treatments.
If you want to make your orthodontic journey more pleasant, this article will take you through all you need to know about aligner wax, including:
- How to prepare aligner wax for effective application;
- The right way to apply aligner wax as recommended by professionals;
- The best way to remove aligner wax;
- Expert tips to help you make the most out of and maintain your aligner wax.
Understanding Aligner Wax
Orthodontic treatment is a transformative process, addressing not just cosmetic concerns but also enhancing your oral health. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Moreover, a balanced bite can help alleviate jaw pain and discomfort.
For many, the choice between traditional braces and clear aligners (like Reveal clear aligners) offers a more discreet and convenient path to orthodontic correction. Clear aligners, in particular, have gained popularity for their nearly invisible appearance and ease of removal, allowing users to maintain their oral hygiene and enjoy their favorite foods with minimal disruption.
Challenges on the Orthodontic Journey
No orthodontic journey is without its challenges. Users of aligners and braces often encounter common issues, including:
- Friction and irritation: The very components designed to correct your teeth can cause irritation. Metal braces have wires and brackets that can rub against your cheeks and lips, while clear aligners may have sharp edges that irritate your tongue or the inside of your mouth.
- Ulcers and sores: The constant contact between orthodontic appliances and your oral tissues can lead to painful ulcers and sores, making the treatment journey uncomfortable.
- Emergency discomfort: Sometimes, unexpected discomfort or injuries can occur, and getting immediate professional assistance is not always possible. This is mostly expected when wearing clear aligners for teenagers or children.
These challenges can be disheartening, making you question if the path to a stunning smile is worth the discomfort. But before you consider abandoning your treatment, there’s a simple yet highly effective solution — aligner wax.
Introducing Aligner Wax
Aligner wax, or orthodontic wax or braces wax, is a soft, pliable, and translucent substance that can provide much-needed relief from the discomfort caused by your orthodontic appliances.
Made from medical-grade, non-toxic materials, aligner wax is safe for oral use. It serves as a protective barrier between the sharp edges of your braces, wires, or aligners and the delicate tissues of your mouth.
The Benefits of Using Aligner Wax
What is aligner wax used for? Here are some key benefits:
- Pain relief: Aligner wax effectively reduces friction and irritation caused by your orthodontic appliances, creating a smooth surface that prevents them from rubbing against your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
- Minimizes sores: By preventing constant friction, aligner wax can help prevent and alleviate the development of painful sores or ulcers in your mouth.
- Emergency aid: Aligner wax is not just for planned use. It can be a valuable tool for managing unexpected orthodontic discomfort or injuries, offering immediate relief until you can see your orthodontist.
- Improved speech: Orthodontic appliances like braces and aligners can sometimes affect your speech, causing temporary lisps or changes in pronunciation. Aligner wax can help by smoothing out rough edges or eliminating sources of speech interference, allowing you to speak more clearly and confidently.
- Enhanced comfort during meals: One of the joys of life is enjoying a good meal, and aligner wax can make that experience more pleasant.
By eliminating the risk of sharp edges or irritations, aligner wax ensures that mealtime is a more comfortable and enjoyable affair, even when wearing orthodontic appliances.
- Reduced risk of allergies: Aligner wax is typically made from hypoallergenic materials, making it less likely to cause allergies or skin reactions. This is especially important for individuals with sensitive skin or allergies to certain substances.
- Easy application and removal: Aligner wax is easy to apply and remove as needed. It doesn’t require special tools or techniques, making it a user-friendly solution for quickly addressing orthodontic discomfort.
- Customizable relief: You can shape and mold aligner wax to suit your specific needs. Whether you have a small, irritating spot or a larger area causing discomfort, you can adjust the wax accordingly for precise relief.
- Affordability: Aligner wax is an affordable solution for managing orthodontic discomfort. It’s widely available and typically comes in small, cost-effective packages.
- Versatility for various orthodontic appliances: Whether you’re using traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances, aligner wax can be applied to provide relief. Its versatility, even with some of the best teeth aligners, makes it a valuable accessory for a wide range of treatments.
Preparing Aligner Wax for Effective Application
Using aligner wax is a straightforward process. However, just like with most orthodontic products, it is important to emphasize the preparation phase. Here’s what you need to do when preparing to use aligner wax:
Begin by gathering all the materials needed to make the wax operational. Ensure that your hands are clean before handling the orthodontic materials, including cotton swabs or clean tissues, and a clean, dry surface to work on.
Aligner wax is more pliable and easier to work with when slightly warm. To do this, use your fingers to pinch off a small piece of wax roughly the size of a small pea.
Thereafter, roll the piece of wax between your fingers to create a soft, malleable ball. This process warms the wax and makes it easier to apply.
It’s essential to keep both your hands and the surface you’re working on clean to prevent any contamination of the aligner wax.
How to Apply Aligner Wax
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Step 1: Prepare the aligner wax
Once the aligner wax is warmed up and malleable, ensure that it takes the form of a small, pliable ball, making it easier to handle.
Step 2: Dry the irritated area
Using a clean tissue or cotton swab, gently pat the area inside your aligners where you’re experiencing discomfort. Removing moisture and saliva ensures that the wax will adhere better.
Step 3: Pinch off a small amount
Pinch off a small portion of the aligner wax, typically around the size of a small pea. You don’t need a large amount, as a little goes a long way in providing relief.
Step 4: Apply to the aligner
Using your fingers or a cotton swab, gently place the small piece of wax over the specific area of your aligner that is causing irritation. This could be a sharp edge, a rough spot, or any part causing discomfort.
Step 5: Press firmly
Press the aligner wax onto the aligner surface firmly but not too hard. Ensure that it sticks securely to the aligner and forms a protective barrier over the source of discomfort.
Step 6: Shape and smooth
After applying the wax, use your fingers or a clean cotton swab to shape and smooth the wax over the area. The goal is to create a seamless, comfortable surface that prevents further irritation.
Step 7: Check for proper placement
Take a moment to ensure that the aligner wax is correctly positioned and covers the entirety of the area causing discomfort. It should create a protective cushion between the aligner and your oral tissues.
Throughout the process, avoid direct contact between the aligner wax and your teeth or gums. This is because it is designed to act as a buffer between your orthodontic appliance and the sensitive tissues of your mouth.
Removing Aligner Wax: When and How
At some point, you may need to remove the aligner wax. However, although this is a pretty straightforward process, you need to learn how to do so correctly to avoid damage or injury. Here’s a step-by-step guide on when and how to remove aligner wax.
When to remove aligner wax
It is imperative first to know the right time to remove the aligner wax. Here are some of the most common times for removing aligner wax:
- Before eating: Aligner wax should be removed before you eat. It’s not meant to be ingested and may interfere with the normal function of your teeth and aligners during meals.
- During cleaning: You should also remove aligner wax when cleaning your aligners. This allows you to thoroughly clean both your aligners and your teeth.
- When it loses effectiveness: If the wax starts to wear down or collect debris, it’s time to replace it. Aligner wax is a temporary solution, so regular checks are essential to ensure continuous comfort.
How to remove aligner wax
Here’s a step-by-step procedure for safely removing aligner wax:
- Step 1: Wash your hands. Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Clean hands are essential to prevent any contamination of the wax.
- Step 2: Use a dental tool. While not always necessary, you can use a dental tool designed for this purpose, such as a dental pick or orthodontic tweezers, to assist in removing the aligner wax. These tools can provide precision and make the process easier.
- Step 3: Gently pry the wax. If using a dental tool, gently insert it between the aligner and the wax. Apply minimal pressure and slowly pry the wax away from the aligner surface. Be cautious not to damage the aligner or your oral tissues in the process.
- Step 4: Remove the wax. Once the wax is loosened, carefully lift it away from the aligner. If you’re not using a dental tool, you can use your fingers to peel the wax off gently.
- Step 5: Dispose of the wax. Place the removed aligner wax in a tissue or dispose of it properly in a trash bin. Do not flush it down the toilet or leave it lying around, as it may pose a choking hazard to children or pets.
Cautionary tips when handling aligner wax
If you decide to use aligner wax, there are some cautionary tips that you have to be aware of to protect yourself from injury or damages. Here’s how to use aligner wax:
- Avoid swallowing: Aligner wax is not meant to be ingested. Always ensure that it is removed before eating or drinking.
- Prevent contamination: Keep the wax clean and free from debris. Store it in a clean, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
- Replace when necessary: If the wax becomes discolored, loses shape, or collects debris, it’s time to replace it. Effective aligner wax should remain clean and free of contaminants.
How to Maintain Your Aligner Wax
Keeping your aligner wax clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure its effectiveness and maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your aligner wax effectively:
- Always store your wax in a clean and dry container;
- Replace the aligner wax when it becomes discolored, loses shape, or collects debris;
- Ensure that your dental tools used in the process of applying or removing wax are hygienic;
- Store your wax away from heat or sunlight, as it may cause it to melt or become less effective.
FAQ
Yes, aligner wax can be used with various dental aligners, including clear aligners like Byte, Invisalign, and traditional braces.
No, a dental professional does not need to apply aligner wax. It is a user-friendly product that can be applied easily by individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment.
The frequency of aligner wax reapplication depends on your individual needs. In most cases, aligner wax can be reapplied before meals, during cleaning, or when needed.
Sources
- Comparison of microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on orthodontic wax materials; an in vitro study (2020). Retrieved 26 September 2023, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1991790220300799
- What Is Tooth Wax? (2023). Retrieved 26 September 2023, from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-is-tooth-wax#
- HOW TO USE ORTHODONTIC WAX FOR YOUR BRACES (2021). Retrieved 26 September 2023, from https://carmelindustries.com/blogs/dental-wax/uses-and-application-of-orthodontic-wax
- Orthodontic Emergencies (2023). Retrieved 26 September 2023, from https://www.cao-aco.org/en/orthodontic-emergencies
