How to Use Dental Wax for Braces

What is Dental Wax?

Dental wax is commonly used for traditional braces. It temporarily relieves the mouth’s soft tissues that may be irritated from dental or orthodontic appliances.

Dental wax is also called:

• Tooth wax
• Orthodontic wax
• Ortho wax
• Braces wax

You can also use it for:

• Invisalign
• Retainers
• Dentures
• Other dental devices with sharp edges

Many orthodontists offer free dental wax to their patients when they get braces. This helps ensure you can find relief and protection from orthodontic devices.

3 Best Dental Wax Products (Our Top Recommendations)

Here are 3 of Amazon’s top-rated dental wax products:

1. GUM Orthodontic

Best Overall

GUM Orthodontic Wax has thousands of positive reviews and is rated as some of the best on Amazon.³ Its features include:

• Contains vitamin E and aloe vera
• Has mint-flavored and unscented options
• Comes in pre-cut cubes
• Comes with six packs

You can order a 6-pack for about $8.³

2. Fresh Knight Braces Wax

Best Wax for Braces

Fresh Knight’s braces wax is for anyone who wears braces or aligners. Its features include:¹

• Unscented
• Flavorless
• Food grade
• Comes with ten packs
• Five premium wax strips in a pack

Fresh Knight Braces Wax has thousands of positive ratings. It costs about $10 for 50 wax strips.¹

3. DenTek Wax for Braces

Best for Discomfort

DenTek’s wax strips for braces have a few hundred ratings, most of which are four or five stars. They are available in a 6-pack for about $11.

Each pack has 2 counts of 5 wax strips each and a spade tool to cut and apply the wax.² DenTek wax intends to relieve discomfort, irritation, and pain from the brackets and wires of braces.

Benefits of Dental Wax 

Dental wax offers many benefits, including:

• Temporarily relieve pain caused by dental appliances
• Get immediate relief from broken wires or sharp edges until they can be fixed
• Protect your mouth from bacterial infection by protecting the soft tissue from open cuts and sores
• Feel better while adjusting to new braces, which can cause discomfort at first
• Sleep more comfortably without pain from brackets and wires
• Help cuts or sores inside the mouth heal by preventing further irritation 

Types of Dental Wax 

Dental wax can be made of a few different materials, including:⁷

• Paraffin wax ⁠— This material is known for its flexibility, so it can easily suit different dental needs
• Beeswax — This is a more firm material with biodegradable qualities
• Carnauba wax  — This wax is more durable, so it can provide excellent shape retention

Some tooth waxes are scented and flavored, while others are not. All dental waxes are non-toxic and safe to use.⁷

How to Apply & Remove Dental Wax 

Here are the steps to properly apply dental wax:

1. Ensure you have properly cleaned and dried your teeth before using the wax
2. Cut a pea-sized piece of dental wax off
3. Roll the wax in your fingers to warm it up so it molds to the metal framework more easily
4. Press it onto the bracket or sharp edge, causing you pain
5. If the pain persists, peel off the wax and reapply or apply more of it
6. Ensure the wax creates a completely smooth surface

To remove the dental wax, simply peel it off. Be careful not to break your dental appliance while removing dental wax.

Can You Eat with Dental Wax?

No, you shouldn’t eat with dental wax. Food particles can stick to the wax, and it can become dislodged. If you accidentally swallow a piece of wax, it won’t hurt you, as dental wax is non-toxic.

Can You Sleep with Dental Wax?

Yes, you can sleep with dental wax. Many people apply tooth wax to their dental appliances before sleeping to rest comfortably. 

Again, swallowing a little wax while sleeping won’t make you sick. Dental wax is safe.

Is It Safe to Put Dental Wax on a Broken Tooth?

Yes, you can put dental wax on a broken tooth. The wax can act as a temporary protective barrier to prevent your mouth from further damage.

How to Prevent Dental Wax From Sticking to Your Teeth

Dental wax should stick to sharp edges for a temporary solution. But the wax won’t stick to your teeth. 

If you have trouble getting it off, use an interdental stick, a toothpick, or floss to help remove it. You may also visit a dental professional if removing the wax yourself is impossible.

Summary

• Dental wax can provide relief from irritation and discomfort caused by dental appliances. It’s non-toxic and safe to use. 
• Our top recommendations are GUM Orthodontic Wax, Fresh Knight Braces Wax, and DenTek Wax for Braces.
• You can check out these products in stores or online to avoid further irritation of the soft tissues.