Orthodontic wax is a soft, pliable product used by people wearing braces to help alleviate minor discomfort. It is typically a blend of synthetic or natural waxes, such as paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba wax, and sometimes silicone. The primary function of this wax is to create a smooth, temporary barrier over sharp or irritating brackets or wires. This protective layer shields the soft tissues of the cheeks, lips, and gums from friction, allowing any irritated areas or sores to heal.
Safety and Practicality of Eating with Wax Applied
The short answer to whether you can eat with wax on your braces is technically yes, but it is highly impractical and not generally recommended. Orthodontic wax is deliberately made from non-toxic materials, meaning that accidentally swallowing a small piece is not considered harmful. The wax is designed to pass harmlessly through the digestive system without causing any problems.
However, the act of chewing and consuming food immediately compromises the effectiveness of the wax. Food particles mix with the soft material, causing it to crumble, smear, or quickly dislodge from the bracket or wire. The wax also loses its protective barrier function and may trap food particles and bacteria near the metal hardware. This accumulation of material can compromise oral hygiene, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and potential tooth decay.
The presence of wax can also affect the taste and texture of your meal. Hot beverages present another issue, as the warmth can cause the wax to soften or melt, reducing its ability to adhere and protect the mouth. Therefore, most orthodontists advise removing the wax before any meal to maintain proper hygiene and ensure the wax remains effective.
The Removal and Reapplication Cycle
Managing orthodontic wax around mealtimes requires a simple, sequential routine to maintain comfort and cleanliness. Before consuming any food, the piece of wax should be carefully removed from the brackets or wires and discarded. It is important not to reuse the same piece, as it can harbor bacteria and food particles.
After the meal, clean the braces and teeth thoroughly to remove any food debris, which can easily become trapped around the brackets. Following the cleaning, the area where the wax will be applied must be dried completely, often with a tissue or cotton swab, as the wax will not adhere effectively to a moist surface.
A fresh, pea-sized piece of wax should then be softened between the fingers and pressed firmly over the irritating hardware. This ensures a secure attachment and restores the smooth protective barrier needed to prevent irritation. Following this routine ensures the wax is always clean, effective, and correctly positioned.
General Food Rules for Braces Wearers
Since the wax must be removed for eating, a separate set of rules governs what is safe to eat with the metal hardware itself. The most common advice centers on avoiding three main categories of food that can damage the brackets or wires. These categories include hard, sticky, and crunchy items.
Hard foods, such as nuts, hard candies, and ice, can bend wires or potentially pop a bracket off the tooth surface. Sticky foods, like caramel, taffy, and chewing gum, can pull on the wires and brackets, potentially dislodging them or causing them to break. Crunchy items, including popcorn kernels, chips, and hard crusts, can also cause damage and are difficult to clean out of the braces.
To minimize the risk of damage, change certain eating techniques. Foods that require biting into, such as apples or carrots, should be cut into small, manageable pieces. Chewing should be done slowly and primarily with the back teeth to reduce stress on the front hardware. This approach helps keep the braces intact and prevents delays in the treatment timeline.