Orthodontic wax, composed of non-toxic materials like paraffin or beeswax, serves as a temporary protective barrier for the soft tissues of the mouth. This pliable substance cushions the cheeks, lips, and tongue from the brackets and wires of the orthodontic appliance. Back braces often include molar bands or have protruding distal wires, making them a common source of irritation because they are difficult to reach and frequently have sharp wire ends. Applying wax to these posterior sections creates a smooth surface, which is an immediate remedy for painful ulcers or abrasions.
Essential Preparation Before Application
Successful wax application, especially on the back teeth, relies entirely on achieving a dry, clean surface for adhesion. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands to prevent introducing bacteria into any irritated areas of the mouth. The specific bracket or wire causing the discomfort must be cleaned of any food particles or saliva residue.
Using a clean toothbrush or a moist cotton swab helps remove any debris that could interfere with the wax sticking properly. Controlling moisture is the most important step, as wet metal will cause the wax to slide off almost instantly. Gently drying the target area completely with a small piece of clean gauze, a cotton roll, or a clean tissue is necessary to ensure the wax can bond effectively to the dry metal surface.
The Specific Technique for Back Braces
Once the target area is clean and dry, prepare the wax by pinching off a small, pea-sized amount from the strip. Using the warmth of your fingers, roll and knead the piece of wax until it forms a smooth, solid ball or a short, thick sausage shape. This action softens the wax, making it more pliable and allowing it to adhere better to the contours of the appliance.
Placing the wax in the back of the mouth requires careful visualization and precise reach. Using a small, handheld mirror and ensuring adequate lighting can be extremely helpful. For hard-to-reach molar areas, particularly when covering a sharp distal wire, an aid can be used to improve access. A clean cotton swab or the eraser end of a pencil can serve as an extension of your finger to gently guide and push the wax into position.
Carefully press the prepared wax firmly over the offending wire or bracket, ensuring the entire sharp point is completely encapsulated. Use gentle pressure to mold the wax, creating a smooth, rounded protective mound that covers the irritating component. Run your finger or the back of the cotton swab over the wax to check that the newly formed surface is seamless and will not catch on the cheek tissue.
Troubleshooting and When to Seek Professional Help
If the wax repeatedly falls off, the primary cause is usually insufficient drying of the metal surface before application. The area should be re-dried and a fresh, slightly larger piece of wax should be pressed on firmly. Orthodontic wax is non-toxic, so accidental swallowing of small amounts is not a safety concern. You should always remove and replace the wax before eating, as chewing will dislodge it and food debris can become trapped beneath it, compromising oral hygiene.
The wax is intended as a temporary solution, and you should transition to professional intervention if the irritation persists. Pain that continues for more than 48 hours after consistent and proper wax application, or irritation that results in severe tissue damage or deep ulceration, warrants a call to the orthodontist.
Specific mechanical issues require immediate professional attention to prevent damage to the teeth or appliance. These include:
- A bracket that has come completely loose from the tooth.
- A wire that has shifted significantly.
- A wire that has broken and is embedded in the cheek.