Question about wax

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gigiso
Posts: 75
Joined: Fri Jan 04, 2008 2:57 pm
Location: Florida

Question about wax

#1 Post by gigiso »

This is kind of a dumb problem, but just within the last few days it seems like my wax (GUM) won't stick very well. The only place I'm using it is on the arch wire on the bottom, in the back where it's poking my cheeks. So I'm wondering, is the portion of the arch wire that's sticking out in back getting longer, and therefore just harder to keep wax on?

Does anyone have any tricks or time tested suggestions? I think I heard that if you dry the area off the wax adheres better -- not the easiest thing to do,especially if doing emergency wax application on the go!

thanks, Gigi
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lilblackdress
Posts: 131
Joined: Wed Aug 15, 2007 7:14 am

#2 Post by lilblackdress »

Whenever I'm having a difficult time applying wax, I just use the more-is-better approach. I just get a huge glob of it and jam it on the bracket/wire.

I don't even bother trying to get things dry.
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Lisa65
Posts: 3469
Joined: Thu Jun 01, 2006 12:12 pm

#3 Post by Lisa65 »

Chances are the wire is getting longer at the back. That can happen initially as your teeth align.
I agree with lilblackdress that a big glob seems to stick better, but wax isn't a lot of help with poking wire ends as the end still seems to find its way through. If you do not live too far from your ortho and can get there, you could call and ask if you can come in to get the ends clipped. It will only take him a second and the relief is immediate.
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bbsadmin
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Joined: Sat Aug 28, 2004 7:03 pm
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#4 Post by bbsadmin »

Try drying those brackets really well with some cotton or a tissue and see if that helps the wax to stick.
I'm the owner/admin of this site. Had ceramic uppers, metal lowers ~3 years in my early 40's. Now in Hawley retainers at night!
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GG
Posts: 39
Joined: Tue Apr 17, 2007 4:09 am

#5 Post by GG »

Hi Gigi.i had the same problem with the arch wire sticking into my cheek and tearing the hell out of it so all i did was make an appointment with my ortho (who is straight across the road from my office-hope urs is nearby too). he clipped the wire and the relief was immediate and my cheek healedin not time at all. :D to be honest all the wax in the world wont help that problem and i know well how painful it is oh and dont go at it yourself with any tiny little clippers or anything! you will make it 10 times worse. as far as i know ( and i stand corrected on this) when the arch wire becomes longer at the back it means the teeth are moving and work is being done!!! so thats a good sign (doesnt relieve the pain i know). best advise is to make an appt with ortho and ask him to clip it right off....hope this helps
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