Buying wax?

Message

#1 Post by **gunter8888** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:03 pm

It seems most folks on here recieved some orthodontic wax from the orthodontist when they first got their braces. I am curious how many get additional wax from their ortho and how many buy their own?

I only used wax for the first 3-4 days after having my bottoms applied and I thought I would have plenty left over for when my tops go on in a few weeks. Then I took a basketball in the mouth and had to use copious amounts of wax while my lip healed. Now, I am pretty sure I won't have enough left for when I get my tops.

Do I ask the ortho for more? I have no problem buying my own; I am just curious what is customary among other braces wearers. My wife seems to think the ortho should provide more.

#2 Post by **Kodius Champion** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:13 pm

I bought several containers of wax at the local drug store (for ~ $2.60 each) before I said to myself one day, "What the heck are ya doing? You can get this stuff for free!"

As such, I've made a habit of asking for a new container of wax at every second adjustment or so, and have never had an issue.

#3 Post by **Gennel** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:28 pm

That is great that youget free wax at your ortho! He gave me a starter pack with a bunch of other goodies. I buy my own at Walmart $1.67 for a double pack. It has a soft mint taste that keeps your breath soooooo nice !
I also find it at Walgreens Pharmacy but they charge $2.59 for the same brand and only one single pack of wax!!

I stopped using wax pretty much after 2-3 weeks after I was braced. Now that I got an expander on my lower teeth in November I HAVE to have it .So I usually buy 6 packs for a total of 12 wax packets. I would say that the best thing that has helped with sore tongue and cheecks has been WAX!!

Gennel

#4 Post by **lionfish** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:33 pm

I'm in Aussie. I get as much wax as I want from my ortho.

#5 Post by **Lisa65** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 3:37 pm

You can't buy dental wax in shops in the UK, at least I've never seen it anywhere. There are a couple of UK places online where you can buy it.

I get mine from my ortho. If I need more I just ask him for some, although I don't often need it.

#6 Post by **Chris** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 4:26 pm

After 2 1/2 years I still get free wax at the ortho office.

#7 Post by **ellebee** » Mon Jan 08, 2007 8:15 pm

My Ortho gives out wax liberally. I got a huge handful of packets at my second visit, when I was still very into wax. Now I use it only rarely.

However, I asked for a couple of extra orthodontic toothbrushes and I had to pay for them. A whole $1 apiece. Plus $3 for one of those sports bite guards -- really helps with the clenching at night AND with the night mouth dryness.

Elle

#8 Post by **ghostmyimag3** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:24 am

I do not recommend that GUM mint wax that junk is just that...junk. It broke down on me too quick. I couldnt reuse it. It was sorta melt in my teeth. The non mint GUM is ok.

I don't wear wax anymore though.

Tue Jan 09, 2007 12:17 pm

Whenver my ortho adds something new to my mouth the girls always ask if I have plenty of wax.

If I did run out though, I would probably buy it rather than trying to get to the ortho office when someone was there, etc. Just easier to buy it and its super cheap. All the grocery stores and drug stores carry it. I've found just about anywhere that carries toothpaste carries dental wax.

#10 Post by **blackcat20** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 9:29 pm

When i first got my braces on and got my little goody box, i was told i could get extra wax etc if I run out...but i dont bother. I go through so much of the stuff that waiting two months for appointments is impossible. So I buy it, generally at the supermarket, and its not expensive.

#11 Post by **Julie08** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:30 pm

My ortho gave me some when I was initially braced and told me to stop by the office for more if I need it. But that's not usually convenient, so I pick some up at Wal-mart when I'm there grocery shopping. I only need it for 3 or 4 days after an adjustment, but I use GOBS of it then.

#12 Post by **Julie08** » Tue Jan 09, 2007 11:30 pm

My ortho gave me some when I was initially braced and told me to stop by the office for more if I need it. But that's not usually convenient, so I pick some up at Wal-mart when I'm there grocery shopping. I only need it for 3 or 4 days after an adjustment, but I use GOBS of it then.

#13 Post by **BracedBelle** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 6:34 pm

When my top braces went on in May I only needed wax for 1 week (ish), and then at adjustments. But my bottoms have been on since October and I need wax every single night (on half of my brackets) or I end up with a mouth full of wounds and blood in the morning. Anyone else have this? Everyone I've talked to said they only need it after adjustments?

Wax is no longer available at drugstores or Walmart in my area. I go through more than 1 pack of wax a week so I get 3 from my ortho every 2 weeks. It's a hassle because I only go for adjustments every 8 weeks so I have to stop by much more frequently than necessary. Argh!

#14 Post by ***boom!*** » Wed Jan 10, 2007 8:15 pm

Well I'm by no means an expert and I haven't even cracked a pack of wax yet, but I know I can get it from my ortho if I need any.

I have also done the salt water rinses, especially after having four teeth pulled, and have had little to no problems.