What is Orthodontic Wax???

[curious19]

Now that i have been finally braced, i Have a question : What is Orthodontic Wax? And when do i use it?

[oimysizex]

Orthodontic wax is supposed to prevent your brackets causing you canker sores/ulcers on your cheeks and lips. You put orthodontic wax on the brackets if your braces are causing discomfort and/or sores.

I don't really like the wax because, it doesn't help me at all, but everyone is different.

[smilehope]

Some people might not need it. I have needed it at various times for pokey ends of wires, covering hooks if they've made a hole in tongue or cheek, or smoothing off brackets when I play music (I play bassoon).

[curious19]

thanx guys

[gemini4]

I had a hard time getting wax to stay on when my braces first went on and my mouth was getting torn up. I found a great alternative (at the suggestion of this board and other forums on the web) -- Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone earplugs. They're readily available at CVS, Walgreens, etc., and they stay on better than wax. Plus I could drink coffee without them melting, like the wax would do. The only trick is your brackets and teeth need to be dry to get them to adhere, but once they're on, they stay on till you pull them off.

You're probably wondering how you get earplugs on your teeth? They're made of this super squishy silicone that you just pull apart, like putty. I usually start with a pea-sized clump, roll it like a snake, and mush it on my brackets.

There is such thing as orthodontic silicone, and from what I understand these earplugs are made of the same thing. These, however, are easy to find. I've only seen the ortho silicone available online.

[cavomington]

To answer the OP: The best invention of all time