Wax - for how long after getting linguals?

[rolo]

Hi

How long did people use wax for after getting linguals. I got my uppers a week ago today and although so far I have had quite and easy time of it, I am still using wax most of the time, although I'm trying to use less. Is it normal to still be using a fair bit of wax? I use it mainly on two brackets either side at the back of my mouth, as I need to replace after eating, I'm getting through a packet of 5 strips every two days, does this sound excessive? Is it usually required for the whole treatment time or just at first? Any thoughts?

Thanks, humm... maybe I should snack less?

[lionfish]

I used the most wax during the first couple of weeks. Five strips a day at this stage doesn't sound that excessive.

I eased off thereafter, but used it intermittently throughout treatment.

[anagram]

Hey!

I used the wax at the start on a couple of brackets - my upper arch is quite narrow. After the first month, I found that I didn't need the wax any more. Your teeth (and brackets) will move and this may help. How comfortable it all feels depends on so many individual factors, but your tongue will get used to it all after a while if my experience is anything to go by.

[koksy]

I think I only wore wax for a few days. Apart from the fact I found it almost impossible to get it to stay where I wanted it, the ortho told me that the more I wore it, the longer it would take for my tongue to get used to the brace being there. I had lots of ulcers to begin with but havent had any for at least 6 months.

[theprettyone]

I used it on the back brackets for about 4 days, I haven't used it since and it's been 3 months. It was a pain because I would forget it was in, then try to eat something, it was a waxy ball of food mess. I'm better off without it, lol.

[purpleteeth]

I have braces on the front of my teeth and this is what my ortho told me: Use it when I need it, but not to sleep in -- eventually your mouth will get used to it. My ortho was right!

When I first got braces, I used it sparingly and my ortho office actually got kind of upset... because I was "letting myself hurt unnecessarily". They told me just to use it as needed and I was here trying to be all tough, ugh... and toughing it out ultimately worked for me in the long run. I talk for a living, so I needed to use it quite a bit the first week or so and now when I get adjustments or my teeth shift a lot. Nights are usually ok, because without the wax... my mouth has toughened up a lot.

I also used orajel or something like that, it would numb the sore and raw spots. This helped me a ton!!

[rolo]

Thanks for your thoughts. I've managed to go with out wax all day without today! But then it was a Mummy day, I find work days harder on the tounge, so we will see how tomorrow goes. Great to know consumption goes down with time though, yes it's not the best when you eat.

[TheNewEmperor]

I have braces on the front of my teeth and this is what my ortho told me: Use it when I need it, but not to sleep in -- eventually your mouth will get used to it. My ortho was right!

Wow, I'm glad I read this thread...I've been waxing 24/7....will try this for the next couple of nights, thanks purpleteeth.

[purpleteeth]

I have braces on the front of my teeth and this is what my ortho told me: Use it when I need it, but not to sleep in -- eventually your mouth will get used to it. My ortho was right!

Wow, I'm glad I read this thread...I've been waxing 24/7....will try this for the next couple of nights, thanks purpleteeth.

Glad I could help, just be prepared for a little pain. Mouth numbing gel helps a lot with the sores, in addition to the wax.

Even at 5months, I still get sores -- usually from the nighttime -- because my mouth gets so dry and I am a "mouth sucker" (don't know how else to word it).

[dgirl]

I've never used wax

[rolo]

I went back to the ortho yesterday, not to do with rubbing, but whilst I was there he spotted that I had lost an elastic on the bracket that was causing the problem. Not sure if the movement of teeth or the addition of a ligature has made the difference, but either way much less rubbing.

I found Difflam oral rinse great for rubbing. Other threads have suggested salt water rinses, 1/4 teaspoon in a glass of water, and keeping well hydrated.

[ada]

I didnt use any wax either, I think its to do with how deep your arch is. And to be honest even if i rub my tongue over the lingual brace I cant feel any rough edges!