Can You Sleep With Wax on Your Braces?

You’ve recently had traditional metal braces installed in your mouth, and your motivation to achieve straight teeth and a brilliant smile inspired you to stick with them. But there was no way you could have anticipated the first few days being as uncomfortable as they were! Having metal brackets and wires inside your mouth is painful, and the new pressure on your teeth is irritating. 

As a side sleeper, it’s unpleasant to have the braces pressing against your cheeks when your head is on the pillow. This dilemma can easily be solved through dental wax, an inexpensive, easy-to-use solution. With this temporary application, the braces are covered, decreasing the friction that causes irritation while sleeping with braces. Despite its benefits, dental wax is causing patients concerns, particularly those who use it at night. Is the concern they express valid? We at Patuxent Orthodontics can help you solve the mystery!

Dental Wax: What is It?

Dental wax is made from natural, non-toxic materials such as carnauba, beeswax, and paraffin. Even though dental wax is solid at room temperature, it can be softened and manipulated to cover your braces. Furthermore, it is non-toxic, so it won’t harm you if you accidentally swallow some of it!

As long as you look after the wax pieces, they can last for a few days in your mouth. For instance, you should remove the dental wax before eating or drinking to avoid getting food stuck in it. You can insert wax pieces back into your mouth after eating but only after rinsing them off. Replace the wax pieces after a few days if they get dirty or food gets caught in them. 

Dental wax protects the soft tissues in your mouth from irritation caused by braces. You can also use it to temporarily cover a chipped tooth until you see a dentist. 

As an over-the-counter product, dental wax is readily available online and in drug stores. A package will cost you just a few dollars.  

How to Apply Dental Wax on Braces

Here are a few simple steps to relieve braces irritation:

• Make sure you wash your hands.
• Brush the area you plan to cover with wax to ensure no food particles are left behind. 
• Maintain your braces dry to keep the wax in place.
• Make a ball out of wax to soften it. 
• Apply the wax to the desired area, then rub it in.
• Replace the dental wax whenever necessary.

Since dental wax is drug-free, you can use as much as you need to avoid irritation to your sensitive soft tissues.

Is It Safe to Sleep With Braces Covered in Dental Wax?

In a word, yes, since sleeping on your back is likely to cause discomfort from braces. Apply wax to the offending areas or your entire braces set before bed to get relief. A dental wax application will last you a whole night. You’ll finally get a good night’s sleep without worrying about irritation!

It is possible to swallow small pieces of wax while sleeping. However, you need not worry. You won’t be affected by dental wax, because it is perfectly non-toxic, just like that school paste your kindergarten classmate ate years ago. In addition, choking hazards are highly unlikely since pieces that break off end up being broken into smaller pieces that won’t choke you.

The Dos and Don’ts of Orthodontic Wax

There are a few tips you should consider to get the most out of dental wax.

Dos

• Replace the dental wax after a couple of days or when it gets dirty or worn.
• It is best to remove the wax before eating so that food particles won’t become embedded in it. 
• If you have sensitive or irritated mouth tissues, use wax overnight to allow them to heal or remain undamaged.
• You should see your orthodontist if you are still experiencing pain or if your braces have sharp edges. 
• Remove the dental wax before brushing your teeth.

Don’ts

• Use new wax pieces every time. Never reuse wax.
• Replace the old wax with a fresh piece if food gets stuck in it.
• You don’t have to worry about swallowing dental wax while eating or sleeping on your back. Dental wax is non-toxic and safe to swallow.

Start Your Orthodontic Treatment Today at Patuxent Orthodontics!

Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if braces are the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of braces or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary orthodontic consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in Hollywood, Wildewood, or Leonardtown and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Maryland, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!

References

1. “How to Use Dental Wax: Do’s & Don’ts: Cook & Gutsche.” How To Use Dental Wax | Do’s & Don’ts | Cook & Gutsche, 23 Mar. 2021, www.greatorthosmiles.com/how-to-use-dental-wax/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.
2. Orthodontics, Thomas. “The Do’s and Don’ts of Orthodontic Wax – Thomas Orthodontics.” The Do’s and Don’ts of Orthodontic Wax – Thomas Orthodontics, 22 July 2020, thomasorthodontics.com/the-dos-and-donts-of-orthodontic-wax/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.
3. Matt. “Can You Sleep with Wax on Your Braces? Is Leaving Dental Wax on Overnight Safe.” Braces Journey, 1 July 2022, bracesjourney.com/can-you-sleep-with-wax-on-your-braces/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.
4. “What Is Tooth Wax?” Colgate®, www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/what-is-tooth-wax. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.
5. “How to Put Dental Wax onto Your Braces.” Scott Arms, 27 Aug. 2019, www.scottarmsdentalpractice.com/how-to-put-dental-wax-onto-your-braces/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.
6. Santini, Milagros. “How to Handle Braces Pain When Sleeping.” Saxe Orthodontics, saxeortho.com/sleeping-with-braces-top-tips/. Accessed 4 Jan. 2023.