You will probably find that your braces irritate the inside of your mouth most when you first have them, so they will require more wax. Over time, the skin on the inside of your mouth may toughen up and you may find you require less wax. [3] X Research source
While this doesn’t have to be your most thorough brush job, at the very least, remove any food stuck in the braces where you plan to apply the wax. [4] X Research source
Roll the wax for at least five seconds. The warmth from your fingers will soften it and make it easier to mold around the brace or wire. Using too much wax may result in the wax falling off.
If you’re having trouble seeing, use a metal rod or small spoon to push out your cheek.
The wax is edible and non-toxic, so it doesn’t matter if you swallow it. [6] X Research source
The wax will pick up food as you eat. If the braces are too painful to let you eat without wax, replace the dirty wax after you finish your meal. Take off the wax before brushing your teeth, or you’ll get wax caught in your toothbrush.
The downside is that your braces must be completely dry before you apply it. [8] X Research source If you want to try silicone, ask your dentist for a tester pack, or buy a small amount from the store and test it out for a few days.
If the pain is from an irritated area in the mouth, such as the cheek or lip, doing warm salt water rinses several times a day might help heal the tissue and decrease irritation. You should see an orthodontist right away if your pain results from a wire poking or a bracket that has come off. The orthodontist and staff have the proper tools to trim or recenter a poking wire and to repair a broken bracket.
