Any patient of Dr. Steven Harrison who has had braces before knows that a few simple items can really alleviate the discomfort that braces are so notorious for. Discomfort caused by the slow realignment of your teeth can be alleviated by mild pain medications that you may buy over the counter, and cheek and lip discomfort can be made better by dental wax.
For those who haven’t been through the experience of wearing an orthodontic appliance such as braces, dental wax may be an unfamiliar item. Here, the office of Dr. Steven Harrison explains what this very simple and very useful tool is, how it works, and more.
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What is Dental Wax?
Just as the name indicates, dental wax is a waxy substance that can be placed over the brackets fixed to the teeth. Dental wax may or may not be colored, and it may or may not be scented. Colors can match the colors you’ve already selected for your bands, or you can choose a color to accent your fixture.
What is the Purpose of Dental Wax?
Dental wax serves one simple — but vital — purpose: prevent the brackets from irritating the patient’s cheeks and inner lips. As any braces veteran will know, the brackets can tear up the soft tissue inside the mouth over time and through repeated chewing. By applying a smooth wax to the brackets, wearers can round over the harsh edges of the bracket and relieve a significant amount of irritation. We at the office of Dr. Steven Harrison have seen over and over the success of this simple fix.
Is Dental Wax Safe?
Of course! While it’s not in any way something you should consider consuming on purpose, dental wax will naturally come loose, and you may swallow it. This is safe because the dental wax is non-toxic. Be aware — if you have applied wax shortly before a meal, the wax may accumulate bits of food. It’s best to remove it before eating to prevent any unattractive buildup.
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A Few Tips
Not everyone experiences the same discomfort from their braces, so not everyone needs dental wax. But you never know when an accident might cause your cheek to press into the braces, causing injury. It’s always best to be prepared by carrying some spare dental wax wherever you go.
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Choose Dr. Steven Harrison For Your Orthodontics
If your braces are giving you trouble, don’t hesitate to call the office of Dr. Steven Harrison. Dr. Harrison has been serving the people of the Springfield area for years, and his reputation for great orthodontics is well-known. Call the Parkcrest Dental Group to learn more about orthodontics services from Dr. Steven Harrison or any of our other services.
