Tag

orthodontic wax | Wayne Family Orthodontics

What to Do If Your Braces Are Hurting Your Smile

By | Braces | No Comments

If you are having trouble with your braces because they’re hurting your lips, cheeks, and gums, take heart. Orthodontic wax is here to help make your braces-wearing more comfortable. Orthodontic wax can cover the troublesome spots of your appliance and give you the relief you’re looking for. To help you properly place the wax, your orthodontist, Dr. Muhammad Abey, encourages you to follow these instructions:

Wash your hands: Make sure to wash your hands before you place the wax. You don’t want to introduce any bacteria to your mouth, especially if you have a cut or sore.

Brush your teeth: Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This will help clean the area so you don’t trap any food particles or plaque under the wax and promote tooth decay and gum disease. This will also help keep the wax cleaner. If anything, remove the food that is stuck in the area where you plan to apply the wax.

Shape the wax: Take a small amount of wax—about the size of the area you’re going to cover—and roll it into a small ball. Roll the wax for at least five seconds. The warmth of your fingers will soften the wax and make it easier to place. Be careful not to use too much wax. Using too much can make the wax fall off.

Place the wax: Locate the sore areas of your mouth. Then, use your thumb and forefinger to press the ball of wax over the bracket or wire. Rub it back and forth a couple times to make it stick into place. The wax should stick out of your braces a little bit, forming a small lump.

Wearing braces doesn’t have to hurt if you know what to do. For more information and details about orthodontic wax in Wayne, New Jersey, please feel free to call Wayne Family Orthodontics at your earliest convenience. All you need to do is dial 973-341-3180 and our orthodontic team will be thrilled to help you!

FAQs About Orthodontics

By | Orthodontics | No Comments

If you want the best orthodontic treatment possible, then it’s best to know everything you can about braces in Wayne, New Jersey. However, we know braces and orthodontics can be confusing and overwhelming. So, to help you, our Wayne Family Orthodontics team has provided the answers to the following frequently asked questions:

Why is good oral hygiene with braces important?
Oral hygiene is vital if you want a successful treatment and pristine smile results. Oral hygiene is important because food particles and plaque tend to get stuck in your smile and appliance. When this happens, the food and plaque begin to develop tooth stains, tooth discoloration, tooth decay, and gum disease.

How should I clean my teeth and braces?
It’s best to clean your teeth and braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. We recommend brushing your teeth after each meal and snack and flossing your smile at least once a day. Doing these things will help you stay on track with your orthodontic treatment.

How do braces feel?
Unfortunately, there are times when your braces will make your teeth sore and tender. At these times, it’s best to stick to a soft-foods diet and take pain reliever when needed. Also, your braces might poke or bother you on occasion. When this happens, feel free to cover the trouble area with orthodontic wax.

How long do I have to wear braces?
Your treatment time will depend on how misaligned and uneven your smile and bite are. If you have severely misaligned teeth, you will need to wear your braces longer. Generally, patients wear braces for about 18 to 30 months.

What foods should I avoid eating?
For the best orthodontic experience possible, you will need to avoid eating sugary, sticky, chewy, and starchy foods. We also recommend that you avoid drinking soda.

If you would like to know more about orthodontics and braces, please remember that you can always call our office at 973-341-3180 and talk to a member of our orthodontic team. We also encourage you to schedule an appointment with your orthodontist, Dr. Muhammad Abey, if you are concerned about your smile or appliance. We are happy to help you!