How to use orthodontic wax

Page updated October 14, 2026. Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Loucks-Buren.

Orthodontic wax is a soft wax you press over a bracket or wire that's rubbing your cheeks, lips or gums. Pinch off a piece the size of a small pea, roll it into a ball, flatten it, and press it completely over the spot causing irritation. Your orthodontist usually gives you some, and drugstores sell it.

What orthodontic wax is

Orthodontic wax, also sold as dental wax or relief wax, makes a smooth buffer between the metal of your braces and the inside of your mouth (AAO). The AAO describes it as a special wax for sharp wire ends or bracket surfaces that prevents rubbing, stabbing or scratching (AAO). It doesn't fix anything; it protects your mouth until your mouth toughens up or your orthodontist makes a repair.

Most irritation happens early. In the first days with braces, brackets and wires can rub the cheeks, lips and gums and cause small sores (AAO), and irritation generally decreases as your mouth gets used to them (AAO).

How to put wax on braces, step by step

1. Wash your hands, and if you can, brush your teeth so the area is clean.
2. Dry the spot. Wax sticks better to a dry bracket; a clean tissue or cotton swab helps.
3. Pinch off a small piece, about the size of a small pea (AAO).
4. Roll it into a ball between your fingers to warm and soften it (AAO) (AAO).
5. Flatten it slightly and press it completely over the bracket or wire causing the irritation (AAO).
6. Smooth the edges so your lip or cheek slides over it.

Steps 3 to 5 are the AAO's method; washing your hands, drying the spot and smoothing the edges are general good practice that help the wax stay put.

Why braces rub, and when it stops

For the first few days after braces go on or are adjusted, most people feel pressure or tenderness, and the lips, cheeks and tongue can be irritated where brackets and wires rub, especially early on (AAO). The AAO's pain guide says soreness is strongest in the first 24 to 48 hours (AAO). Your mouth adapts: as it gets used to the braces, irritation generally decreases (AAO). Until then, wax, warm saltwater rinses and an over-the-counter pain reliever usually help (AAO).

When to use it

If a wire is poking you

As teeth move, the end of a wire can work its way out and irritate your mouth (AAO). The AAO's steps (AAO):

1. Use a clean pencil eraser or cotton swab to gently push the wire toward the tooth so it lies flat.
2. If you can't get it comfortable, cover the end with orthodontic wax.
3. If a small piece of wire breaks off and you can safely remove it with clean tweezers, you may do so.
4. Tell your orthodontist.

A wire tie (ligature) sticking into your lip can also be bent back down with a cotton swab or pencil eraser (AAO).

If a bracket comes loose

A bracket may slide along the wire or hang on the wire after coming off the tooth. If it's still attached to the wire, gently slide it back toward the center of the tooth, use a small piece of wax to hold it in a comfortable position, avoid hard, chewy or sticky foods, and let your orthodontist know as soon as possible (AAO). Your orthodontist may decide to fix it at your next visit if it isn't causing discomfort or affecting treatment (AAO). Most broken brackets come from food; see what you can and can't eat with braces.

If a tie or band comes off

A lost o-ring. The small rubber ring (ligature) that holds the wire in a bracket can sometimes be put back with disinfected tweezers. If a thin wire ligature comes loose, remove it with the tweezers; if it's sticking into your lip but not loose, bend it down with a cotton swab or pencil eraser. Either way, tell your orthodontist (AAO).

A loose band or appliance. If a metal band around a back tooth, or an appliance such as an expander, feels loose, don't wiggle or pull on it. If it comes off completely, keep it in a small container, bring it to your appointment, and contact your orthodontist straight away (AAO).

Preventing rubbing and breakages

Most breakages are avoidable. The AAO suggests avoiding hard candy, ice, popcorn, nuts and sticky sweets; cutting apples, carrots and crusty bread into small pieces; wearing a properly fitted mouthguard for sports; and keeping all your appointments so small problems are caught early (AAO).

Mouth sores and other relief

Wax isn't the only tool. For sore spots, the AAO suggests rinsing with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water) and choosing soft foods (AAO). Braces don't cause mouth ulcers, but irritation from them can trigger or worsen them; a small amount of topical anesthetic gel such as Orabase or Ora-Gel, applied with a cotton swab, can give quick relief (AAO). Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with general soreness (AAO); ask your orthodontist which to use. More in do braces hurt?

Build a braces kit

The AAO suggests keeping these at home (AAO) (AAO):

For school or work, pack a toothbrush, interproximal brush, floss, toothpaste, spare elastics and some wax (AAO).

Where to buy orthodontic wax

Your orthodontist usually provides wax, and it can be bought at any drugstore if you run out (AAO). Cleveland Clinic also notes dental wax for braces is sold at most pharmacies (Cleveland Clinic). Look for products labeled orthodontic, dental or relief wax.

When to call your orthodontist

Wax is a stopgap. Tell your orthodontist about any loose or broken bracket, poking or loose wire, loose band or appliance, or a lost or cracked aligner or retainer (AAO). Broken or missing brackets can affect treatment time and results, so don't just wait for your next appointment (AAO). Call too if soreness lasts more than a couple of days (AAO).

Some situations are true emergencies: heavy or uncontrolled bleeding, trouble breathing or swallowing, a suspected broken jaw, or a knocked-out permanent tooth need immediate care (AAO).