Efficacy of a wax containing benzocaine in the relief of oral mucosal pain caused by orthodontic appliances.

During orthodontic treatment, pain and discomfort of the oral mucosa can be experienced as a result of trauma from the appliances caused by increased friction between mucosal tissue and the surface of the brackets. Currently, orthodontists have few remedies to prevent or relieve this mucosal irritation. The orthodontist can give the patient wax to cover the brackets as a prophylactic measure or to use as needed on specific irritating appliances.