Anyone Know About Orthodontic Molds?

[MitziG]

My son has to get a retainer and they need to make a mold first. The dr had no clue what the mold material was made from, other than he thought maybe algae? Anybody know what it is? Or what it is actually called? Googling "orthodontic mold material" didn't get me anywhere!

[1974girl]

I asked at ours and they looked and said gluten free. I don't know if it's all the same. I guess you could call the company to double check.

[ravenwoodglass]

The orthodontist needs to call and check. You could try and get the name of the material and maker and call yourself but some companies will only give this info to the dentists office as I found out when checking dental material. It will likely be safe but we pay these guys big bucks and if they won't check IMHO you need a new orthodontist.

[TiaMichi2]

Hi,

When I had questions about dental products, my Dentist gave me a copy of all the products she uses, and the ingredients in it. Maybe you can ask them to give you something like it.

I had dental work recently, and they did a mold for a crown, I did not get any reactions, but you should always make sure, get the name of the product they are using for the mold, and as advised in a previous reply, call the company if the Ortho. is unable to do it.

-Miriam

[MitziG]

Yeah, he is supposed to be checking. But its been 3 days and haven't heard back from him. He is the only orthodontist within a 50 mile radius, and I waited 2 months for the appt.

[kareng]

I would call and talk to a nurse/hygenist. That's who would check. He may have forgotten to tell one of them. You might be surprised, they may have already checked this for someone else.

[Ninja]

Hi,

Beware of the flavorings you can choose! I got hit from orthodontic molds a little while ago and found out that wheat was hiding in the flavorings they added to the mold (if you choose a flavor, that is). Of course, every facility is different.

Laura

[Gemini]

Hi,

Beware of the flavorings you can choose! I got hit from orthodontic molds a little while ago and found out that wheat was hiding in the flavorings they added to the mold (if you choose a flavor, that is). Of course, every facility is different.

Laura

As someone who has most likely had more dental work done that all of the forumites on here combined, I have never found any dental mold or composite to have any gluten whatsoever...even the flavored ones. Natural flavorings are almost always gluten free but I won't say 100% because no one can say that with 100% certainty. I know wheat does not have to labeled on non-food items but if all the natural flavorings in food are gluten-free, why would the ones used for dental products be a problem?

The main ingredient in dental molds are gums...guar, xanthan and some others and they are all gluten free. That is how they acquire the correct consistency...it's not from wheat. Some Celiacs are sensitive to gums, including myself and if I get a big enough hit from it, I don't feel well. It is NOT a gluten hit, though.

All patients have access to the containers that these molds come in and you should ask to read the container. After 25 years of dental work and being Celiac for the past 7 1/2 years, I have never been glutened at the dentist from dental work and I've had it all done. I start my third implant next month and I am sure it will go smoothly, like the last 2.

[dilettantesteph]

My son needs to be on a whole foods diet to be symptoms free and did not react to the orthodontic mold material that was used on him. Good luck!

[Ninja]

As someone who has most likely had more dental work done that all of the forumites on here combined, I have never found any dental mold or composite to have any gluten whatsoever...even the flavored ones. Natural flavorings are almost always gluten free but I won't say 100% because no one can say that with 100% certainty. I know wheat does not have to labeled on non-food items but if all the natural flavorings in food are gluten-free, why would the ones used for dental products be a problem?

The main ingredient in dental molds are gums...guar, xanthan and some others and they are all gluten free. That is how they acquire the correct consistency...it's not from wheat. Some Celiacs are sensitive to gums, including myself and if I get a big enough hit from it, I don't feel well. It is NOT a gluten hit, though.

All patients have access to the containers that these molds come in and you should ask to read the container. After 25 years of dental work and being Celiac for the past 7 1/2 years, I have never been glutened at the dentist from dental work and I've had it all done. I start my third implant next month and I am sure it will go smoothly, like the last 2.

A bit late to reply here, but... I did call and ask. They confirmed it that the flavoring had gluten in it. Obviously, my experience seems to be the minority here and I'm glad for that!

[Gemini]

A bit late to reply here, but... I did call and ask. They confirmed it that the flavoring had gluten in it. Obviously, my experience seems to be the minority here and I'm glad for that!

Who did you call and ask? The company that makes the dental product or the dental office? Actually, either party may not be reliable unless they have Celiac and know what to look for. There aren't too many companies that make dental products, at least here in the States. Most dentists order from a small group of businesses that specifically supply most offices here. I did extensive research on this as I have had to have so much dental work done and cannot take any risks with products.

[Ninja]

Who did you call and ask? The company that makes the dental product or the dental office? Actually, either party may not be reliable unless they have Celiac and know what to look for. There aren't too many companies that make dental products, at least here in the States. Most dentists order from a small group of businesses that specifically supply most offices here. I did extensive research on this as I have had to have so much dental work done and cannot take any risks with products.

We called the dental office and explained my situation with gluten and asked them to check their products. I'm not sure which companies they use... I can call and inquire about it again if you'd like.

[Gemini]

We called the dental office and explained my situation with gluten and asked them to check their products. I'm not sure which companies they use... I can call and inquire about it again if you'd like.

Oh, no...you do not have to do that! I asked because when you check ingredients, ask them to read the label to you and don't rely on a non-Celiac to check the products used. They really have no idea. I only trust my set of eyes to check a product. I might go so far as to guess that they mistakenly assumed natural flavors=gluten. That's all I meant.

I am glad you are going so far to check but make sure YOU know the exact ingredients that are on the label. I made the mistake of trusting people early on after diagnosis and that didn't work out so well for me. Lesson learned!

[Ninja]

Oh, no...you do not have to do that! I asked because when you check ingredients, ask them to read the label to you and don't rely on a non-Celiac to check the products used. They really have no idea. I only trust my set of eyes to check a product. I might go so far as to guess that they mistakenly assumed natural flavors=gluten. That's all I meant.

I am glad you are going so far to check but make sure YOU know the exact ingredients that are on the label. I made the mistake of trusting people early on after diagnosis and that didn't work out so well for me. Lesson learned!

Thank you! The gluten-free lifestyle has a STEEP learning curve, doesn't it?!

[Gemini]

Thank you! The gluten-free lifestyle has a STEEP learning curve, doesn't it?!

Yup...it does. However, after a year or two, it becomes second nature. I promise! You'll become an old pro!