Being poked by the wires of your braces is an uncomfortable experience and is an issue that should be resolved quickly to avoid further discomfort. If you have an emergency with protruding wire, there are a variety of ways you can take care of this issue at home if you can’t see your orthodontist immediately.
Archwires and ligatures are the common culprits when it comes to protruding wires. Both of these can cause small cuts or sores on the cheeks and gums, so this is an issue that should not be ignored.
With these tips, you can temporarily fix the protruding wire and provide yourself with relief from the discomfort and irritation until you can visit King Orthodontics for a permanent solution. When fixing a protruding wire, consider these methods:
Orthodontic Wax- This can be placed on the protruding wire to protect your mouth from further irritation. Be sure to brush your teeth before application and use a pea-sized amount of wax to cover the wire.
Tweezers- If an archwire has slipped out of your molar bracket, you may be able to use tweezers to carefully re-insert the archwire. Once you’ve bent the wire back, use dental wax to keep the wire in place until you can visit your orthodontist. They can also be used to bend a ligature wire back into place. Be sure to clean the tweezers thoroughly before using them.
Pencil Eraser- Using a clean pencil eraser, you can gently bend the wire back to a more comfortable shape. This method may not work for archwires but is useful for pushing in ligature wires on your brackets.
Nail clippers and wires- This is an option that is only recommended as a last resort. To clip the wire, you can pull back your cheek, dry the area, and with the help of an adult, carefully clip the protruding wire. After clipping the wire, be sure to cover it with wax to hold it in place.
At King Orthodontics, we understand that braces can be uncomfortable, especially if you have a protruding wire. Contact us immediately if you are having any issues with a protruding wire.
