Some Pointers for Poking Wires

We know that having metal in your mouth doesn’t always feel like the most natural thing. Fortunately, after you get your braces on and have your initial adjustment, most people don’t even notice their braces are there. However, sometimes a pesky wire will escape and remind you that your braces are there. Have no fear though, most of the time you can fix rogue wires on your own without having to make an extra trip to the orthodontist. Loose or pokey wires are the most common problem people experience while in braces, so if that happens to you, here are some steps to follow from Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics:

1. See if you can push it back into place

If a wire pulls loose a little it might not be completely out of the bracket. If this is the case, you can use a finger to push it back into place. In other instances, you can guide the wire back into the tube.

2. Wax it!

Wax is your best friend while in braces, there’s a reason why we give it to you! Placing a bit of wax on the pokey wire until you can come in and get it fixed professionally should help to ease any discomfort you may be experiencing.

3. Bend the wire to guard against the pointy end

You can also curve the wire into a position where it’s resting against your gums or teeth. This makes it so the pointy end isn’t on the loose and causing discomfort in your mouth. To do this, carefully use tweezers to nudge the wire where you want!

If any of these methods aren’t working out or you don’t feel comfortable attempting them, don’t hesitate to contact our office. We’d be happy to talk you through things and/or get you scheduled to come into the office as soon as possible. These appointments are typically really quick and we leave time for them in our schedule. Thanks for being a valued patient!