What if a wire comes loose?

Traditional metal braces may take a bit of getting used to, but they are a reliable and proven means of correcting even the most difficult malocclusion, or “bad bite.” If you brush after every meal, floss carefully and follow your orthodontist’s instructions, you’ll have a radiant, healthy, well-aligned smile before you know it.

However, one scenario which requires attention is when a braces wire snaps loose and pokes the inside of your mouth or cheek. This situation can be uncomfortable, though a loose or broken wire is actually not difficult to fix.

When Should I Call My Orthodontist?
As soon as you notice that wire is poking your mouth or your child’s mouth, please give us a call. We can often advise you what to do over the telephone; and if you require an emergency appointment, we will schedule it and get that wire fixed.

The “fix” is simple: we pull the wire out from between the brackets and replace it with a new one. If the wire has simply come loose, we can just put it back where it needs to go.

Remember, when you have a broken wire, it can’t move your teeth into their desired alignment. Also, don’t try to cut a protruding wire yourself; it can be accidentally inhaled or swallowed. Here are some wire hacks to use until you can come into our office.

Poking-Wire Hacks
If you have a wire that is bothering you on the weekend or after hours, some wire hacks you can try immediately and safely are:

• Use the clean eraser end of a pencil to gently tuck the poking wire into a more comfortable position.
• Mold some orthodontic wax into the shape that will cover the protruding wire and protect your mouth. It’s not a long-term solution, but this special wax can help prevent injuries and irritation to your cheek, tongue or gums. The weight of the wax can press the wire gently back into place as a temporary stopgap; so it’s smart to have extra wax in a case with you at home, school or work.
• Try a topical pain-reliever approved for oral use, such as Anbesol, to reduce discomfort.
• Rinse your mouth with half a teaspoon of salt mixed with 8 ounces of warm water to keep the area clean and relieve any soreness.

Don’t let the once-in-a-blue-moon possibility of a poking wire keep you from getting braces: this issue is simple, easy to fix and rarely happens during the course of orthodontic treatment. Please contact us at 607-258-3469 or request a complimentary orthodontic consultation online to explore what Muench Orthodontics can do to speed your journey to a healthy, gorgeous smile.