Once you are used to your traditional braces, they become quite comfortable. You make certain to regularly visit your orthodontist for adjustments, wear your elastics as directed, and brush and floss often.
However, one scenario which does quickly demand your attention and action is when a braces wire snaps loose or becomes dislodged from the bracket. This situation can be uncomfortable and can even become a health hazard. The good news is that loose wires are relatively easy to fix!
Always Call Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics
As soon as you notice the loose wire poking your mouth or your child’s mouth, you need to give us a call. We have a 24/7 answering service specifically to communicate patient emergencies when our office is closed for the day or on weekends. We will often be able to get you in for an emergency appointment and get that wire fixed in a short time.
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 formation. Also, Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics recommends never trying to cut a protruding wire yourself. Do so is dangerous and it can be accidentally inhaled or swallowed.
While You Wait
If you have a wire that is poking you on the weekend or after our business hours, some things you can try immediately and safely are:
- Gently use a clean eraser end of a pencil to try to push the poking wire into a better, more comfortable position.
- Apply orthodontic wax. This substance can be molded right into the shape that you need and placed over the sharp part of the wire. It is not a long-term solution, but it can help prevent injuries and irritation to your cheek, tongue, or gums. It can also help press the wire gently back into place as a temporary stopgap. Remember to remove the wax before eating.
- If you have a mouth sore caused by a protruding wire, you can rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the area clean and reduce discomfort: try a half-teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
- An over-the-counter pain relief solution such as Anbesol will temporarily numb the area if it is painful.
Don’t let the rare occurrence of poking wires keep you from getting braces. This issue is simple, easy to fix and happens infrequently if at all during orthodontic treatment. Please contact Hamer & Glassick Orthodontics at (434) 296-0188 today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation. Contact us online, if you prefer, to find out what we can do to help you on your journey to a healthy, attractive, well-aligned smile.