What to Do When Braces Wire Is Poking Cheek
Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment to straighten misaligned teeth, but they can sometimes cause discomfort or irritation. One common issue that many people face is when the braces wire starts poking their cheek, causing pain and irritation. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps you can take to alleviate the discomfort and prevent further irritation.
1. Identify the problem: Look into a mirror and try to locate the specific area where the wire is poking your cheek. This will help you understand the exact source of the problem.
2. Use orthodontic wax: Orthodontic wax is a soft, pliable material that can be applied to the braces to provide a temporary cushion and prevent the wire from poking your cheek. Take a small piece of wax and roll it into a ball. Then, gently press it onto the wire that is causing the irritation.
3. Trim the wire: If the wire is only slightly poking your cheek, you can try using a pair of clean, small nail clippers or scissors to carefully trim the wire. However, it is important to be cautious and not accidentally push the wire further into your cheek.
4. Apply dental silicone: Dental silicone is another option to cover the poking wire and relieve the discomfort. It is a transparent and flexible material that can be easily applied to the wire to protect your cheek.
5. Use a cotton ball or orthodontic relief wax: If you don’t have access to orthodontic wax or silicone, you can try placing a small cotton ball over the poking wire to create a temporary barrier. Alternatively, you can use orthodontic relief wax or even a piece of chewing gum to cover the wire.
6. Rinse with saltwater: Gently rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater can help soothe any irritation or inflammation caused by the poking wire. Mix a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.
7. Take over-the-counter pain relievers: If the discomfort persists, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. This can help alleviate any pain or swelling.
8. Contact your orthodontist: If the wire continues to poke your cheek even after trying these temporary solutions, it is important to contact your orthodontist. They can schedule an appointment to fix the issue professionally and provide you with long-term relief.
Common Questions and Answers:
Q1. Can I remove the wire myself?
A1. It is not recommended to remove the wire yourself as it may cause further damage or misalignment of your braces.
Q2. How long can I use orthodontic wax?
A2. Orthodontic wax is safe to use until you can visit your orthodontist to fix the issue permanently.
Q3. Is it normal for the wire to poke my cheek?
A3. While occasional poking is not uncommon, it is important to address the issue to prevent further discomfort or injury.
Q4. What should I do if the wire is poking my gum instead?
A4. If the wire is poking your gum, follow the same steps mentioned earlier and contact your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Q5. Can I eat with the orthodontic wax on?
A5. It is best to remove the wax before eating and reapply it afterward for maximum effectiveness.
Q6. Will the poking wire affect my treatment progress?
A6. If left untreated, a poking wire can potentially delay your treatment progress. Therefore, it is important to address the issue promptly.
Q7. Can I fix the poking wire with dental floss?
A7. It is not recommended to use dental floss to fix the poking wire as it can cause further damage or dislodge the braces.
Q8. How long will it take for the wire to stop poking?
A8. Once you have applied temporary solutions or visited your orthodontist, the wire should stop poking your cheek.