Piercing braces is a common problem and very annoying. The end of the wire sticking out will cause pain because it causes small cuts and friction on the gums and cheeks. To fix this, first try to reduce the discomfort, followed by correcting the position of the wire. While there are several ways to fix a wire punctured inside the mouth yourself, you should always see an orthodontist or dentist for further action. In the vast majority of cases, the orthodontist will need to replace the damaged wire or cut the piercing end of the wire.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Orthodontic Wax
Step 1. Take the orthodontic wax
Usually, the orthodontist will provide orthodontic wax supplies when you put the braces on.
- If you run out, you can buy it at the pharmacy.
- Orthodontic waxes are sold in small containers containing long strips of wax.
- If it's not available at the pharmacy, ask your orthodontist.
Step 2. Take some wax from the strip
Use sparingly, about the size of a pea.
- Roll it between your fingers until it becomes a small ball.
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching the wax.
- Use new and never used candles.
Step 3. Make sure the piercing wire or bracket is dry and clean
It's best to brush your teeth first to remove food debris or debris from the wires.
- To dry the braces, keep your lips or cheeks away from the piercing wire area.
- Allow to dry for a few seconds or use sterile gauze to place between the bracket and the inside of the mouth.
- Then, attach the candle.
Step 4. Apply orthodontic wax to the piercing wire
You just need to press it on the wire area.
- Place the wax ball on your fingertips.
- Attach the wax to the piercing wire or bracket.
- Press gently to cover the wire. Pressure on teeth or braces during orthodontic treatment does cause discomfort. If you feel pain when pressing the wire, that's normal.
Step 5. Remove wax before eating or brushing teeth
Do not let the wax get mixed with the food.
- Throw away used candles immediately.
- Replace with a new wax after eating or brushing your teeth.
- Use wax until you can see an orthodontist or dentist to fix the wire.
- If you accidentally swallow a candle, don't worry as it is harmless to you.
Method 2 of 3: Repairing the Piercing Wire
Step 1. Try bending the piercing wire with a pencil eraser
This method may not fix all piercing wires, but in most cases it is helpful.
- Look for the pierced piece of wire.
- If the wire is thin, take a pencil with a clean eraser.
- Touch the wire with the eraser.
- Gently push the wire until it bends.
- Try to bend the end of the piercing wire behind the arch.
- This method can only be done for thin and flexible wire.
Step 2. Use tweezers to fix the wire stuck behind the mouth
Sometimes, eating solid foods can cause the flexible wire at the back of the mouth to stick out of the bracket slots on the back teeth.
- If this is the case, you can fix it with tweezers.
- Take thin tweezers. Make sure the tweezers are clean before putting them in your mouth.
- Pinch the end of the wire.
- Return the end of the wire to the bracket slot.
- If you can't get the wire back into the latch, contact an orthodontist.
Step 3. Repair the damaged rubber with tweezers and pliers
After that, you need to see an orthodontist to replace the rubber.
- If the rubber braces in front of the mouth are damaged, you can try putting them back under the wire arches or around the brackets.
- Use tweezers to bend the wire away from your lips and cheeks.
- If the rubber is over the bend of the wire, you can remove it by cutting it with pliers. This method is only recommended as a last resort and should be followed by a visit to the orthodontist as soon as possible.
Method 3 of 3: Treating Wounds and Pain
Step 1. Clean your mouth by gargling
Gargling helps treat wounds caused by piercing wires.
- Dissolve 1 tsp. salt in a glass of warm water.
- Use this solution to rinse your mouth for 60 seconds.
- It may sting at first, but it will help relieve discomfort and prevent infection.
- Repeat four to six times a day.
Step 2. Avoid sour, sweet, or hard-to-chew foods
Instead, choose soft, bland foods.
- Choose foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup.
- Avoid coffee, spicy foods, chocolate, fruit or orange juice, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes.
- These foods are high in acid and can make wounds worse.
Step 3. Drink cold water or iced tea
Cold (unsalted) drinks can relieve pain.
- Use a straw, being careful not to touch the wound.
- You can also eat popsicles to cool the injured area.
- Or, suck on ice cubes. Apply ice to the wound for a few seconds.
Step 4. Apply the anesthetic gel to the wound
Anesthetic gel can temporarily relieve discomfort.
- You can buy Orajel or Anbesol at the pharmacy.
- Put a little gel on the tip of the cotton bud.
- Apply the gel to the sores in the mouth.
- The gel can be used three or four times a day.
Tips
- While you can apply wax to the piercing wire, an orthodontist is always safer.
- Orthodontic wax can be obtained at orthodontic clinics or dentists.
- Do not touch the wire sticking out with your tongue, as this will hurt your tongue.
- Cutting the wire yourself is not recommended as it is not safe.
- If the problem is severe, contact an orthodontist to have your braces repaired.
