If you're wearing braces, there's a chance that the ends of the braces will come off the brackets. This often occurs shortly after the installation of the braces. Whatever the reason, don't panic. As a temporary solution, reinsert the wire into the bracket so you don't injure your cheek or gums until you meet the orthodontist.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Inserting Braces into Brackets
Step 1. Find out the position of the loose wire
Braces can come off due to a change in the position of your teeth or when you chew food. If you experience this, make sure the bracket is still attached to the teeth and the wire is not completely removed from the bracket.
- If the wire comes loose from the bracket, try inserting it again carefully. If needed, don't hesitate to ask others for help.
- If the bracket also comes off, make an appointment with the orthodontist so he can attach the bracket as before.
Step 2. Find a stick-shaped object with a small, blunt end as a tool
Many objects can be used to insert loose braces, such as chopsticks, spoon handles, cotton balls, or other blunt objects.
- Use something clean. Do not put dirty objects in your mouth.
- Pentol cotton in a closed container can be used immediately because the condition is clean.
- Spoons are enough to clean with dish soap.
Step 3. Insert the wire into the bracket using the tool
Insert a cotton swab or other aid into the mouth. If needed, have a mirror ready so you can see what is being done. Press the end of the wire close to the teeth, then insert the end of the wire into the bracket so that it returns to its original position.
- If you can't see what to do in the mirror, ask a friend or family member for help.
- Be careful when pressing on the wire, as the tip can jump up and puncture your cheek or gums. Don't get hurt or other wires come loose.
Step 4. Make sure the wire doesn't rub against the cheek
Rub the tip of your tongue against your cheek and gums near the loose wire to make sure it tastes the same as it did before the wire came off. If it's still uncomfortable or the wire rubs against your cheek, try another method or make an appointment to see an orthodontist.
Method 2 of 3: Wrapping the Wire with Dental Wax
Step 1. Make a small ball of dental wax
Usually, orthodontists give dental wax or wax wrap around the braces after the braces are placed. If not, you can buy it at the pharmacy. Make small balls the size of corn kernels or peas. Dental wax is easy to shape by hand.
If your orthodontist doesn't provide dental wax or you haven't been to the pharmacy yet, order it on the website
Step 2. Dry the loose wire and the retaining bracket
Use a paper towel to dry the brackets and wire. Dental wax does not stick if bracket or wire is wet. When applying wax, try to keep your mouth dry by breathing through your mouth and not swallowing saliva.
Step 3. Wrap the wire with wax
Once the wax is attached to the wire, gently squeeze the wax to wrap the ends of the wire to the nearest bracket. This way, the wire ends don't feel sharp so they don't hurt your cheeks or gums.
- Dental wax can come off at any time. Re-wrap the wire with wax until you can meet the orthodontist to fix the stirrup.
- Dental wax is non-toxic and harmless. So, don't worry if you swallow it.
Method 3 of 3: Trimming Loose Braces
Step 1. Prepare small pliers
Braces are not hard so they are very easy to cut. Make sure you cut the wire with a tool that is not too big to keep the mouth safe and comfortable.
- Use distal end pliers (one side of the pliers head is closed) because it can clamp the piece of wire so it doesn't swallow.
- If you don't have pliers at home, use clip-shaped nail clippers.
Step 2. Sterilize the pliers with alcohol
Anything you want to put in your mouth must be clean. Before cutting the loose wire, moisten a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol, then use it to wipe the pliers. If you want to use nail clippers, clean them first with rubbing alcohol.
- Wait for the alcohol to dry or evaporate before putting pliers or nail clippers in your mouth.
- After sterilization, pliers or nail clippers must be used immediately because they can be exposed to bacteria if placed for a long time.
Step 3. Stick the tip of your tongue to the roof of your mouth when you want to cut the braces
This will prevent the piece of wire that is thrown into your throat from being swallowed. Besides being painful, you are in danger of swallowing pieces of wire.
Step 4. Ask someone else for help if you are having trouble cutting your braces
It's possible that you're having trouble seeing the loose wire so you can't cut it yourself. Ask a friend or family member to help if you're worried about getting hurt or the outcome isn't going well.
- When you want to cut the wire, do not shake or pull it hard because the bracket can come off.
- Make sure you insert or cut the wire in a bright place while mirroring. Keep in mind that a loose wire may not necessarily be visible or repairable on its own.
Tips
- Consult an orthodontist whenever braces are problematic. Maybe he asked you to come to the clinic to make sure the dental treatment is going well.
- Ask a friend or family member for help if you have trouble inserting or cutting your braces.
- Usually, braces come off when chewing hard or sticky food. Avoid foods that cause the wire to come loose.
- If you are at school when your braces come off, see a nurse at the UKS. He or she can help you fix your braces before seeing an orthodontist.
Warning
- Be careful when cutting loose braces so you don't swallow pieces of wire.
- Make sure everything you put in your mouth is clean, even sterilized first.
- Cutting braces should be a last resort.
