Braces Wire Causing Irritation? Here’s What to Do

If the wire in your braces is poking the inside of your mouth, it can be painful and distracting. Fortunately, there are effective ways to manage this discomfort right away. Here’s what you can do when you need quick relief.

Call Your Orthodontist

You need to call your orthodontist in West Bradenton, FL at Orthodontic Specialists so they can fix the problem properly. Braces wires aren’t supposed to be poking your inner mouth or lips. A quick, emergency visit is all that’s needed, and you’ll be right as rain!

Use a Ball of Wax

For immediate relief, you need to put something in between the wire and your soft tissue. A small ball of wax will work to blunt the tip of the wire. You can search for orthodontic wax at the drugstore, or you can use the wax in lip balm. Just cut off about a quarter inch off the tip of the lip balm and ball it up with your fingertips. Then gently apply to the end of the wire.

Use a Cotton Swab to Bend the Wire

If you can locate the offending wire and it’s causing major pain, use a clean cotton swab or the end of a pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place. This may not be a permanent fix, but it can offer immediate relief until you can see your orthodontist.

Pain Relief with Over-the-Counter Medication

If the pain persists and is too much to handle, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain. Just follow the recommended dosage and try to rest your mouth as much as possible.

Taking these steps will help you manage wire irritation and make the process of wearing braces in West Bradenton, FL a lot more bearable. Just remember, a little patience and a few quick fixes can make all the difference!