Dealing with a broken braces wire can be frustrating, especially if you’re in the middle of orthodontic treatment. A broken wire can poke into the gums, cheeks, or tongue, causing discomfort and even pain. If left untreated, it could interfere with the overall progress of your treatment. While it’s important to visit your orthodontist as soon as possible to fix the issue, there are steps you can take at home to safely remove or manage a broken wire until you can get to the office.
In this blog, we will walk you through the steps of how to safely remove a broken braces wire, what to do to reduce discomfort, and when its necessary to contact your orthodontist.
What Causes a Braces Wire to Break?
A braces wire can break for a number of reasons, and its important to identify why the wire broke in order to prevent further damage. Common causes of a broken braces wire include:
Excessive Pressure: Chewing on hard foods or objects (like ice or hard candy) can apply excess pressure to the wire, causing it to bend or snap.
Injury or Trauma: Accidents, falls, or blows to the mouth can result in a broken wire.
Normal Wear and Tear: Over time, the wire can weaken or bend, especially if it hasn’t been adjusted properly or if youve missed appointments.
Improper Fitting: Sometimes, wires can break due to an improper fit or from shifting teeth that create tension on the wire.
Regardless of the cause, it’s essential to address a broken wire promptly to avoid irritation or further complications.
What Youll Need to Safely Remove a Broken Braces Wire
Before attempting to remove the broken wire yourself, gather the following tools:
Tweezers: A clean pair of tweezers will help you safely grip and manipulate the wire.
Cuticle Scissors or Nail Clippers: These can be used to trim any protruding wire carefully.
Orthodontic Wax: This is useful for covering any sharp ends of the wire after cutting to prevent injury.
Saltwater Rinse: A saltwater rinse can help reduce irritation and cleanse the area around the injury.
A Mirror: A mirror will help you see the broken wire more clearly and guide you as you work.
Steps to Safely Remove a Broken Braces Wire
If the broken wire is causing you pain or irritation, heres how to safely manage and remove it:
1. Assess the Situation
First, assess the situation and check the wires position. If the wire is protruding and poking the inside of your cheek, gums, or tongue, be cautious when handling it. If the wire is stuck or lodged in the brackets, its important to proceed carefully to avoid causing injury or further damage.
2. Clean Your Hands and Tools
Wash your hands thoroughly before touching your mouth or any orthodontic tools. Use clean tools, such as tweezers or scissors, and disinfect them before use to avoid introducing bacteria into your mouth.
3. Gently Push the Wire Into a Safe Position (if possible)
If the wire is sticking out and causing discomfort, try to use a clean pair of tweezers to gently push the broken wire back into a more comfortable position. You can also use the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully push the wire against the braces, away from your cheeks, gums, or tongue.
Tip: Be gentledo not apply excessive force, as it could damage your braces or cause injury to your mouth.
4. Trim the Broken Wire (if necessary)
If the wire is still causing discomfort or if you cannot reposition it, carefully trim the wire. Use clean, sterilized cuticle scissors or nail clippers to cut the wire as close to the brackets as possible. Be sure to avoid cutting too close to the gums or other soft tissues.
Tip: Only trim the wire if it is easy to do so and does not require excessive force. If the wire is deeply lodged or hard to reach, it’s better to leave it alone and seek professional help.
5. Apply Orthodontic Wax
Once the broken wire is in a safer position or trimmed, apply orthodontic wax over any sharp ends of the wire to prevent it from poking into your mouth. This wax will provide a cushion and help protect the inside of your lips, cheeks, and gums until you can get to your orthodontist.
Tip: Orthodontic wax is also helpful in preventing irritation from any remaining wire ends.
6. Rinse with Saltwater
After managing the broken wire, rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to soothe any irritation. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gently swish it around in your mouth for 30 seconds to cleanse the area and reduce swelling or discomfort.
7. Monitor for Discomfort or Complications
Keep an eye on the area where the wire was broken. If you experience excessive pain, swelling, or bleeding, or if the wire is still causing significant discomfort, contact your orthodontist immediately. They will need to fix or replace the wire as soon as possible to prevent any disruption in your treatment.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
Even if you’ve successfully managed a broken wire at home, it’s essential to contact your orthodontist for a follow-up. Here are situations in which you should seek professional help:
The Wire Is Difficult to Remove: If the wire is deeply stuck in your braces or difficult to trim, its best to have a professional handle the situation to avoid damaging the braces or injuring your mouth.
Persistent Pain or Swelling: If you continue to experience pain, irritation, or swelling even after repositioning the wire or using wax, it may be a sign that the wire is pressing on sensitive areas, or there may be an infection.
Problems with Braces Alignment: If you notice that the wire breakage has affected the alignment of your teeth or if its interfering with your braces progress, contact your orthodontist right away for adjustments.
Preventing Future Wire Breakage
While accidents happen, there are several steps you can take to prevent broken braces wires in the future:
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods: Hard candies, ice, nuts, and chewy foods can put unnecessary pressure on your braces, causing the wire to break. Stick to soft foods and avoid chewing on hard objects.
Wear a Mouthguard for Sports: If you play sports, especially contact sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth from injury.
Regularly Visit Your Orthodontist: Regular checkups and adjustments help ensure that your braces are fitting properly and that the wire remains intact.
Conclusion
Dealing with a broken braces wire can be uncomfortable, but with the right tools and techniques, you can manage the situation at home until you can visit your orthodontist. Always take care to avoid causing further damage, and dont hesitate to contact your orthodontist if youre unsure how to handle the problem. Remember, while a broken wire may seem like a minor issue, its important to address it promptly to ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment.