Has it ever happened to you that an orthodontic appliance wire loosened after eating something or playing a sport? Have you ever had a problem with a thread that "tortured" the inside of the cheek? These are very common orthodontic problems that can still be solved in a few simple steps.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Repair a Loose Wire
Step 1. Put it back
Sometimes an appliance wire loosens from the inside of the attachment, the small ceramic metal element that is "glued" to the tooth. If this happens, you can push the wire back into place with the help of a mirror and a pair of tweezers. Grab it in the middle and fold it, so that the end fits back into the binding.
- If you feel it is about to come off again, use orthodontic wax to lock it in. To apply the wax, first dry both the thread and the attachment with a cotton swab or cotton wool. Take a small piece of wax, shape it into a ball and adhere it to the edge of the attachment and the loose thread to secure it.
- While this is not an emergency situation, you should still consult with your orthodontist to find out if the repair can wait until the next follow-up visit.
Step 2. Fold it into place
A connecting wire, which is what is wrapped around the attachments of the appliance, could come loose as you brush your teeth or eat something. In this case, the best solution is to fold it and put it back in its place. You can use the end of a pencil with an eraser or a cotton swab to push it into place. If the wire continues to bother you, cover it with orthodontic wax. First, dry the thread with cotton wool or a cotton swab. Take a small piece of wax and place it on the dry cable pressing until the wax has completely covered it.
If the thread has hurt the inside of your mouth, rinse with salt water or a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Repeat the rinses 2-3 times a day and make sure the cable is always covered with wax. Over time, the mucous membranes in the mouth will heal
Step 3. Cut it out
In some situations the line does not stay in its original position, inside the binding. In other cases, however, it breaks and it is impossible to put it back in its place. At this point you should cut the excess floss and wait for the moment when your dentist can arrange the repair. Open your mouth and place a tissue or other material under the broken thread to catch the segment you are about to cut. Use a mirror to guide the movements and cut the wire with a sharp nail clipper.
- If you don't have a proper nail clipper, you can use a clipper or other similar tool that is capable of cutting wire. Be careful not to accidentally cut your lip.
- Be sure to take the cut segment out of your mouth. You don't have to swallow it and you have to prevent it from pricking the inside of your mouth.
- You may not be able to cut all the excess thread and know that the end will be sharp. If the edge of the floss irritates the inside of your mouth, then cover it with orthodontic wax.
Method 2 of 2: Repairing the Threads that Irritate the Mouth
Step 1. Use orthodontic wax
The longer you wear braces, the better the alignment of your teeth will be. When this happens, the teeth move, as do the orthodontic wires. The closer the teeth come together, the greater the amount of "excess" floss that can cause irritation and pain. If it's just a small segment of wire sticking out of an attachment, then you can remedy it with orthodontic wax, to find some relief until the next repair. Blot the area with a cotton swab or Q-tip. Then model a small piece of wax with your fingers, forming a ball, and apply it on the wire in the back of the mouth.
You can also consider keeping a cotton ball in this part of the mouth. This is a bit inconvenient but effective solution until you can buy some wax or go to the orthodontist
Step 2. Bend the wire
If the string is longer than you can handle and you can't cover it with wax, then you need to move it. Try to bend it back with your fingers. If the wire is too small, take a pencil with the eraser on the end and move it so that its tip does not irritate the mucous membranes.
Make sure you don't scratch another area of your mouth. Also check that you have not bent it enough to detach it from one of the brackets, otherwise you will have to carry out other repairs during the check-up visit to the orthodontist
Step 3. Cut it out
If a cable bothers you a lot and you can't fix it by bending it or covering it with wax, then you should discard it. If it is too long to cover it with wax and too strong to bend it, take a sharp nail clipper or clippers and cut the wire as close to the bracket as possible (but without doing any damage).
- Make sure you take the cut segment out of your mouth. You don't have to swallow it and you don't have to prick your mouth with any residue. To "catch" the piece of thread, place a tissue or paper handkerchief in your mouth, just under the wire.
- If you can't cut it completely, use orthodontic wax to cover the stump.
Advice
- Always inform the orthodontist of your problems with braces. In most cases, immediate repair is not necessary, but if it is, it will take some time. For this reason, talk to your doctor about the necessary changes so that he can make them in time for the next follow-up visit.
- If you have a severe toothache or feel a lot of discomfort from the repairs made, contact your orthodontist immediately. There may be other basic problems not related to the appliance and which need to be resolved.
- Broken threads or a little irritation are completely normal. Don't panic if something comes off the device. It happens very often and for various reasons. Just call your dentist and tell him what happened; he will be able to tell you whether or not a repair is needed.
