If you wear the appliance, sooner or later the metal wire (or bow) may come off. This phenomenon occurs more frequently immediately after the placement of the prosthesis. Whatever the cause, detachment of a thread is rarely serious. In most cases, this can be remedied at home to continue wearing the device in comfort until the next visit to the orthodontist.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Bend the Wire to Return it to the Right Position
Step 1. Determine where the wire came off
The thread can come off with the passage of time or by eating foods with a particularly hard consistency. Make sure the bracket (or plate) is still attached to the tooth. Also, make sure that the wire has not completely detached from the bracket.
- If the wire has come loose from the bracket, try threading it back into place. You may need to get help from someone to perform this procedure.
- If the bracket has also detached from the tooth, call your orthodontist to re-cement it.
Step 2. Look for a small, rounded object to put the thread back in place
You can use a variety of objects for this: you can for example use a pencil eraser, the back of a spoon or a cotton swab. If you don't have any such item at hand, look for another one that is small and rounded in shape.
- Whatever tool you use, make sure it's clean. Never put dirty objects in the oral cavity.
- The cotton swabs that have just been removed from the packaging are clean and can be used directly.
- If you use a spoon, you can wash it with dish soap, as you usually do.
Step 3. Use the object in question to push the wire and put it back in the correct position
Gently slide the object into your mouth. You may need to look in the mirror to examine the procedure. Press the wire into the right position to make it stick to your teeth again.
- If you can't see what you are doing while looking at yourself, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
- Push the thread gently, as it can slip off and puncture the cheek or gums. Avoid hurting yourself or causing another thread to detach.
Step 4. Make sure the floss no longer rubs against your cheeks
Feel the area where the wire came off with your tongue. You should feel a sensation similar to what you had before it detached. If you feel discomfort or notice that the floss is scratching your cheek, you should try another method or book an appointment with the orthodontist.
Method 2 of 3: Cover the Wire with Wax
Step 1. Create a small sphere with orthodontic wax
Orthodontic or protective wax is often provided by the orthodontist, but you can also find it at the pharmacy. Roll it with your fingers until it forms a ball similar in size to a grain of corn or a pea. The wax should be easy to shape with your hands.
If you can't find it at the pharmacy and can't contact your orthodontist, try ordering it on the internet
Step 2. Dry the appliance and the wire
Use a paper towel to dry the appliance and the wire. If they are wet, the wax will not adhere well. Try to keep your mouth dry while applying the wax by breathing through your mouth and avoiding swallowing.
Step 3. Push the wax ball onto the wire
Once the wax has been placed, smooth it over the entire end of the metal wire, until it reaches the bracket. That way, the end of the thread should feel soft enough to stop irritating your cheek or gums.
- The wax may fall out at some point. You can replace it whenever necessary until the orthodontist can definitively fix the thread.
- Orthodontic wax is neither toxic nor dangerous, so don't worry if you accidentally ingest it.
Method 3 of 3: Cut the Wire
Step 1. Look for a wire cutter
The wires of the appliance are very easy to cut and you will not need any special tools to do this. Choose a metal nipper that you can fit comfortably into your mouth.
- The distal wire cutter is the best tool to perform this procedure, as it will hold the piece of wire you will be cutting. This helps to avoid the possibility of ingesting it.
- If you don't have a clipper on hand, you may want to use a nail clipper.
Step 2. Sterilize the clippers with alcohol
Everything you introduce into the oral cavity should be perfectly clean. Sanitize the clippers with isopropyl alcohol before putting them in your mouth. You should also sterilize the nail clipper if you use this tool.
- Let the alcohol dry or evaporate before inserting the clippers into your mouth.
- Use the clippers immediately after cleaning it. If you leave it around for a long time, it will be exposed to germs and bacteria.
Step 3. Place your finger on the thread you intend to cut
This will help prevent the severed portion from ending up in your throat. Avoid ingesting the thread at all costs: it can be painful and sometimes dangerous.
Step 4. Get help if you don't feel like doing it
It can be difficult to see and cut the thread yourself. If you think you can't do the procedure correctly without hurting yourself, ask a friend or family member to help you out.
- Avoid shaking the floss too much or putting pressure on the back teeth while trying to cut it, otherwise you risk having one of the brackets come off.
- You can try to mirror yourself and perform the procedure in a well-lit place. Not all threads are visible or easily accessible, especially when trying to cut them yourself.
Advice
- Always call your orthodontist to let them know what has happened. He may ask you to make another appointment to make sure the appliance is intact.
- If you have trouble fixing the wire yourself, you can ask a friend or family member for help.
- Often the wire comes off due to hard and sticky foods. Avoid foods that could cause any component of the appliance to come off.
- If the wire breaks at school, go to the infirmary for assistance and remedy the problem until you can go to the orthodontist.
Warnings
- When arranging the wire, be careful not to swallow any part of the appliance.
- Make sure everything you put in your mouth is clean and even sterilized if necessary.
- The cutting of the wire must always be considered as a last resort.
