What to Do If the Wire Breaks on Braces?

There’s nothing like the unexpected poke of a snapped wire from your braces to make a routine day go haywire. You’re happily munching on your go-to snack, and suddenly, there’s a stinging poke against your cheek or tongue, and that once-strong wire is now sticking out at an unsightly angle. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone, and there is a safe, peaceful path ahead.

Orthodontic emergencies such as this happen more often than most realize. Whether you’re a few weeks into treatment or close to the end, having a clue about how to deal with a wire mishap keeps your progress on track and your mouth at ease. So, what do you do when a braces wire breaks?

Let’s go through it — step by step.

First, Don’t Pull or Tug Anything

It’s easy to reach for a pair of tweezers or a nail clipper and try to repair it yourself. Don’t. Squeezing or cutting the wire with them can do more damage than repair. You may hurt surrounding brackets or worse, harm your gum tissue.

Rather, take your time. Breath. Then:

• Look at where the wire has broken or stuck out.
• If it’s irritating your cheek or gums, push it back carefully with the tip of a pencil.
• Apply orthodontic wax (which is usually available from your dentist) over the sharp edge to minimize soreness until professional assistance can be obtained.

Make Discomfort Milder Until Your Orthodontist Can Be Sought Out

Some mild discomfort is normal when a wire bites or pokes. Until the next visit to your orthodontist, use the following remedies to remain as comfortable as possible:

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to calm any cuts or soreness.
• Stick to soft foods (like smoothies, mashed potatoes, or yogurt) that won’t exacerbate the problem.
• Avoid crunchy or sticky foods that might make the crack worse

Call Your Dental Office Right Away

A broken wire on your braces is worth consulting a specialist. Do not look for affordable braces near Justin alone; let your orthodontist help you. They’ll work with you to determine that you receive the necessary help to fix the issue.

Causes of Wire Breaks on Braces — And How to Avoid Them

A wire breaking can occur due to various reasons, some preventable, others not.

Common culprits include:

• Eating hard foods such as nuts, popcorn kernels, or ice
• Contact sports without a mouthguard
• Flossing too aggressively close to the archwire
• Wear and tear over time as the teeth move
• Teeth grinding

Avoiding these stressors not only prevents brackets and wires from breaking but also aids overall oral health while in treatment.

When a Wire Break Isn’t So Simple

Sometimes the wire doesn’t just poke — it may fully detach. If this happens, try to keep it from moving around too much. Tuck it back with wax if possible, and don’t try to reattach it. That’s a job for your orthodontic team.

It’s worth noting that if the wires of the braces break repeatedly, there may be an issue with the appliance itself, or the pressure on that area is too high. Your orthodontist can adjust your treatment plan accordingly to prevent recurrence.

Orthodontic offices handle snapped braces’ wires regularly. It’s not uncommon. And you don’t have to wait until your next appointment. No matter if it’s discomfort, jammed wires, or unanticipated movement in your appliance, your orthodontic staff is your go-to. Phone your orthodontist immediately to avoid further stress on the wire and keep your treatment on track.