Wire Irritation

Wire Irritation Causes

Wire irritation can occur for many reasons, most of which are factors you have little control over, such as:

• Long wire ends: There are instances where the wire extends beyond the typical endpoint of the last bracket. When this occurs, you may experience the brace wire poking your cheek and causing discomfort. Wires sticking out of braces is a situation that should be addressed immediately with your dentist to avoid further discomfort and issues such as cuts, further irritation, and infection.
• Shift in wire position: Everyday actions such as eating, oral hygiene care, or trauma to the mouth can lead to dental braces’ loose wire.
• Orthodontic adjustments: New adjustments made to your hardware can cause discomfort while your mouth works to adjust to the changes.

Wire Irritation Treatments

Wire irritation can lead to more issues than simple discomfort if left untreated for too long. The discomfort could increase in severity, making it intolerable; it also poses an infection risk if the wire breaks the skin, causing cuts or ulcers.

To prevent further discomfort and reduce your risk for infection if you encounter a loose wire during your orthodontic treatment, you can try some home remedies until you can meet with your orthodontist to obtain a more prolonged fix:

• Orthodontic wax: Orthodontic wax can work as an effective protective barrier between the wire and soft tissue in the mouth and help alleviate some discomfort you may be experiencing.
• Salt water rinse: A salt water rinse is a tried and true home remedy to reduce the risk of infection.
• Over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medication can help ease some discomfort, and medications like Ibuprofen can reduce any inflammation that may be present.