What to do if Your Braces Wire comes off and Other Issues

At Hook Orthodontics, we believe in running a practice, not a business. We will provide all the information and recommendations necessary to parents, for making the best decisions they feel is best for their child or themselves.

So you just received braces, woohoo, congrats! But a wire just became loose or is poking out? What do you do? First, let’s not panic, If it is an orthodontic emergency, definitely give us a call to set up an appointment as soon as possible. We will accommodate you and schedule an appointment for your comfort. Even if it is something you can take care of yourself, still call the office to schedule a time to repair the problem. Allowing the problem to remain for a long period of time may lengthen your treatment time.

Loose Bracket or Band? 

However there are a few things you can work with at home, that can help you ease your discomfort, while your in between your next visit with us. The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.

You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain. Loose band or bracket - If a band or bracket comes loose from the tooth, call our office for an appointment. While a tight band or bracket actually protects a tooth from decay, a loose band or bracket is extremely dangerous and decay can occur under it very rapidly. If the band or bracket is still attached to a wire, leave it in place and apply wax if there is discomfort. If the band or bracket comes completely out, place it in an envelope and call for an appointment.


Poking Wire or Elastic Hook?
You could be just eating or minding your own business, when you suddenly feel a wire poking out at you. Don’t be alarmed, use your finger or a Q-tip gently to push the wire back flat into your tooth. Sometimes a poking wire can be safely turned down so that it no longer causes you discomfort. Try to tuck the wire back in and out of the way with the blunt end of a toothbrush, or some other smooth object. If you are unable to take care of a poking wire, apply wax and call our office for an appointment.

Archwire out of back bracket?

If the archwire is out of the back bracket, use a tweezer to place the wire back through the tube. If this is a frequent issue, cut the wire with a fingernail clipper behind the last tooth, which it is securely attached. Of course, if there is discomfort, please place wax on it. Give us a call if you are unsure what to do or would like to come in to our office.

Back Brackets? 
If both brackets behind the front teeth have fallen off or have been lost, give us a call right away. If one of the brackets behind the teeth is off, save it securely and let us know in your next visit.

Door of the Braces Bracket?
If the door the braces bracket is open, push the wire into slot and push the door closed with your finger gently.

Mouth Sores: 
Mouth sores can be a common occurrence with braces, especially the first few weeks. Your lips, cheek and tongue can become irritated for one or two weeks as your mouth grows accustomed to the surface of your braces. Use a therapeutic gel that will relieve pain. Or you can use salt water to rinse.

Discomfort / Soreness: 
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).

Discomfort and soreness is normal especially after receiving orthodontic treatment of any kind. Your teeth may be tender to biting pressures. There are a few things to ease the pain or discomfort. You may take over-the-counter pain reliever. Try eating soft foods such as yogurt, chicken noodle soup, bananas, pancakes, cooked veggies or scrambled eggs. Alway rinse your mouth with cold water.