How to Help Pokey Braces

If you have braces, then you are well aware of the problems that may go along with them. Whether it is having to carefully choose foods that will not get stuck or damage your braces, making sure they are clean, or having that annoying and pokey wire bother you.

Pokey wires from braces can be extremely uncomfortable, especially if they can’t be dealt with immediately. Therefore, it is good to know how to handle this situation in the meantime while you wait for that appointment to get it fixed.

Orthodontic Wax

Using orthodontic wax is probably the easiest and most effective way to deal with the pokey wires until your appointment. It is also one of the safest ways to deal with the wire. Using the wax can help avoid contracting any mouth cuts from the wire and will put you in a much more comfortable position.

Be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and clean and dry the area in which the pokey wire is located. Never reuse wax. Always use a new and dry piece of wax. Roll the wax into a ball that is roughly the size of a pea and then apply the wax to the dry area of the mouth where the wire is located. Make sure to hold your cheek away from the spot until the wax is in place.

Remember to remove the wax when it is time to eat or brush your teeth and reapply as needed until your appointment to cut down on any irritation.

Fixing the Wire

If the orthodontic wax is not working and it is a thin wire that is causing the issue, you can gently push the wire to bend it and then try tucking the wire behind the arch wire. This method can only be used on thinner and more flexible wires and should only be employed if the orthodontic wax is not working.

Consultation

It is always best to make your appointment for as soon as possible so that the pokey wire issue can be immediately addressed by a professional. If you do experience any cuts due to the wire, you can dissolve one teaspoon of salt into a cup of lukewarm water and swish around the mouth for at least sixty seconds. While it may feel unpleasant at first, it will help relieve any discomfort and help prevent any infection.