Pokey wires are one of the many issues associated with improper installation or maintenance of the braces. If you notice any pokey wires in your mouth, then it is better to take care of it as soon as possible to avoid the possible uncomfortable feeling that follows. The ligatures and archwires poking your lips and gums are standard but need to be addressed with some home solutions.
Geist Orthodontics is a professional orthodontic treatment center in Indianapolis. Dr. Julian Davila is famous for orthodontic treatments, including the installation of braces in Indianapolis. This center guarantees complete dental care, including aftercare for brace installation. Visit their center for all dental services.
Archwires
A unique adhesive is employed while attaching the small metal square brackets to the tooth. The brackets are all attached to the teeth with the help of a thin metal wire known as archwire. This metal lining bends around the teeth on the curves. It pulls and aligns the misaligned or crooked tooth with the help of the brackets.
Archwire is the primary source of teeth rectification after the braces are installed onto the teeth. Some possibilities can damage the alignment of this wire, such as eating hard food or chewing something hard like a pen or pencil. When you exert pressure on the brackets, the archwire might break here and there, resulting in poking on the gum. If you do not care for it at the early stages, it might result in sores or cuts here and there.
Archwire Types
The types of archwires that are used in brace installations are listed below.
- Beta-titanium
- Stainless steel
- Nickel-titanium (NiTi)
Wire Breakage Remedies
The first thing to do when you feel like the archwire has broken is to contact your dentist. The breakage in the archwire can hurt your ongoing brace treatment. The wire is the core of the dental treatment in brace installation, and any damage can affect the overall treatment regime.
The broken archwire can damage the dental lining and cause sores on your gum. The prolonged damage to the gum can cause infection, leading to damage to the dental root. The poking archwire can be taken care of only when it is replaced with a new one or with readjusting it to its original place.
Home Remedies for Poking Archwire
Here are some home remedies to take care of the poky archwire.
- Dental Wax – Take a small amount of dental wax on your finger. Roll the wax to form a small ball between the fingers. Place the ball on the poky area and gently press it to flatten against the sharp edge of the wire.
- Cotton Swab or Pencil Eraser – Place a cotton swab or pencil eraser on the poky region. Press it gently to flatten it against your teeth to avoid the poking.
- Clipping – Trap the poky archwire with the help of a gauze or folded tissue. Take the sharp clippers and gently clip away the poky wire.
The final remedy for poky wires inside the mouth is consulting your orthodontist. Mention it in your next appointment to let them take proper measures.