Once you make the decision to get braces, there are certain responsibilities that come along with them. Regular brushing, flossing and eating a proper diet are just a few of the ways to maintain braces. Sometimes, even with the best care, wires can poke the inside of your mouth, irritating your lips and causing sores. When this happens, there are a few tips you should follow.

Orthodontic Wax —

You will be given orthodontic wax when you have your braces placed. This wax will act as a barrier between your braces and the inside of your mouth. It’s a good idea to use wax until your mouth gets used to the braces, but it will also help if you end up with a pokey wire or a broken bracket. Apply a small bit on the problem area to give your mouth relief from irritation and make it easier to function until you can come in to see us. Make sure to remove the wax prior to eating or brushing, and apply clean wax afterward.

Prevention is Key —

As with most things in life, prevention is key when dealing with braces. Since it’s not uncommon for the wires in your braces to poke the inside of your mouth, making sure you do everything you can to prevent it from happening is a great idea. For starters, avoid eating hard and chewy foods that can cause brackets and wires to break. Things like hard candies, gum, and pretzels should be avoided.

Ask for Guidance —

Regardless of whether you have a broken bracket or just a pokey wire, the best way to deal with any braces-related issue is to reach out to us for guidance. Although the steps above can help you at home, give us a call to see if an appointment is necessary. Our guidance is needed to ensure your braces remain intact and any irritation you’re dealing with is resolved.

If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to reach out!