3 Ways To Handle Poking Wires On Braces - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Handle Poking Wires on Braces PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Devin McSween Medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 References

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  • Fixing a Poking Wire
    • |
  • Using Orthodontic Wax
    • |
  • Treating Cuts and Sores
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 489,555 times.

Poking wires on braces are a very common and irritating problem. These wires can cause sores, small cuts, and abrasions on your gums and cheeks. Reducing discomfort is the first goal of dealing with this problem, followed by fixing the wire. While there are some ways you can fix poking wires at home, you should always see your orthodontist or dentist to follow up. In most cases, your orthodontist will want to replace a broken wire or cut any long pieces of wire that are poking you.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Fixing a Poking Wire

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  1. Step 1 Try to bend thinner poking wires using the eraser end of a pencil. 1 Try to bend thinner poking wires using the eraser end of a pencil. You won't be able to fix all poking wires this way, but this method will help in many cases.[1]
    • Find the wire in your mouth that is poking you.
    • If it is a thin wire, get a pencil with a clean eraser.
    • Gently touch the eraser to the poking wire.
    • Push the wire gently to bend it.
    • Try to tuck the poking wire behind the archwire, or the wire that connects the brackets together.
    • Add wax on top of the wire to keep it in place.
    • Only do this for thinner, more flexible wires.
  2. Step 2 Use tweezers or clippers to fix poking wires in the back of your mouth. 2 Use tweezers or clippers to fix poking wires in the back of your mouth. Sometimes, eating hard foods can cause flexible wires in the back of your mouth to slip out of the bracket slots on the back teeth. If a wire slips off a bracket, you can try to fix it with tweezers. Dentist Jeremy Silverman also shares, "with small wire clippers or nail clippers, you can also safely snip the offending wire."[2]
    • Get a small pair of thin-nosed tweezers. Make sure to sterilize them with rubbing alcohol before using them in your mouth.[3]
    • Grab the end of the poking or loose wire with the tweezers.
    • Guide it back into the slot on the bracket.
    • Place orthodontic wax on top of the wire to keep it in place.
    • If you can't get the wire back into the slot, you will need to call your orthodontist.
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  3. Step 3 Fix ligatures and wire lace ties that poke your lips using tweezers. 3 Fix ligatures and wire lace ties that poke your lips using tweezers. Ligatures are the wire or rubber bands that wrap around each bracket, while lace ties are thin wires that wrap around the bracket or archwire. After fixing either piece, you will need to see your orthodontist to follow up for a replacement.[4]
    • Use sterile tweezers to grab a broken ligature and place it back around the bracket. Or, completely remove it if it won’t go back on.
    • If the wire lacing of your braces is broken in the front of your mouth, you can try to tuck the broken lace behind the archwire or around a bracket using tweezers.
    • Or, use the tweezers to bend the wire away from your lips and cheeks.
    • Put orthodontic wax on top of the ligature or wire to hold it in place.
    • If the lace is on top of the archwire you can also remove it by asking a family member to cut it with pliers or wire clippers.[5] This is only recommended as a last option and should be followed by a visit to the orthodontist as soon as possible.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using Orthodontic Wax

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  1. Step 1 Get some orthodontic... 1 Get some orthodontic wax. Dentist Jeremy Silverman emphasizes that "orthodontic wax placed over the sharp area will provide relief."[6] Your orthodontist should have supplied you with some when you got your braces.
    • If you have run out, you can buy orthodontic wax at most pharmacies.
    • Orthodontic wax comes in small cases containing long strips of wax.
    • If you cannot find wax at a pharmacy, call your orthodontist for some.
  2. Step 2 Remove a small amount of wax from one of the wax strips. 2 Remove a small amount of wax from one of the wax strips. As dentist Jeremy Silverman advises, "be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and brush your teeth prior to applying the orthodontic wax. Pinch a pea-sized amount between the thumb and forefinger and roll the wax into a ball. It can be flattened slightly to cover more area if needed."[7]
    • Make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching the wax.
    • Use only new, unused wax on your braces.
  3. Step 3 Make sure the wire or bracket that is poking you is dry and clean. 3 Make sure the wire or bracket that is poking you is dry and clean. It can help to brush your teeth carefully to remove any food or debris from the wires, before applying wax.[8]
    • To dry your braces, hold your lips or cheeks away from the area with poking wires.
    • Let it air dry for a few seconds or use sterile gauze and place it between the brackets and the inside surface of your lip to dry.
  4. Step 4 Apply the orthodontic... 4 Apply the orthodontic wax ball to the poking wire. All you have to do is press it onto the offending area. Dentist Jeremy Silverman shares that, "your tongue can be used to make slight adjustments if needed."[9]
    • Put the ball of wax on your fingertip.
    • Touch the wax to the poking wire or bracket.
    • Press down gently to cover the wire. Pressure on your teeth or braces while receiving orthodontic treatment can cause some discomfort. If you feel soreness while pressing on the wire, this is completely normal.
  5. Step 5 Remove the wax before eating or brushing your teeth. 5 Remove the wax before eating or brushing your teeth. You don't want the wax to get into your food while you eat.[10]
    • Discard any used wax immediately.
    • Replace it with new wax after eating or brushing your teeth.
    • Continue to use the wax until you can see your orthodontist or dentist to fix the wire.
    • If you do happen to swallow the wax, that's okay. It won't harm you.[11]
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Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Treating Cuts and Sores

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  1. Step 1 Use a salt rinse to clean your mouth. 1 Use a salt rinse to clean your mouth. This can help to treat any sores or cuts caused by poking wires.[12]
    • Dissolve 1 teaspoon (5.7 g) of salt in ½ cup (118 ml) of warm water.[13]
    • Use this as a mouthwash by swishing around your mouth for 60 seconds.
    • This may sting at first, but it will help to relieve prolonged discomfort and prevent infection.
    • Repeat this 4 to 6 times a day.
  2. Step 2 Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic, sugary, or hard to eat. 2 Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic, sugary, or hard to eat. These foods and drinks can damage your braces and potentially lead to poking wires. Instead, eat a soft, bland diet.[14]
    • Eat foods such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups.
    • Avoid coffee, spicy foods, chocolate, citrus fruits or juices, nuts, seeds, and tomatoes. These foods are high in acid and can aggravate any sores or cuts from your wires.
  3. Step 3 Drink cold water or iced tea. 3 Drink cold water or iced tea. Cold (unsweetened) beverages can help ease the pain from sores.[15]
    • Use a straw to sip a cold drink, taking care not to scrape the cut or sore.
    • You can also eat popsicles to apply cold to the sore.
    • Alternatively, suck on an ice cube. Let the ice sit on the cut or sore for a few seconds at a time.
  4. Step 4 Put an oral... 4 Put an oral anesthetic gel onto any sores or cuts. According to dentist Jeremy Silverman, "topical oral anesthetics, such as Anbesol or Orajel, can provide some [temporary] relief when rubbed on the more painful areas."[16]
    • You can buy Orajel or Anbesol at most pharmacies.
    • Put a small amount of the gel on the end of a cotton swab.
    • Rub the gel over any sores or cuts in your mouth.
    • You can reapply the gel 3 or 4 times each day.
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Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question I have lost my rubber band for my braces. Is it ok to wait until I see my doctor? Or should I call immediately? Cristian Macau, DDS Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015. Cristian Macau, DDS Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Expert Answer It is important to inform your dentist as fast as possible when this happens. Depending on the treatment phase and clinical situation your dentist may decide how urgent it is to replace the rubber band. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 25 Helpful 52
  • Question My mouth hurts! I tried ice and I couldn't find wax. Please help! Cristian Macau, DDS Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015. Cristian Macau, DDS Cristian Macau, DDS Doctor of Dental Surgery Expert Answer Try rinsing with diluted mouthwash. Pour about a half capful into a cup, then add another half capful of plain water. Anesthetic gel may also help you ease the pain and buying glycerin gel from a local pharmacy and applying it on the painful area will help the healing. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 23 Helpful 47
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Tips

  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, like aspirin or ibuprofen, can help reduce discomfort and pain from poking wires, too.[17] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • These methods are just temporary fixes for the problem if you can’t get to your orthodontist right away. It is always safest to get an orthodontist to fix the issue. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Ask your orthodontist or dentist for orthodontic wax. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

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References

  1. ↑ https://health.uconn.edu/dental/patient-services/orthodontics/
  2. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
  3. ↑ https://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/programs/orthodontics/pdfs/Orthodontic_Emergencies.pdf
  4. ↑ https://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/programs/orthodontics/pdfs/Orthodontic_Emergencies.pdf
  5. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
  6. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
  9. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
More References (8)
  1. ↑ https://parkcrestdental.com/blog/dental-products/best-practices-and-tips-for-dental-wax-for-your-braces/
  2. ↑ https://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/programs/orthodontics/pdfs/Orthodontic_Emergencies.pdf
  3. ↑ https://orthodontics.setonhill.edu/patient-information/
  4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/canker-sore/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370620
  5. ↑ https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/life-during-treatment/
  6. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/mouth-ulcers
  7. ↑ Jeremy Silverman, DMD. Dentist. Expert Interview
  8. ↑ https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/life-during-treatment/

About This Article

Jeremy Silverman, DMD Medically reviewed by: Jeremy Silverman, DMD Dentist This article was medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute. This article has been viewed 489,555 times. 5 votes - 60% Co-authors: 22 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 489,555 Categories: Braces

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

If the wires of your braces are poking out and irritating your cheeks, you can get some relief by using orthodontic wax. To ensure that the wax sticks, first brush your teeth to remove any food and let the area air dry. Once the area is dry, press a pea-sized ball of wax onto the wire until it’s covered. Make sure to take the wax off before you eat or brush your teeth so you don’t end up swallowing it. If you forget, it's okay, the wax won't hurt you! If you want to try and fix the poking wire, get a pencil with a clean eraser and gently touch the wire until it bends away from your lips. For more help from our Dental co-author, like how to treat any cuts or sores caused by the wire, read on. Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Soumiya Rose

    Soumiya Rose

    Sep 10, 2016

    "Today I accidentally pulled out a bit of my wire at the back of my mouth. I tried to place it in the bracket but it..." more
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Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jeremy Silverman, DMD Medically reviewed by: Jeremy Silverman, DMD Dentist 5 votes - 60% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 22 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 489,555 Soumiya Rose

Soumiya Rose

Sep 10, 2016

"Today I accidentally pulled out a bit of my wire at the back of my mouth. I tried to place it in the bracket but it..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 25, 2017

"I did not know I was allowed to do things like bending or cutting the wire without having to visit my orthodontist...." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Jun 13, 2017

"Seeing the sheer volume of questions about wires poking and scratching was reassuring. I know I'm not alone,..." more Francesca Matranxhi

Francesca Matranxhi

Jun 7, 2019

"This helped me a lot since I just got braces yesterday and no one in my entire family has them. No problems yet,..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 12, 2017

"I will definitely be using the previously mentioned step until I get wax. Good article. Right to the point and..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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