A wire is digging into my cheek

As teeth move during you treatment, you may feel more or less wire at the back of the brace. Sometimes, the wire will start t o dig into your cheek at the back of the brace. Sometimes, hard foods or aggressive cleaning of your teeth may dislodge the wire.

If you feel wire digging in, orthodontic wax can sometimes be used to reduce any discomfort. A small pea-sized amount of the wax is rolled between your thumb and index finger until it is soft. It can then be placed on the offending part of the brace and wire. If you do not have any orthodontic wax, use some of the waxy coating of a Babybel cheese. If the wax does not stay on well, use a larger piece or try to dry the area that you want the wax to stick to. Use some kitchen roll or a handkerchief. You will need to do this for several days until your cheek gets use to the wire.

If the wire has been dislodged so that more is sticking out on one side and none on the other, you can a teaspoon and apply gently pressure at the back of the brace, against the wire to see if you can move it back to the correct position. You will know if it is the correct place because you should be able to feel equal amounts of wire on each side.

Some patients have previously clipped the long piece of wire using a pair of nail clippers. This is not advised because the free end of the wire may get inhaled or swallowed.

If you feel the wire is too long or you have tried wax and it is not helping, contact the practice for an earlier appointment.