Braces and wires can cause various problems. Sometimes, braces wire can poke your cheek and even cut it. So, you must want to know, can you cut braces wire at home?
Although it is not recommended to do this at home, there are certain circumstances where it may be necessary. You can use fingernail scissors or nail clippers to cut the pokey wire. But, you have to be careful so that it doesn’t hurt your braces or mouth.
However, it is best to seek the advice of an orthodontist or other dental professional before taking any action.
Now question is, how to cut poking braces wire braces?
In this article, I will explain that and also know when you have to cut the braces wire yourself.
Can I cut my own wire braces?
You can cut braces wire on your own, but it is not recommended. But, if it’s an emergency and you must do that, you can try to do that carefully. If you aren’t confident enough, you can tell your family members to help you.
It is also important to follow the instruction of your orthodontist and know the following methods,
When do you need to cut braces wire at home?
You can cut the wire when it starts to poke through the braces or popped out of the bracket’s slot. However, whether you should cut braces wire at home depends on various factors.
You get two types of wire after getting braces. One is archwire and the other is ligature wires.
An archwire is the single curve-wire that passes through the slot of every bracket. This type of braces wire can poke in the back of your mouth sometimes. And, you may need to cut the excess wire on braces at home. Sometimes, the archwire may pop out of the brackets and you may need to trim that as well.
On the other hand, ligature wires are place placed individually in each bracket to hold the archwire in their place. Sometimes, one ligature wire can get loose or pokey and hurt your cheek and gums.
The wire of braces may pop out and poke on your cheek for different reasons including the wire getting loose, broken braces, poor oral hygiene, not taking care of braces, getting hit on braes with something, or food stuck in between the wire and your teeth.
In these situations, you will need to clip the wire if you can’t visit your orthodontist immediately.
If you still can’t do that, you can also take other steps to stop braces wire from hurting your cheek, gums, or tongue.
What to use to cut braces wire?
Here is the list of tools that can be used for cutting braces wire at home:
- Orthodontic wire cutter or pliers
- Nail clipper
- Scissors
- Wire cutter
Nail clippers, wire cutters, orthodontic pliers, or fingernail scissors can be used to cut off braces wire at home. If you have any of these tools, sterilize them with alcohol before cutting the wire.
An orthodontic wire cutter or pliers is the best tool to use when cutting braces wire. However, if you do not have one available, you can use nail clippers or even scissors.
This tool is specifically designed to cut through braces wire quickly and easily and will make sure that the job is done right.
The braces wire is thin and flexible, so you should try using a nail clipper to cut it at first. This is because you can do so without much difficulty.
Purchase a nail clipper that is the ideal size from the market if you don’t feel comfortable using the old one.
You can also use a wire cutter. If you are looking for a wire cutter, you can find one at most hardware stores. However, if you are unsure which one to get, you can always ask your orthodontist for a recommendation.
However, whatever tool you use, just make sure that you are careful and take your time so that you do not damage your braces.
How to cut braces wire at home?
Here is the step-by-step guide to cut poking wire braces.
1. Sterilize the cutting tool.
Before inserting it into your mouth, you need to sterile the cutting tool (e. g. nail clippers, scissors, or pliers) that you are going to use. You can do this by boiling the instrument in water for 5 minutes or using rubbing alcohol.
You can also use soap or handwash to wash it first. Then, apply antiseptic to sterilize it.
2. Find the wire that needs to be cut.
You will need to find the wire that needs to be cut. You can do this by looking in the mirror.
But, when you need to cut braces wire in the back at home. you should take help from your family members.
3. Hold the wire with a hand or tissue paper.
You must hold the wire in the opposite hand before cutting it; otherwise, the cut portion may hurt your cheek or end up being swallowed. So, be cautious of it.
You can also place a piece of gauze or tissue paper to prevent this from happening.
Perform this in front of a mirror. If you can’t do it on your own, ask someone to help you.
4. Cut the poking wire with a nail clipper
Don’t hurry while cutting the wire with a nail clipper. Look at the site clearly at first. Then, cut it gently and carefully.
You will need to make a clean cut on the wire. Make sure you don’t cut the wire too close to the braces, as this can damage the braces.
After you cut the end of the braces wire, the cut portion will remain in your fingers, if you hold it nicely. Make sure you don’t have any broken wire inside your mouth.
To use a dental wire cutter or pliers, follow the same procedure. It’s possible that you can’t do it alone. You can take help from your family members.
Sometimes, after you cut the wire from braces, a pokey end of the wire may remain. Don’t force yourself to clip it.
In that case, put a piece of orthodontic wax on it and wait for the next appointment with the orthodontist.
5. Protect your cheek from the ends of the wire.
Once you have cut the wire, make sure to protect your cheek from the ends of the wire. You can put some orthodontic wax on the end for that.
You can also bend the end of the wire towards the brackets. However, you can do it only with ligature wire.
If you’re not sure how to cut the extra wire on braces, you can always ask your orthodontist for help.
Precautions to take before cutting braces wire at home
Here are some of the things that you should keep in mind before cutting braces wire at home:
1. Use sterilized cutting tools.
Always use sterilized cutting tools to prevent infection. This is because the mouth is a sensitive area and is susceptible to infection.
2. Don’t use anything except the recommended cutting tools.
Only use the recommended cutting tools to avoid damaging your braces. The reason is that using the wrong tools can cause your braces to become loose or even break.
3. Cut the wire in a straight line:
Be sure to cut the wire in a straight line. This will help to avoid any unevenness in your braces.
4. Use proper technique.
Use the proper technique while cutting the wire. This will ensure that the wire is cut cleanly and without any damage.
5. Follow the directions given by your orthodontist.
Make sure to follow the directions given by your orthodontist. Otherwise, you may end up cutting the wire too short or too long.
6. Be careful while cutting the wire.
Be very careful while cutting the wire as it can cause damage to the gums and teeth.
7. Protect your mouth from a sharp edge after cutting the wire.
After cutting the wire, be sure to protect your mouth from the sharp edge. This can be done by covering the sharp edge with a piece of orthodontic wax.
Check out the best ortho wax.
8. Check for any loose wire before cutting.
Before cutting the wire, be sure to check for any loose wire. If there is a loose wire, then it needs to be removed before cutting the braces wire.
9. Don’t cut the wire too short.
If you cut the excess wire too short, then it will need to be replaced. So, be sure to cut the wire only as much as needed.
10. Have someone else hold the wire while you cut it.
It is always a good idea to have someone else hold the wire while you cut it. This will help to avoid any accidental cuts on the cheek or damage to braces.
11. Seek professional help.
If you are not sure about cutting the wire, it is always better to seek professional help. This will ensure that the job is done properly and without any damage.
12. Don’t try to cut the wire if you are not sure.
If you are not sure how to cut the wire, don’t try to do it at home. Always ask your orthodontist for help.
Can you cut braces wire with scissors?
To cut the poking up or pop out the wire from braces, use fingernail scissors. With one hand holding the wire and the scissors in the other, gently cut the wire.
Don’t let the wire get swallowed. The wire can also be held by a small piece of gauze or tissue.
Conclusion
It is possible to cut wire on braces at home using simple cutting instruments such as nail clippers or fingernail scissors. But it is important to be very careful while doing so. Make sure you sterilize the cutting tool before using it and be very careful not to damage your braces. If you’re unsure about how to properly cut the wire, ask your orthodontist for help.
