Exposed Wire Help?

[lileepers]

Do any of you guys have any remedies / products to help with irritation from exposed arch wire? I have four teeth that aren't bracketed (and won't be for a while) and the exposed wire on my top teeth is becoming a thorn in my side.

I keep them covered at home with either a (bulky) braces bumper thing or skinny coffee straws sliced open (hey, sometimes you have to make due to save your cheeks!) but I can't exactly wear those out of the house haha

I asked my ortho about it at my follow up appointment last week, and all he could suggest was to use wax. (which is nearly impossible because the wire is very thin so the wax comes right off) I asked about plastic tubing, (like some of you suggested) but was told that they didn't have any such thing

Can I buy said plastic tubing online? I have been trying to search for it, but haven't been able to find anything, and I'm not even sure what the technical term for it is ...

Any and all help is appreciated!

[Sunny]

They can be really nasty and you need to ask your ortho if you can have the wires clipped behind the last bracket, or tubing put over them.

If a patient can't get in to have us put some tubing on, we recommend they cover the area with chewing gum (the sugar free type) or a slit straw, until they can.

Please give your ortho a call and ask for something to be done!

[lileepers]

I hadn't even thought of having it clipped behind the last bracket! That could work!

Unfortunately, I asked about tubing, and they looked at me like I had 4 heads ...

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Clipping the wire in front of the non-bracketed teeth may not be an option because the wire may be in a configuration that needs some posterior support. One of the time tested bite opening techniques is to leave premolars unbonded while opening up deep bites.

Bumper tubing is definitely an available product to orthodontists. It is a matter of whether your orthodontist has this available for your treatment. Apart from that, rest assured that the inside of your mouth will "toughen" up and this should not be an issue once you become used to it.

Good luck!

[lileepers]

Dr. Tam, you are my hero! I was able to find the tubing by googling "bumper tubing" - which is a term I was not familiar with before.

I was able to order a whole roll from here: Orthomechanic LC*::*Elastomerics*::*Orthodontic Lip Bumper Tubing

THANK YOU!! (from me and my sore cheeks)

[MCOMarkhamOrthodontist]

Glad to hear I was of help. To be honest, I am a bit surprised that you were able to buy that online! As far as I know, orthodontic supply companies are supposed to sell only to licensed dentists and orthodontists. Perhaps regulations are different where you are.

Keep in mind that you will not be able to place the tubing on yourself. It will require removing the wire, sliding the tubing over the wire, and then replacing the wire. Perhaps you can speak to your orthodontist to see if they are able to help you. Good luck!

[lileepers]

I actually found a few websites that sell it ... technically it's only plastic tubing ... I'm in the US, I'm not sure if things are different in Canada.

I ended up slicing it open length wise and popping it on the wire myself. It worked like a charm!

I might bring it with me to my next appointment, but to be honest, I like that I can take it off when I brush my teeth.

Thanks again!