Sometimes, if the wire’s really poking, it’s just not worth waiting. A quick trim in the chair can make all the difference.
That’s been my experience too. I tried using wax a couple nights when my wire started stabbing, but it always ended up on my pillow by morning. Once I just couldn’t deal with the pain anymore and called in—they trimmed it in five minutes and I felt so much better. Wax helps for mild spots, but honestly, if it’s really hurting, don’t wait around hoping it’ll get better.
Yep, totally get where you’re coming from. Wax is great in a pinch, but if the wire’s really digging in, it’s just not worth toughing it out. I’ve seen people wait, hoping it’ll settle down, but honestly, a quick fix at the office is so much easier. No shame in calling—it’s what we’re here for. The relief after a trim is immediate. Wax just can’t compete when things get sharp.
I totally relate to this. The first time my wire poked out, I tried to tough it out with wax because I didn’t want to pay for an extra visit or miss work. But honestly, by the second day, I was over it—the pain just got worse, and eating was a nightmare. Ended up going in, and they fixed it in like five minutes. I get wanting to save money, but sometimes it’s just not worth the hassle (or the mouth sores). Wax is fine for a quick fix, but yeah, nothing beats a proper trim.
I get where you're coming from, but is it always necessary to go in right away? I mean, I’ve had wires poke out before, and yeah, wax isn’t perfect, but sometimes it got me through a few days until my next scheduled appointment. Did your ortho ever mention using nail clippers or tweezers (sanitized, obviously) as a DIY fix? I’ve read mixed things about that, so I’m curious if anyone’s tried it without making things worse. For me, the hassle of missing work sometimes outweighs the discomfort—at least if it’s not drawing blood...
I get wanting to avoid missing work, but honestly, I tried the nail clipper trick once and it didn’t go well for me. Ended up with a jagged edge that poked even worse. Wax usually gets me by, but if it’s actually cutting into my cheek or lip, I just bite the bullet and call the office. Have you ever had it get infected from waiting too long? That’s my main worry.
