Short answer: Braces sores are a superficial irritation caused by brackets and wire ends rubbing against the inside of the cheek or lip. The tissues generally get used to the brackets within the first 1 to 2 weeks. Covering the rubbing surface with orthodontic wax, rinsing with lukewarm salt water and good oral hygiene help healing. Sores that last more than two weeks or are getting bigger should be shown to a doctor.
In the first days after braces are fitted, it is quite common to notice small, whitish, tender spots on the cheek, lip or tongue. A braces sore is mostly caused by brackets or wire ends rubbing against the soft tissue in the mouth, and with simple precautions it tends to heal within a few days. In this article we explain why the sore forms, how to use orthodontic wax, what can be done about a poking wire end and which sores should be shown to a doctor.
Why do braces sores happen?
A braces sore is, in the great majority of cases, a mechanical irritation caused by brackets, bands or wire ends rubbing repeatedly against the thin mucosa inside the cheeks and lips. The tissues in the mouth are delicate; because this rubbing continues while speaking, eating and even sleeping, a small redness can turn into a superficial sore over time.
The main factors that can increase irritation are these:
- Newly fitted brackets: The soft tissues are not yet used to these surfaces.
- Long wire ends: As the teeth move, the wire end at a back tooth can stick out a little and poke the cheek.
- Dry mouth: Friction increases when not enough water is drunk or when you breathe through your mouth.
- A cheek-biting habit: Brackets can make the effect of this habit more pronounced.
- Insufficient oral hygiene: Plaque buildup can delay the healing of small sores that are already there.
These sores may also be called "braces canker sores" in everyday speech. Although they look like canker sores, their causes are mostly different: a braces sore is linked to a clear point of friction. For the general causes and course of canker sores, you can look at our article on mouth sores and canker sores.
Getting used to it: cheeks and lips in the first weeks
The insides of the cheeks and lips generally get used to the brackets within the first 1 to 2 weeks, and complaints of braces irritation drop noticeably. In areas of constant rubbing the mucosa thickens a little over time and becomes more resistant; this is the body's natural adaptation response.
The areas most affected during this period are the inside of the cheek at the level of the upper back teeth and the inside of the lip in front of the front teeth. A braces cheek sore is often seen at the level of the bands or tubes on the molars, while a braces lip sore appears in areas where the front brackets are in heavy contact.
For general tips on getting through the first week more comfortably, and for more on the tooth sensitivity felt in this period, you can read our article on the first week after braces are fitted. If you wonder how long the soreness in the teeth can last, our article on how long braces pain lasts can also help.
How is orthodontic wax used?
Braces wax covers the bracket or wire end that is rubbing and forms a protective cushion between the soft tissue and the metal. In this way the friction on the sore is reduced and the tissue gets a chance to heal.
You can follow these steps to use the wax correctly:
- Wash your hands and, if possible, brush your teeth.
- Identify the bracket or wire end that is causing discomfort.
- Lightly dry the surface of the bracket with a tissue or cotton; wax sticks better to a dry surface.
- Pinch off a piece of wax about the size of a pea and soften it by rolling it between your fingers for a few seconds.
- Place the wax on the bracket by pressing it on gently; spread its edges around the bracket.
The wax can be taken off during meals and applied again afterward. Swallowing it by accident is generally not a problem, but the wax should be used when needed, not all the time. Replacing it with a fresh piece when it gets dirty is important for hygiene. You can find wax, interdental brushes and other helpful products together on our page on braces care products.
Salt water rinses and oral hygiene
A lukewarm salt water rinse is a simple method that helps keep small sores in the mouth clean and brings some relief. You can prepare it by adding a small amount of salt to a glass of lukewarm water, rinse your mouth for about 30 seconds and spit it out. It can be done several times a day, especially after meals.
Oral hygiene plays a decisive role in the healing of sores:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and move the brush gently over the area with the sore.
- Use an interdental brush to clean debris around the brackets.
- Drink enough water throughout the day; moist oral tissue is less irritated.
- Until the sore heals, limit very spicy, sour or sharp-edged foods.
If you are thinking of using products such as a gel or a mouthrinse on the sore, we recommend asking your doctor or pharmacist whether they are suitable.
A poking wire end: what to do and not to do at home
The safest first step you can take at home for a poking wire end is to cover the end with orthodontic wax and then let your clinic know. A poking wire end is a common situation in which, as the teeth move, extra wire at the back teeth sticks out.
What you can do:
- Cover the end with orthodontic wax.
- If the wire has slipped slightly out of place and is easy to reach, you can gently push it toward the tooth with the eraser end of a clean pencil.
- Photographing the problem and sharing it with your clinic helps the doctor assess how urgent it is.
What not to do:
- Do not try to cut the wire with pliers, scissors or nail clippers; the cut piece can be swallowed or the treatment plan can be disrupted.
- Do not pull or bend the wire by force.
- Do not interfere inside your mouth with sharp or dirty tools.
We have gathered step-by-step suggestions for a bracket that has come off, an elastic that has slipped and similar situations in our article on braces emergencies.
Which sores should be shown to a doctor?
Any mouth sore that lasts more than two weeks or keeps getting bigger despite simple precautions should be shown to a doctor. Irritations related to braces generally heal within a few days to a week once the friction is removed; sores that go beyond this may have a different cause and need to be assessed.
Contact your clinic without waiting for a check-up appointment in these situations:
- A sore that lasts more than two weeks and does not heal
- A sore with hardened, raised or irregular-looking edges
- Bleeding, marked swelling or discharge
- Fever, fatigue or swelling in the neck accompanying it
- A wire end that cannot be covered with wax and keeps causing sores
- Sores that make eating or speaking noticeably difficult
If needed, the doctor can shorten the wire end, smooth a part that is causing discomfort or assess the cause of the sore in more detail. What the sore is caused by and how it will be followed up is determined at the exam.
Braces check-ups in Ankara
Braces sores are mostly part of a temporary adjustment period; still, a sore that does not heal or a wire that keeps poking reduces the comfort of treatment unnecessarily. At our clinic in Park Oran Ofis near Panora Mall, problems like these that arise during ongoing treatment can be assessed with a short check. You can reach us through our contact page for appointments and information.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does a braces sore take to heal?
Once the friction is removed, sores related to braces generally heal within a few days to a week. The healing time can vary with the size of the sore and with oral hygiene. Sores that last more than two weeks should be shown to a doctor.
Is it harmful if braces wax is swallowed?
Orthodontic wax is made to be used in the mouth, and swallowing a small piece by accident is generally not a problem. Even so, the wax should be taken off during meals and replaced with a fresh piece when it gets dirty.
Can I cut a poking wire myself?
Trying to cut the wire at home is not recommended; the cut piece can be swallowed or the treatment plan can be affected. The safest approach is to cover the end with wax and let your clinic know. The necessary correction is made by the doctor at a check-up.
Do braces sores continue throughout treatment?
In most people the sores are concentrated in the first weeks and decrease noticeably as the tissues get used to the braces. Brief irritation can come back after wire changes. If sores recur often, the cause is assessed at the exam.
