My Braces Are Digging Into My Cheek, What Can I Do?

Orthodontic treatments are long-term procedures performed to correct the dental structure both aesthetically and functionally. However, especially in the initial months, this process can bring various challenges for patients. One of the most common complaints is “my braces are poking my cheek.” This situation not only causes physical discomfort but can also reduce motivation to continue treatment.

If your braces are poking your cheek, the first and most practical solution is to use orthodontic protective wax recommended by your orthodontist. These special waxes are applied in small pieces over the protruding wire to keep it in place. This prevents the wire from contacting the soft tissue and helps avoid irritation, sores, or sensitivity inside the mouth.

My Braces Hurt—What Should I Do?

If your braces are causing pain, applying something cold can help temporarily numb the nerves in the teeth and reduce discomfort. You can apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth or towel to your jaw or cheek area for 10–15 minutes. However, if your braces are causing constant and severe pain, there may be a more serious issue. In such cases, we recommend seeking support from your dentist or Pendik dental clinics to guide you through the process.

Is It Normal for Braces to Poke the Cheek When First Applied?

Yes, this complaint is very common. During the first days of orthodontic treatment, it takes time for the tissues inside the mouth to adapt to the new system. Natural reflexes such as your tongue pushing against the wire or your cheek rubbing against the brackets can increase the feeling of poking. This adaptation period can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

However, if the discomfort worsens over time or if sores, ulcers, or canker sores begin to develop in the mouth, this could indicate a problem beyond the normal adjustment period.

Why Do Braces Poke the Cheek?

There are several reasons why braces may poke the cheek. These include:

The ends of the wires are too long
A bracket has shifted or become loose
The wires have sharp edges
A narrow oral structure

What Should I Do If Sores or Ulcers Develop?

If your braces are poking your cheek, this can eventually cause sores or ulcers on the tissues. This not only causes pain but also negatively affects basic functions such as speaking, swallowing, and eating.

Treatment Methods:

Use antiseptic mouth rinses
Apply ulcer sprays recommended by your dentist
Avoid acidic, spicy, and hard foods
Apply protective gels directly to the sore area

Eating Hurts Even More—What Should I Do?

Many patients who say “eating hurts more with my braces” experience this complaint especially after consuming hard foods. Hard foods (such as nuts with shells, seeds, and hard fruits) can cause the wire to shift, brackets to break off, or the braces to poke the cheek.

In such cases, you should consider the following:

Choose soft and warm foods
Cut food into small pieces before eating
Chew rather than bite into food

Hastalarımızın Merak Ettikleri

When the end of the braces extends or the wire in the brackets moves, it can rub against the inner surface of the cheek and cause a stinging sensation. This is especially common in the first months of treatment.

Continuous contact with the wire can cause wounds, ulcers or cuts inside the cheek. This situation is both painful and increases the risk of infection. An orthodontist should be consulted without delay.

After washing your hands, roll a small piece of wax and press it to the point where the wire is inserted. It creates a smooth surface in the mouth and prevents the wires from touching the soft tissue.

If the sinking complaint continues, the wire tip may be too much. In this case, the orthodontist will make the correction by shortening the wire tip. It is recommended that you do not intervene yourself.