I can't get to my orthodontist and the end of my archwire is poking me. Can I go to my general dentist instead?

Answered byDr Ivelina Ivanova-Koycheva, Orthodontist (MSc)Master's degrees in orthodontics in Rome and in aligner treatment in Turin, international lecturerPublished on 12 November 2026

The best option in this case is to contact your orthodontist. Your general dentist can, of course, cut the end of the archwire with a drill or cover it with a material that stops it poking. Your orthodontist can tell you which is the better solution.

This answer is for general information. Your own case needs an examination by an orthodontist.