Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect During Your First Week!

Braces usually don’t hurt when they are put on. However, a dull ache, tightness, or soreness begins a few hours after you leave the orthodontist’s office. This happens as the wires begin putting pressure on your teeth. This discomfort is completely normal because your braces are doing their job. 

For most people, the first few days are the hardest. Soreness usually peaks around the second or third day, then slowly gets better. By the end of the first week, most people feel back to normal and are used to eating and talking with braces. This article explains what you can expect during your first week with braces. It also covers easy ways to manage any discomfort you may experience.

Is Braces Pain Normal or Something to Worry About?

Brace pain is normal during the adjustment process. The dull soreness and tightness you feel simply mean the wires are applying pressure to your teeth. This helps to reposition your teeth to a more comfortable position. Studies show that 87% to 95% of orthodontic patients experience pain during treatment, especially in the first 24 hours. This means some discomfort is expected.

What to Expect During the First 24 Hours

During the first 24 hours, the appointment itself is usually painless. A dull ache usually begins a few hours after you leave, along with a tight, strange feeling across your teeth. Eating may feel a little strange on the first day. The discomfort usually builds slowly instead of hitting all at once.

What to Do When Your Teeth Start Feeling Sore

When your teeth start to hurt, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen usually help most. Sticking to soft foods that need little or no chewing can also make eating more comfortable. Soreness is usually worst on the second or third day. Having these tips ready before the soreness worsens can make the first few days easier.

What to Eat When Your Teeth Hurt From Braces

When your teeth hurt from braces, soft foods are usually the easiest to eat. Try foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soup, and scrambled eggs that need little or no chewing. Stick to these foods for the first three days or so. They can take some pressure off your tender teeth and gums while your mouth adjusts to the new hardware.

What to Do When Brackets Rub Your Cheeks or Lips

If a bracket is rubbing against your cheek or lip, orthodontic wax can help. This is because pressing a small piece of wax over the sharp edge of a bracket or wire creates a smooth barrier between the metal and your soft tissue. Rinsing with warm salt water a few times a day can also help soothe irritation or minor sores.

What Not to Do During Your First Week With Braces

During your first week with braces, avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods such as nuts, caramel, and raw veggies. These foods may make your teeth sore and may harm your brackets or wires. Also avoid poking or fidgeting with your braces. This can irritate your cheeks and lips more than the braces already do.

When Should You Call Your Orthodontist About Braces Pain?

If the pain is severe or doesn’t improve after a week, see your orthodontist. Also contact your orthodontist if a bracket or wire breaks and causes severe, constant irritation. Most soreness goes away within a week. If your pain worsens rather than improves, see your orthodontist. 

Your First Week With Braces: Day by Day

The table shows what to expect during your first week with braces.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do braces hurt after getting them?

Braces usually hurt for about a week after you get them. The soreness is often worst around the second or third day and then slowly gets better by the end of the week. Most people feel comfortable and adjusted to their braces by the end of the first week.

What day do braces hurt the most?

Braces usually hurt the most on the second and third day.  By then, the soreness has had time to build while your mouth is still getting used to the pressure. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort usually starts to ease noticeably.

Do braces hurt when they are first put on?

Braces do not hurt when they are first put on. Because the bonding process involves no drilling or injections. The soreness usually begins a few hours after the visit as the wires start applying pressure.

Why do my teeth hurt when I bite down with braces?

Your teeth may hurt when you bite down with braces. This is because chewing puts pressure on teeth the wires are already moving. You may notice this more during the first few days. It usually gets better as your mouth adjusts.

What can I eat during the first week of braces?

Soft foods are usually the easiest to eat during the first week with braces. Good options include mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soup, and scrambled eggs because they need little or no chewing. Around days four and five, you can slowly start eating firmer foods again. It usually feels more comfortable by then.

How can I make my braces hurt less?

Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, sticking to soft foods, using orthodontic wax on irritated spots, and rinsing with warm salt water are the most effective ways to make braces hurt less. If you take a pain reliever before your appointment, it may also help reduce the initial soreness.

Why are my cheeks and lips sore after getting braces?

Your cheeks and lips may feel sore after getting braces. This happens because the brackets and wires rub against soft tissue that isn’t used to the hardware yet. Putting a little orthodontic wax over the sharp edges can usually help calm the irritation quickly.

Is it normal for one tooth to hurt more than the others?

It is normal for one tooth to hurt more than others. Because different teeth may need to move different amounts, they can feel different levels of pressure. This usually evens out as treatment progresses.

Do braces hurt after every adjustment?

Braces can cause some soreness after each adjustment. However, it is usually milder and does not last as long as the discomfort during the first week. Most people find that later visits are much easier than the initial braces appointment.

When is braces pain considered abnormal?

Brace pain is not normal if it is severe or doesn’t improve after a week. Swelling, a broken bracket, or a wire pushing your cheek or gums are signs that you should see an orthodontist. In these situations, you should call your orthodontist rather than wait and see if it gets better.

Final Thoughts

Braces pain is normal when you first start treatment. It is usually strongest around the second or third day and gradually fades by the end of the first week. Soft foods, orthodontic wax, over-the-counter pain relievers, and warm salt water rinses can make the first few days with braces much easier. At Half Moon Orthodontics, we provide affordable, efficient, and personalized care. Our goal is to make every step of your treatment as comfortable as possible.