Do Braces Hurt? Here’s What You Can Really Expect
If you’re considering braces or are just about to get them, you’re probably curious about the pain factor. Will it hurt like crazy? Will you be able to handle it? These are completely valid concerns, and you’re not alone in fearing discomfort.
The plain truth? Braces do make you sore a bit, but it’s far more tolerable than people are expecting. Let’s break down what you can really expect and what you can do to make your orthodontic experience as painless as possible.
Image: Girl that just got braces on with Freeman Orthodontics
What’s the Deal with Pain When You First Get Braces?
Here’s something that might surprise you, getting braces put on doesn’t hurt at all. The actual appointment is completely painless. You’ll sit in the chair for about 1-1 ½ hours while we carefully attach each bracket and place the wire, but you won’t feel any pain during this process.
The discomfort starts a few hours later. Most patients begin to feel a dull ache about 2-6 hours after leaving our office. This happens because your teeth are experiencing gentle, consistent pressure for the first time, and your mouth needs time to adjust. This will be the most sore you will feel because your teeth have never been moved like this before.
What does it feel like? Think of it as a persistent, dull ache rather than a sharp pain. Many patients describe it as similar to the feeling after a tough workout, your teeth feel like they’ve been “working out” for the first time.
What to expect in the first 24-48 hours:
- Dull, achy sensation in your teeth
- Slight sensitivity when biting down
- Some tenderness in your gums
- Mild irritation where the brackets touch your cheeks or lips
This initial discomfort typically peaks within the first day and gradually decreases over the next 3-5 days.
Why Do Braces Hurt? Understanding What’s Happening
When you understand why braces cause discomfort, it often feels less intimidating. Here’s what’s actually happening in your mouth:
Your teeth are held in place by tiny fibers called periodontal ligaments. When we apply gentle pressure with braces, these ligaments stretch and compress, sending signals to your bone to remodel around your teeth. This process, called bone remodeling, is what allows your teeth to move into better positions.
The discomfort you feel is your body’s natural response to this pressure. It’s actually a sign that your treatment is working! Your teeth are literally moving through bone, which is pretty amazing when you think about it.
What causes the different types of discomfort:
- Tooth sensitivity: Pressure on the periodontal ligaments
- Gum tenderness: Adjustment to new oral hygiene challenges
- Cheek irritation: Soft tissues adapting to brackets and wires
- Bite changes: Your teeth are learning new contact points
A study published in the Journal of Oral Rehabilitation explored factors that influence the pain experienced during braces treatment.
- Bond Day Has the Most Discomfort: The research found that the soreness starts a few hours after getting your new brackets or wires are placed on your teeth. This accounts for over 20% of the pain variation reported by study participants. So, if you’re feeling discomfort when getting your braces put on or after an adjustment, it’s likely due to this initial pressure as your teeth begin to move.
- Soreness Peaks Around 24-48 Hours: After getting braces or having an adjustment, and then it fades over the next few days. So, while it may feel uncomfortable at first, it doesn’t last long!
- Psychological Factors Play a Role: The study found that people who are more anxious or catastrophize (exaggerating their pain perception) tend to experience more discomfort. So, if you’re feeling a bit nervous, it’s normal, but it’s important to try to stay relaxed as it can actually help you manage the pain better.
- Genetics Matter, but Not Much: Although the study looked at genetic factors, it found no strong link between genetic makeup and pain levels. So, no need to worry, your experience is more about your body’s response to treatment than anything you can control.
Image: Orthodontic Braces Adjustment in Progress
How Can You Manage Braces Pain at Home? Simple Solutions That Work
You don’t have to suffer through braces discomfort. Here are proven strategies that our patients swear by:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Take ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed on the package. Many patients find ibuprofen particularly helpful because it reduces inflammation. Take your first dose about an hour before your braces appointment, and continue as needed for the first few days.
- Cold Therapy: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth for 10-15 minutes at a time. This helps reduce swelling and numbs the area naturally. Some patients even find that eating ice cream or drinking cold smoothies provides relief! Just swish with water after.
- Orthodontic Wax Is Your Best Friend: We’ll give you special wax that you can apply to any brackets or wires that irritate your cheeks or lips. Simply pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it over the problematic area. It creates a smooth barrier between the metal and your soft tissues that allows your cheeks to heal. After about 7 days your cheeks will toughen up. Think of it like wearing shoes, you know they are there but you don’t feel them anymore.
- Salt Water Rinses: Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and gently swish it around your mouth. This natural remedy helps soothe irritated gums and promotes healing. Use it 2-3 times daily, especially after meals.
- Smart Food Choices: For the first few days after getting braces or adjustments, stick to soft foods that require minimal chewing:
- Yogurt and smoothies
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup and soft pasta
- Scrambled eggs
- Ice cream (the best part!)
- Soft fruits like bananas
- Crock pot meats and vegetables (makes them softer)
Image: Girl with braces eating a soft fruit
How Long Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect As Treatment Progresses
Here’s something encouraging, your discomfort will decrease significantly as your treatment progresses. Most patients tell us that after the first 2 weeks, they barely notice their braces except during adjustment appointments.
Your mouth adapts in several ways:
- The soft tissues inside your cheeks and lips toughen up
- Your teeth become accustomed to gentle pressure
- You develop better techniques for eating and oral hygiene
- Your brain essentially “learns” to ignore the sensation of having braces
Timeline of comfort:
- Week 1: Most noticeable discomfort requires pain management
- Weeks 2: Significant improvement, occasional sensitivity
- Month 2 and beyond: Minimal day-to-day discomfort
- Adjustment days: Brief return of mild soreness
Many patients actually forget they have braces until someone mentions their smile or they catch their reflection!
Feeling Sore After Braces Adjustments? Here’s Why
Every 6-10 weeks, you’ll visit us for adjustments. During these appointments, we’ll change your wires, change your elastic bands, or make other modifications to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
These adjustment appointments can cause some renewed soreness, but here’s the encouraging part, it’s usually much milder than your initial discomfort. Most patients rate adjustment pain as a 2-4 on a 10-point scale, compared to the 4-5 they might have experienced initially.
Why adjustments cause temporary soreness:
- We’re applying new pressure to continue tooth movement
- Your teeth need to adapt to the increased tension
- Some areas might be more sensitive than others
The soreness from adjustments typically lasts 1-3 days, and many patients find that over-the-counter pain relief is all they need to stay comfortable.
What Reddit Users Say About Braces Pain
We’ve also checked real-life experiences from Reddit users to give you an honest picture of what to expect with braces pain:
- Initial Pain: Most people report mild soreness in the first 1-2 days after getting braces, with pain typically around 4-5/10. This discomfort is caused by the pressure from the braces as your teeth begin to move. You might also feel some irritation from the brackets rubbing against your cheeks, but don’t worry, orthodontic wax works wonders to ease that.
- Soreness After Adjustments: After each adjustment (every 6-10 weeks), many users say they feel mild discomfort for about 1-3 days, usually around 2-4/10. Feeling sore is mainly due to stronger wires connecting the braces.
- Pain Over Time: As you get used to your braces, the pain usually lessens. Most users say the discomfort becomes less frequent and intense after the first few weeks.
- Overall Experience: While braces do cause some discomfort, Reddit users generally find the pain manageable. Most rate the overall experience at 2-5/10, with many saying the long-term benefits of a straighter smile are totally worth the temporary discomfort.
When Should You Contact Your Orthodontist About Pain?
While some discomfort is completely normal, there are times when you should reach out to us:
Contact your orthodontist if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter medication
- Pain that gets worse after the first week
- Cuts or sores in your mouth that don’t heal within a few days
- Loose brackets or poking wires
- Persistent headaches that started after getting braces
Emergency situations:
- A wire breaks and is poking your cheek or tongue
- A bracket comes off
- Severe swelling or signs of infection
Remember, we’re here to help! Don’t hesitate to call our Fort Lauderdale office at (954) 772-1600 if you have any concerns. We’d rather reassure you about normal healing than have you worry unnecessarily. You can even text us a picture so we can help you with a Virtual Appointment, with no need to miss work or school.
Conclusion: You’ve Got This! Embrace the Process for Your Best Smile
Getting braces is one of the best investments you can make in your health and confidence. While some initial discomfort is normal, it’s temporary and completely manageable with the right strategies and mindset. We are here to help you every step of the way!
Remember that millions of people successfully navigate orthodontic treatment every year, and the vast majority find it far easier than they initially feared. The temporary discomfort pales in comparison to the lifelong benefits of a healthy, beautiful smile.
At Freeman Orthodontics, we’re committed to making your treatment as comfortable as possible. We’ll provide you with everything you need to manage any discomfort, and we’re always available to address your concerns.
Ready to take the next step? If you’re considering braces or have questions about managing discomfort during treatment, we’d love to meet with you. Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Freeman by calling (954) 772-1600 or visiting our Fort Lauderdale office at 1825 NE 45th St., Suite B., Fort Lauderdale, FL.
