Do Braces Hurt? How to Manage the First Few Days

So, you have some misalignment in your teeth or some bite issues that have taken away your confidence to smile. Frustrated, you’ve decided to get braces to get rid of the problem once and for all. But, as you get closer to the dentist’s office, a question pops up in your mind. Do braces hurt?

Well, the answer is yes, they do hurt, especially in the first week. You see, your teeth are adjusting, your mouth is adapting, so it is natural to feel pain and discomfort.

However, it doesn’t last forever. Plus, there are plenty of braces pain relief tips that can get you through it. So, let’s explore more about the discomfort after getting braces, how long do braces hurt, and how to ease braces discomfort.

Why Do Braces Hurt in the First Place?

It is common and absolutely normal to feel pain or soreness after getting braces. After all, braces work by applying gentle, steady pressure to your teeth. They are kind of pulling or pushing them into new positions, albeit quite slowly.

So, it is pretty evident why there’s discomfort after getting braces. Your teeth are being “forcefully” moved. That said, besides pressure on teeth, there are two more reasons for braces pain.

• Irritation from brackets and wires: The metal rubs against your cheeks, lips, or tongue until your mouth toughens up.
• Adjustments along the way: Every time your orthodontist tightens the wires, you’ll likely feel a bit of soreness for a couple of days.

Now, as your mouth slowly adapts, the discomfort and pain won’t feel nearly as strong as they did during the first week. You get used to it.

How Long Do Braces Hurt?

This is one of the most common questions people ask. They want to know how long they should expect pain and discomfort after getting braces. The good news is that the pain doesn’t last forever. In fact, most of the pain happens right at the start and then eases as your mouth adjusts.

Let’s break it down into a timeline:

First 1–3 Days

This is usually when you’ll notice the most soreness. Your teeth are adjusting to the pressure, and your gums or cheeks might feel tender. It’s normal to stick to soft foods during this time.

The Coming Week

By the end of the first week, the pain usually improves, but eating certain foods may still feel uncomfortable. You might also notice small spots of irritation where the brackets rub against your mouth. Overall, for most people, braces pain in the first week is the most troublesome. Things get manageable after that.

After Adjustments

Now, every time your orthodontist tightens or adjusts your braces, you may feel mild pain again for a couple of days. Think of it as a “mini first week” each time.

As we said earlier, what feels uncomfortable in the beginning becomes routine, and the pain doesn't feel like a big deal. Rather, as the treatment progresses, you’ll focus more on the exciting part, watching your smile transform.

Braces Pain First Week: What to Expect

The first week with braces is often the biggest adjustment. Your teeth and mouth are learning something completely new. So, it’s normal to feel a mix of soreness, irritation, and sensitivity.

Here’s what you can expect during those first seven days:

Day 1–2

Right after getting braces, your teeth feel really sore and tender. Biting down is uncomfortable, there might be increased saliva production, and even brushing might feel hectic. You might have to change your diet, relying more on cold foods and soft meals like smoothies, yogurt, or mashed potatoes.

Day 3–5

By the middle of the week, the pressure on your teeth usually feels a little better. But new challenges pop up. Brackets and wires rubbing against your cheeks, lips, and tongue start causing irritation or tiny sores. While this is completely normal and will ease with time as your mouth gets used to the braces, it feels quite frustrating.

That said, you can use orthodontic wax to reduce this discomfort after getting braces.

Day 6–7

As you near the end of the first week, things start to calm down. The soreness fades. You’ll find it easier to chew soft foods. Many people say this is when they start to feel more confident eating, talking, and even smiling with braces.

With all that said, the emotional side is just as real as the physical one. In the first week, you’re suddenly cautious about what you eat, how you speak, or how your smile looks. But show yourself some grace. Braces pain in the first week is temporary after all. Think about how you're moving closer to a straighter, healthier smile every day.

Braces Pain Relief Tips You Can Try Right Away

We’ve explored the pain and discomfort after getting braces in detail by now. So, let’s move on to finding the solution to this problem. Obviously, you don’t have to bear the pain, waiting for your mouth to adjust to it. Instead, follow these tips for braces pain to reduce the irritation.

Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers

Mild over-the-counter pain relievers work well in the first couple of days after getting braces or right after an adjustment. Just follow the directions and don’t use them excessively.

Orthodontic Wax for Bracket Irritation

Brackets rubbing against your cheeks or lips is a common cause of discomfort after getting braces. For that, use orthodontic wax. Place a small amount over the bracket and it'll create a smooth surface, protecting your mouth from irritation.

Cold Compresses or Ice Water for Soothing Relief

If it's inflammation, cold will work wonders. Try holding a cold compress against your jaw. Or even sip on ice-cold water. Cold will bring instant relief by numbing soreness. Plus, it’s natural and drug-free, so no worries about side effects.

Stick to a Soft Foods Diet

Eating is extremely troublesome in the first week. And since hard or crunchy foods are absolutely no-go, you have to go for soft foods. Consider smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or pasta.

Oral Anesthetic Gels for Localized Pain

If a specific spot inside your mouth feels extra sore, oral gels can help. Just dab a small amount directly on the irritated area. That’ll numb the pain almost instantly.

Salt Water Rinses to Reduce Swelling

A slightly warm salt water rinse can reduce swelling, keep your mouth clean, and speed up healing from small sores. Mix half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of slightly warm water and swish gently.

Overall, remember that you don’t have to bear braces pain as if it were some endurance contest. Rather, follow these braces pain relief tips and make your teeth straightening journey much easier. Adopt them with consistency and see the discomfort after getting braces fade away.

In addition, here are some more braces pain relief tips dentists recommend that you can use for further relief.

Tips for Eating with Braces (First Few Days)

What to eat and how to eat it, that’s the main concern after you get braces. Your teeth are sore and sensitive after all. You can’t bite into steaks and burgers right away. So, what should you eat then? And what should you avoid?

What to Eat

Soft, easy-to-chew foods. For example, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, mashed veggies, scrambled eggs, and pasta. They'll give your teeth a break while still keeping up with your nutrient requirements. The chilled items among these will help soothe soreness.

What to Avoid

Skip hard, crunchy, or sticky foods. Things like nuts, popcorn, chewy candy, and crusty bread. They’ll either hurt to bite into or damage your braces. However, they aren’t off-limits forever. Just avoid them during the first few weeks, then introduce them slowly if your dentist allows.

Small, Slow Bites

Even with soft foods, take smaller bites and chew slowly. The idea is to reduce the pressure on your teeth. It’ll also give you more control, so you’re less likely to accidentally bump a sore tooth.

It is totally understandable, the first meals with braces feel very awkward. You may be slower, messier, or even self-conscious. However, as days go by, you’ll find it easier to eat. It’s all part of the adjustment process.

When Should You Call Your Orthodontist?

Most of the time, braces pain in the first week is completely normal and nothing to worry about. But how do you know when it’s just routine discomfort and when it’s time to call your orthodontist?

Here are some signs the pain isn’t normal:

Intense Pain Not Improving after a Week

If your discomfort after getting braces doesn’t ease within 7 days, or if it feels worse instead of better, it’s worth getting checked.

Broken Wires or Brackets Poking the Mouth

Sometimes wires shift or brackets come loose. If something is poking your cheek, gums, or tongue, it can be painful and won’t get better on its own. Your orthodontist can easily fix this.

Sores or Swelling that Won’t Heal

Small mouth sores are common at first, but if they don’t heal after a week or if swelling gets worse, it could mean something needs adjusting.

The reassuring part? Orthodontists expect these kinds of issues. They know braces take some getting used to and can quickly fix anything that feels “off.” Even a quick call for advice can save you days of unnecessary discomfort.

Braces vs. Clear Aligners: Which Hurts Less?

When it comes to straightening teeth, both braces and clear aligners get the job done. But many people wonder: which one hurts less? Let’s look at the differences side by side .

In a nutshell, both options are effective for creating a straighter smile. But if comfort is your top priority, then clear aligners are the option to go for.

Your New Smile Is Worth the First-Week Discomfort

Do braces hurt? Yeah, they do. But the major trouble usually lasts the first week only. And even that can be curbed to some extent by using suitable braces pain relief tips that we discussed earlier.

Pain, after all, is part of the process. But if that makes you uncomfortable, then choose clear aligners instead of metal braces. That's a much gentler alternative, and can be done totally at home.

That said, no matter what you choose, just never compromise on getting a healthier smile, fearing discomfort. A confident smile outweighs all the challenges involved.