Getting braces can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience, especially when it comes to wondering about the potential for pain and discomfort. Many people want to know if the first day of braces will be painful and what they can expect as their teeth begin shifting into alignment.
Quick Answer
For most people, there is some level of pain and discomfort on the first day of braces. This is normal as the teeth start moving and adjusting to the new pressure placed on them by the braces. However, the first day is often the most painful and discomfort typically decreases over the following days and weeks as your teeth get used to the braces.
What Causes the Initial Pain from Braces?
When you first get braces, it places immediate pressure on your teeth to begin moving them. This pressure causes discomfort because it is a new sensation your teeth and jaw are not used to. Here are some of the main causes of that initial pain:
- Your teeth shifting – The braces are applying force to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment. This movement stretches the periodontal ligament that anchors your teeth to the bone, which can be painful.
- Tender gums – The braces can cause irritation and inflammation of your gums where the brackets rub.
- Sore jaw muscles – Your jaw has to adjust to the new braces, which can make your jaw joint and muscles ache.
As your teeth, gums and jaw get used to the braces over the next few days, this initial sensitivity and soreness typically goes away or is at least reduced. But that first adjustment period can be uncomfortable.
What to Expect the First Day
The first day varies from person to person depending on how quickly and severely your teeth shift at the start. But here is generally what you can expect:
- Pressure on your teeth – You’ll feel your teeth pushing against the wires and brackets.
- General tooth ache – A dull ache across your teeth from the movement.
- Pain when chewing – Chewing exacerbates the pain so stick to soft foods.
- Soreness of gums – Your gums will likely be tender from irritation.
- Jaw soreness – From the adjustment to your bite.
For most, this pain and discomfort peaks about 24 hours after getting braces on and then starts improving. It may take a week or more for the soreness to fully go away as your mouth gets used to the braces.
Pain Management Tips for the First Day
Here are some tips to help manage the pain and discomfort on the first day of braces:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed.
- Use dental wax to cover any sharp or poking parts of the braces.
- Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to soothe irritation.
- Eat soft, cold foods like yogurt, applesauce, ice cream or milkshakes.
- Avoid hard, crunchy or sticky foods that could aggravate your teeth more.
- Take slow bites and chew carefully on the non-painful side of your mouth.
The pain should gradually decrease over the first week. Avoid chewing gum or hard foods during this period. If the pain seems severe or doesn’t improve within several days, call your orthodontist.
Does the Pain Continue Throughout Treatment?
The first day is usually the worst in terms of braces pain. Your teeth and mouth need time to adjust to the new braces and pressure on your teeth. As your teeth slowly acclimate over the next few weeks, the constant pain and discomfort should go away.
However, as treatment progresses and your orthodontist tightens the wires or changes them out, you’ll likely feel some recurring discomfort though not as severe as that first day. The teeth need to go through another adjustment phase each time the braces are tightened or changed. This discomfort is temporary and manageable with the same pain relief methods.
Tips to Minimize Pain During Orthodontic Treatment
Here are some tips to help minimize pain throughout your course of orthodontic treatment:
- Take OTC pain relievers as needed when braces are tightened.
- Use dental wax regularly to cover poking wires.
- Rinse with warm salt water after adjustments.
- Eat soft foods for a few days after tightening.
- Avoid very hard, crunchy and sticky foods.
- Brush and floss carefully around braces.
- Use interdental brushes to clean under wires.
- See your orthodontist if you have severe or persistent pain.
Are Braces Supposed to Hurt?
It’s normal for braces to cause some temporary pain and discomfort, especially after adjustments to the wires. But severe or constant pain is not normal and may indicate an issue that needs to be addressed.
See your orthodontist right away if you have:
- Severe pain that pain medication does not relieve
- Unexpected pain when eating soft foods
- Loosening brackets or breaking wires
- Cuts, scrapes or irritation of your cheeks/gums
- Tooth discoloration or decay around braces
Braces should never cause extreme pain. Some level of mild to moderate discomfort is normal especially after adjustments. But your orthodontist can address any issues causing excessive pain or damage to your teeth.
Pain After Braces: What to Expect
Once your braces come off, you may still have some pain and discomfort as your teeth settle into proper alignment. Without the braces holding them in position, teeth can shift slightly and your bite will need time to adjust.
It’s common to have:
- Sensitive teeth
- A slight feeling of looseness or pressure
- Soreness when biting or chewing
- Occasional minor pain with eating
This should improve within the first week after braces removal. Slowly ease back into eating normally. You’ll likely get retainers after your braces to help keep teeth stable.
See your orthodontist if the pain seems severe or doesn’t improve within several days. Significant pain could mean teeth shifted too much and may need to be stabilized again.
Conclusion
Expect the first day of braces to bring some degree of pain and discomfort. For most people it peaks in severity during the first 24 hours as your teeth adjust to the new pressure placed on them. While the initial soreness improves over the first week, some recurring discomfort is common when braces are adjusted.
Stay diligent with dental hygiene, avoid hard foods, use pain medication as needed, and see your orthodontist if you have any severe or worsening pain. With time and patience, your mouth will adjust to braces and you’ll be on your way to a straighter smile.