It is one of the first questions teens and parents ask before starting treatment: do braces hurt? The honest answer is that braces can make your teeth and mouth sore, usually for a few days at a time, and the soreness is manageable. This guide walks through what to expect and what helps.
Do Braces Hurt?
Most people feel some discomfort when they first get braces and after adjustments. Medical News Today notes that the pressure of braces slowly moving teeth can cause soreness that lasts from a day or two to about a week, while some people have only mild discomfort that goes away within hours.
Our life with braces page puts the usual timeline after an appointment at about two to five days of sore teeth and gums.
A Typical Braces Pain Timeline
A systematic review of 37 randomized trials, covering 2,277 patients, looked at pain during the first alignment phase of braces. It found that pain started quickly after the braces were put on, peaked around the first day, and then decreased a little each day over the first week. About half of patients reported taking a pain reliever at least once that week.
Here is how that tends to look in practice:
- The first few hours. Soreness begins as your teeth start to move.
- Day one. Discomfort is often at its strongest, especially when chewing.
- Days two to five. Soreness fades gradually.
- After each adjustment. Expect a milder version of the same pattern.
Everyone is different, so your experience may be easier or harder than the average.
What Causes the Soreness?
Braces apply gentle, constant pressure to move teeth. That pressure can make your teeth feel tender, especially when you bite down. The brackets and wires can also rub against the inside of your cheeks and lips, causing small sores while your mouth gets used to them.
How to Ease Braces Discomfort
These common steps can help during the first days of treatment.
- Pain relievers. Over-the-counter options such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Follow the label, and ask your orthodontist or doctor if you are unsure what is right for you.
- Soft foods. Soup, yogurt, pasta, and smoothies take little chewing.
- Cold foods and drinks. Cold can help calm sore teeth and gums.
- Warm salt water rinses. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water and swish gently, which can soothe mouth sores.
- Orthodontic wax. A small piece over a bracket or wire creates a barrier against your cheek or lip.
What to Do About a Poking Wire or Mouth Sores
Our orthodontic emergencies page covers common problems. A wire that pokes can be eased by pressing it back with the eraser end of a pencil or covering it with orthodontic wax. Even if you fix it at home, call us to see if it needs to be replaced. For mouth sores, you can use wax, rinse with warm salt water, or apply a product made for mouth sores.
When to Call Your Orthodontist
Some discomfort is normal, but call our office if:
- Pain is intense or does not ease after a few days, even with pain relievers.
- A bracket or band comes loose and causes problems.
- A wire is broken or is poking and you cannot get relief.
Even though true orthodontic emergencies are rare, we would rather hear from you early.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do braces hurt more than Invisalign?
Both can cause soreness while your teeth move. Your orthodontist can explain what to expect with the option that fits your treatment.
Will braces hurt the whole time I wear them?
No. Soreness is strongest in the first days and after adjustments. Between visits, most people feel little or no pain.
Is it normal for my teeth to hurt when I chew?
Yes, for the first few days. Soft foods make it easier. Hard and sticky foods are best avoided throughout treatment because they can damage brackets and wires.
Should I take pain medicine before my adjustment?
Ask your orthodontist. They can tell you what is appropriate for you.
Questions About Braces? Schedule a Visit
If you are thinking about braces and worry about the discomfort, a consultation is a good place to ask. Browse our orthodontic FAQs or contact New Braunfels Braces to schedule a visit.