The idea of getting braces often brings up questions about pain, but it is important to distinguish between sharp pain and manageable discomfort. Braces consist of brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by archwires, which apply gentle, consistent pressure to guide teeth into new positions. This mechanical force causes a temporary, dull aching or generalized soreness, but the overall experience of orthodontic treatment is typically tolerable. Understanding the specific sensations that occur at different stages can help demystify the experience and ease anxiety.
The Initial Process of Getting Braces
The appointment where braces are first attached is generally non-invasive and does not involve sharp pain. The process begins with cleaning and preparing the tooth surfaces, followed by an etching solution to create a better bonding surface. Brackets are then bonded to the front of each tooth using adhesive hardened with a curing light.
Sensations during this stage include pressure or vibration as the brackets are positioned, and possible jaw fatigue from keeping the mouth open. Once secured, the archwire is threaded through the brackets and held in place. This final step may introduce the first feeling of light tension, but no cutting or drilling is involved.
The First Days After Placement
The most significant discomfort begins a few hours after the initial placement. This soreness is caused by the biological response to the forces applied by the archwire, not the hardware itself. Braces apply constant pressure, causing the periodontal ligaments—which hold the teeth in their sockets—to stretch and compress.
This stretching initiates a natural process where the body remodels the surrounding jawbone, allowing the teeth to shift position. The sensation is a widespread, dull ache or tenderness, making teeth sensitive to pressure. This discomfort typically peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours after bonding.
The soreness usually subsides noticeably after the first few days, with the generalized aching gone within three to seven days. During this peak period, chewing hard or crunchy foods is difficult, and a soft food diet is recommended until the teeth settle.
Pain During Routine Adjustments
Throughout treatment, follow-up appointments are necessary to change or tighten the archwires, applying new pressure to continue tooth movement. This adjustment causes a familiar, recurring period of tenderness, similar to the initial soreness but often milder and shorter-lived. The new wire reactivates the periodontal ligaments, triggering temporary inflammation and bone remodeling.
Following an adjustment, teeth may feel sore when biting down for about one to five days until they adapt to the new force. Localized irritation can also occur if a wire end is left slightly too long. This sharp, poking wire can cause friction or abrasions on the inside of the cheek or lip, requiring a quick visit for trimming.
Managing Soreness and Irritation
A variety of effective methods exist to manage both generalized soreness and localized irritation throughout the treatment period.
Over-the-Counter Relief
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, are highly effective in reducing the tenderness associated with tooth movement. Taking a dose shortly before an adjustment appointment can help mitigate the onset of discomfort before the new pressure takes effect.
Physical Barriers and Rinses
For physical relief from friction against the soft tissues of the mouth, a small piece of orthodontic wax can be applied directly to a bracket or protruding wire. The wax creates a smooth, protective barrier between the hardware and the soft tissues, allowing irritated areas to heal. Rinsing the mouth several times a day with a solution of warm water and a small amount of salt can also soothe minor mouth sores or inflammation.
Dietary Adjustments
During periods of peak soreness, adjusting the diet is the simplest way to reduce discomfort. Consuming soft foods like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or scrambled eggs minimizes the need for chewing and prevents additional pressure on sensitive teeth. Avoiding sticky, hard, or crunchy foods eases pain and protects the brackets and wires from damage.