The process of getting used to new orthodontic hardware is known as the adjustment period, where the teeth, mouth, and soft tissues acclimate to the presence of brackets and wires. Braces apply continuous, gentle pressure to slowly reposition teeth, requiring the body time to adapt to this mechanical force. While the overall adjustment process varies, it typically follows a series of predictable phases. Navigating this initial period successfully sets the stage for the rest of the treatment.
The Immediate Adjustment Timeline
The first phase of adjustment begins almost immediately after the braces are placed and is characterized by general soreness and pressure on the teeth. This discomfort starts as the archwire begins to exert force on the teeth, initiating the biological process of bone remodeling necessary for movement. This acute feeling of pressure and tenderness typically lasts for the first one to three days, making the teeth feel sensitive when biting down.
Following this initial tooth sensitivity, the second phase involves irritation of the soft tissues inside the mouth. The brackets and wires rub against the sensitive lining of the cheeks, lips, and tongue. This friction leads to the development of small sores or tender spots, which may peak around days four through seven. The most acute discomfort generally subsides within the first week to ten days as the oral tissues begin to toughen and adapt to the hardware.
Managing Initial Discomfort and Symptoms
The soreness and tenderness felt in the initial days can be effectively managed with common over-the-counter pain relievers. Medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate the dull ache associated with the applied pressure. It is often recommended to take a dose shortly before the placement appointment or before the discomfort fully sets in.
To address the friction and irritation caused by the brackets and wires, a small amount of orthodontic wax can be applied directly to the irritating parts of the hardware. This creates a smooth barrier, protecting the inner surfaces of the cheeks and lips from rubbing against the metal. Rinsing the mouth several times a day with a warm saltwater solution helps to soothe mouth sores and irritated gum tissue. A simple mixture of a teaspoon of salt dissolved in a cup of warm water promotes healing.
Adapting to Eating and Speaking
The new hardware in the mouth requires a temporary but significant adjustment to both eating and speaking mechanics. Because the teeth are sensitive and sore in the first week, patients must temporarily rely on soft foods that require minimal chewing, such as mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, and soups. This soft-food diet prevents excessive pressure on the newly moved teeth and minimizes the risk of discomfort.
Eating Adjustments
As the initial soreness fades, patients must learn to chew more deliberately, often using the back teeth (molars) and cutting food into small, bite-sized pieces. It is necessary to avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods throughout the treatment, as these can dislodge brackets or bend wires.
Speaking Adjustments
The presence of brackets and wires slightly reduces the space inside the mouth, which can affect the tongue’s movement when forming words. This may result in a temporary lisp or slight changes in the pronunciation of sounds like “s” or “th”. Practicing speaking slowly and reading aloud helps the tongue and lips quickly adjust to the reduced space. Speech clarity usually returns to normal within a few days to a couple of weeks.
Ongoing Adjustments After Tightening
After the initial adjustment phase, the experience shifts to recurring, shorter periods of discomfort following routine adjustment appointments. During these visits, the orthodontist tightens or replaces the archwires to continue tooth movement. This renewed application of pressure causes temporary soreness and tenderness in the teeth and jaws. This post-adjustment soreness is generally less intense and significantly shorter than the initial discomfort, typically peaking within 24 to 48 hours and subsiding within two to five days. Since the soft tissues are already toughened, the irritation seen in the first week is usually absent after routine tightening.