Getting braces involves introducing a complex mechanical system designed to move teeth, which are firmly rooted in bone. The initial sensation is often described as strange, awkward, or uncomfortable. Braces function by applying continuous, gentle force to gradually guide teeth into new positions, triggering biological and physical adjustments throughout the mouth. The initial “weirdness” is a combination of your body reacting to the hardware’s physical presence and the deeper, biological processes required for tooth movement.
The Physical Presence of Foreign Objects
The immediate feeling of awkwardness comes from brackets, wires, and bands taking up space inside your mouth. Soft tissues, such as the lips, cheeks, and tongue, are highly sensitive and are not accustomed to the rough, metallic texture of the hardware. Friction created as these tissues rub against the new appliance often leads to irritation and the development of temporary sore spots or mouth ulcers.
The added bulk makes the mouth feel crowded and unfamiliar, which can temporarily affect muscle function. This crowding may cause changes in speech patterns, such as a slight lisp, as the tongue adjusts for pronunciation. Eating also becomes a challenge because the hardware interferes with the natural motion of chewing and can trap food. The body initially perceives the braces as a foreign object, sometimes leading to excess saliva production until the mouth adapts.
The Biological Response to Tooth Movement
The deeper, aching sensation that patients experience is a result of the biological process that allows teeth to move through bone. Braces apply a light, continuous force to the tooth, which is anchored in the jawbone by the periodontal ligament (PDL). This force creates areas of pressure and tension within the PDL on opposite sides of the tooth’s root.
On the side where the PDL is compressed, blood flow is altered, and a biological process called bone remodeling is initiated. Specialized cells called osteoclasts are activated to break down or resorb the bone tissue ahead of the moving tooth, creating a pathway. Simultaneously, on the side of the tooth where the PDL is under tension, osteoblast cells build new bone to stabilize the tooth in its new position.
This controlled, cellular breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue is what causes the throbbing or dull ache that is distinctly different from surface irritation. The process is mediated by biochemical signals and inflammatory cells that respond to the force applied to the tooth. The sensation of bone tissue actively changing in response to mechanical stress is the source of the initial soreness.
Navigating the Initial Adjustment Period
The most intense period of soreness and awkwardness lasts for the first three to seven days after the braces are placed or adjusted. During this time, the physical irritation and the deep ache subside significantly as the tissues become accustomed to the appliance and the bone remodeling stabilizes.
To manage discomfort, several strategies can be employed:
- Orthodontic wax can be molded and placed over the brackets and wires to manage soft tissue irritation.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can be taken for the deep ache from tooth movement.
- A diet of soft foods like mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies is recommended during the first week to minimize chewing strain on sensitive teeth.