For adults and children alike, the idea of braces often brings up questions about pain. Like any orthodontic appliance, braces can be uncomfortable at times, but most patients only experience mild discomfort, and the pain is usually temporary. Braces work by gradually shifting the teeth, which can create some pressure and sensitivity. The brackets affixed to your teeth are connected by archwires that are tightened every few months to slowly move your teeth into the correct positions, which also may cause a bit of discomfort. Luckily, this feeling is typically short-lived and easily managed at home.
Whether you’re getting braces for the first time or are experiencing pain after an adjustment, the orthodontic experts at AAO are here to guide you through when you might feel discomfort, what to expect, and how to manage it.
Braces Hurt Occasionally, But the Pain is Temporary
Braces may hurt at different times throughout your treatment, and while it may be concerning at first, it’s often a natural part of the process. While you may feel some lingering discomfort at times, there are three main cases for braces pain:
It May Be Painful When You First Get Braces
When you first get your braces, it’s natural to feel some discomfort as your teeth, gums, and mouth adjust to the new appliance. This initial soreness happens because braces apply gentle, consistent pressure on your teeth, gradually moving them into the correct positions. For the first few days, you might feel pressure or tenderness around your teeth, and your lips, cheeks, and tongue may feel sensitive as they adapt to the brackets and wires. This sensation can vary from person to person, but most describe it as a dull ache rather than sharp pain.
To minimize pain after getting braces, you can:
- Eat soft foods
- Take over-the-counter pain medication
- Use a cold compress
You May Feel Sore After an Adjustment
Every four to six weeks, you’ll visit your orthodontist for an adjustment. During these appointments, your orthodontist will tighten or replace the archwires that connect the brackets, which reactivates the pressure needed to continue moving your teeth. After an adjustment, it’s normal to experience some soreness as your teeth respond to the updated alignment forces. The degree of soreness will depend on the specific adjustments made and how sensitive your teeth are, but it’s generally manageable and subsides within a few days.
After your adjustment, reduce discomfort with:
- Over-the-counter pain medication
- Oral anesthetics
- Soft foods
Braces May Hurt When Brackets or Wires Break
Occasionally, a bracket or wire might break due to biting into hard or sticky foods or from trauma to the mouth. When this happens, the broken pieces can poke or rub against the soft tissues in your mouth, creating discomfort. For example, a broken wire may shift and poke the inside of your cheek or gums, leading to irritation or even a small sore.
It’s best to contact your orthodontist as soon as possible so they can fix any broken parts and keep your treatment progressing smoothly.Until you’re able to see your orthodontist for a repair, you can manage the pain with:
- Orthodontic wax
- Oral anesthetics
- Salt water rinses
Why Do Braces Hurt?
Braces work by applying a gentle, consistent force on your teeth, gradually shifting them into the desired position. This movement affects the bone and soft tissues surrounding your teeth, which can cause soreness and sensitivity as your body adjusts. Here’s a closer look at why this process creates discomfort:
- Pressure on Teeth and Bones: Braces use archwires, brackets, and elastic bands to apply targeted pressure on your teeth. As this pressure is exerted, it signals the body to initiate a bone remodeling process. The bone tissue softens and breaks down on one side of the tooth to allow movement, while new bone tissue builds up on the opposite site to support the tooth’s new position. This remodeling process can cause soreness as your teeth and bones adjust to the changes.
- Ligament Tension: Each tooth is held in place by tiny ligaments that connect it to the bone. When braces shift your teeth, they also stretch and compress these ligaments, leading to a sensation of tightness and discomfort. As ligaments are stretched, they trigger a natural inflammatory response, which can create soreness similar to the feeling you might have after a workout.
- Soft Tissue Irritation: The brackets and wires may rub against the inside of your cheeks, lips, and gums, causing tenderness or small sores, especially during the first few days after getting braces or adjustments. As your mouth adapts to the presence of braces, this type of irritation generally decreases.
- Adjustments or Realignments: At each adjustment appointment, your orthodontist alters the configuration of your braces to continue moving your teeth in the right direction. These adjustments reapply pressure to specific teeth, which starts the process of bone remodeling again. This fresh pressure can lead to a temporary increase in soreness, similar to what you may feel initially after getting your braces.
How Bad Do Braces Usually Hurt?
Braces usually hurt when they are first applied, when they are adjusted, or if a wire or bracket breaks. For most people, the discomfort from braces is relatively mild and manageable. While everyone’s experience is different, the soreness is typically described as a dull ache rather than a sharp or intense pain. The initial discomfort after getting your braces and receiving an adjustment is usually strongest in the first 24 to 48 hours but typically fades after a few days.
Everyone has a unique pain threshold, so experiences can vary. While some may only feel a slight tenderness, others might feel more pronounced soreness. However, even for those who experience more discomfort, it’s rare for the pain to be severe or long-lasting. Most patients find that the temporary soreness is worth it for the long-term benefits of a healthier, straighter smile.
At-Home Remedies to Stop Pain from Braces
While some discomfort is expected with braces, there are many effective ways to relieve soreness at home. These remedies can help soothe pressure and irritation, making it easier to adjust to your braces and feel comfortable throughout your treatment. Here are some simple, practical tips for managing braces pain:
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Taking a dose before or after an adjustment can help prevent or reduce soreness, making it easier to manage the pressure from braces.
- Cold Compresses: Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheeks can help numb soreness and reduce inflammation. Simply wrap a cold pack or ice in a soft cloth and apply it to the area for 10-15 minutes. The cold sensation can ease the pain by constricting blood vessels, reducing swelling, and providing a numbing effect.
- Saltwater Rinse: A warm saltwater rinse can work wonders for sore gums or minor sores caused by braces. To make a rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Saltwater helps reduce inflammation, kills bacteria, and can speed up the healing process for any small cuts or irritations in your mouth.
- Orthodontic Wax: Orthodontic wax is a simple but effective tool to protect the soft tissues in your mouth from irritation. If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheek or lips, place a small piece of wax over the area to create a smooth barrier. Just roll a small amount of wax between your fingers to soften it, then press it onto the bracket or wire.
- Eating Soft Foods: After getting braces or an adjustment, your teeth may feel sensitive, so eating softer foods can make meals more comfortable. Choose foods that require minimal chewing, like mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, soups, and scrambled eggs. Avoiding crunchy, chewy, or sticky foods will minimize pressure on your teeth and reduce the risk of breaking brackets or wires.
- Topical Oral Anesthetics: Over-the-counter oral gels like Orajel or Anbesol can be applied directly to sore spots to numb the area temporarily. These gels contain ingredients like benzocaine, which can relieve pain by numbing the gums. Apply a small amount to the sore area with a clean finger or cotton swab, following the instructions on the package.
- Stay Hydrated and Avoid Acidic Foods: Staying hydrated keeps your mouth moist, which can reduce friction and irritation from braces. You should also try to avoid acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, soda, and vinegar-based dressings, as these can irritate any sore areas in your mouth.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
While most discomfort from braces can be managed at home, there may come a time when you need to see your orthodontist. If you begin experiencing severe or long-lasting pain, or if you have a broken bracket or wire, it’s best to contact your orthodontist right away. Broken brackets and wires alter your treatment and do not apply the pressure needed to shift your teeth, so if you don’t get it fixed as soon as possible, you may have to have braces for a longer period of time. Your orthodontist can fix loose or broken brackets and wires to ensure your treatment stays on track and to help mitigate any pain you may be experiencing.
See an AAO Orthodontist for All Your Braces Needs!
Getting braces is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile, and working with an orthodontist who is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) can make all the difference in your treatment experience. AAO orthodontists are highly trained specialists who have completed additional years of education beyond dental school to become experts in teeth and jaw alignment. This expertise ensures that every aspect of your braces journey, from the initial consultation to the final adjustments, is tailored to achieve the best possible results.
If you ever experience discomfort, have questions about your treatment, or need adjustments to your braces, your AAO orthodontist is there to support you every step of the way. They can provide guidance on at-home remedies for soreness, tips for managing irritation, and immediate solutions if a wire or bracket breaks or becomes loose. If you’re considering braces or have questions about your treatment, reach out to an AAO orthodontist today to take the first step toward your ideal smile.
