Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect During Treatment and Adjustments

How Braces Feel When First Applied

When braces are first placed, the procedure is straightforward and does not involve pain. The orthodontist will clean and prep your teeth, then use adhesive to attach the brackets. After that, an archwire is threaded through the brackets and secured with small rubber bands or clips. This entire process takes about one to two hours and is painless.

Discomfort typically sets in within a few hours as the pressure from the initial wire begins to take effect. This is not a sharp or acute pain, but more of a persistent soreness or tightness. It’s the sensation of your teeth beginning to move, which is exactly what braces are designed to do.

The discomfort usually peaks within the first 24 to 72 hours. During this time, chewing can be uncomfortable. Many people switch to soft foods—think mashed potatoes, oatmeal, or soup—not because they’re required to, but because it’s easier. Hard or crunchy foods may amplify the soreness and are best avoided until sensitivity goes down.

In some cases, the jaw may feel tender as well, especially when biting or clenching. This is a natural response to the shifting forces at play. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help, but consult your orthodontist before taking any medication.

By the end of the first week, most of the initial soreness fades. Your mouth begins adjusting to the new hardware, and the constant pressure becomes more manageable. While you may still feel some tightness, especially when biting, it becomes part of your new normal.

Do Braces Hurt All the Time?

No, braces don’t hurt all the time. Discomfort comes in phases. The most intense period is typically the first week after the braces are placed. During that time, the pressure used to start moving teeth can make the mouth feel sore or tender.

Once your mouth begins to adjust, that soreness tends to decrease. Most days, wearing braces doesn’t cause pain. What you’ll feel is more often described as pressure or awareness that the braces are there—not constant aching.

After the initial period, discomfort usually returns only after scheduled orthodontic adjustments. These appointments are when the orthodontist changes wires, tightens existing ones, or makes other modifications to increase pressure, which reactivates the movement of your teeth. In the 24 to 72 hours that follow, soreness may come back. It’s temporary, and most people find it less intense over time as their mouth adapts.

Some days may feel more uncomfortable because of odd pressure points or a wire poking the inside of your cheek. These issues aren't constant and can often be addressed quickly by your orthodontist or with home care, like using orthodontic wax.

In general, braces produce discomfort now and then—not pain that persists without relief.

Common Sources of Discomfort

Braces apply continuous pressure to shift your teeth. That movement is necessary—but it comes with side effects. Most of the discomfort during orthodontic treatment stems from three main areas.

Tooth Movement

The purpose of braces is to gradually move your teeth into better alignment. This process creates tension in the periodontal ligaments—the tissues that connect your teeth to the bone. The result is often a dull ache or soreness, especially in the first few days after getting braces or following an adjustment. It's not sharp pain, but it can make biting or chewing feel uncomfortable.

Irritation from Brackets or Wires

Braces are made of metal, and early on, your mouth isn’t used to having these foreign objects along the inside of your cheeks or lips. As the soft tissue rubs against brackets and wires, it can become sore or even develop small cuts or ulcers. This is common in the first days or weeks of wearing braces but usually improves once the tissue builds a tolerance.

Tightening Adjustments

During each appointment, your orthodontist may tighten the wires or switch them out to continue shifting your teeth. This restart of pressure causes localized soreness for a few days. It’s a sign that movement is happening, and it tends to fade as your teeth settle into their new position.

To manage this irritation, orthodontic wax can be applied to the parts of the braces causing friction. Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water may also help reduce inflammation and promote healing in sore areas.

What Helps Ease the Pain?

Most pain from braces is temporary and manageable. You don't need to tough it out—there are practical ways to ease the discomfort and stay on track with treatment.

• Stick to soft foods: Chewing puts pressure on already sore teeth. Switch to foods that require minimal effort—mashed potatoes, soups, yogurt, pasta. Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or sticky.

• Use over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be effective during the first days of treatment or after adjustments. Always follow package directions, and check with your orthodontist before starting any medication.

• Cold helps: Apply a cold compress to your cheeks to help reduce inflammation and dull the soreness. An ice pack wrapped in a towel is enough—15 minutes on, then off.

• Use orthodontic wax: If a bracket or wire is rubbing against the inside of your mouth, wax acts as a buffer. Most orthodontic offices will provide it. Reapply it after meals and brushing.

• Salt water rinses: A warm rinse made with salt (about 1/2 teaspoon in a cup of water) can soothe cuts or irritation on your cheeks and gums. Swish gently for 30 seconds.

• Be consistent with oral hygiene: Brushing and flossing carefully prevents inflammation and infection, which can add to pain. Use a soft-bristled brush and go slowly around brackets.

None of these steps eliminate the feeling of movement, but they make it easier to manage. Most people adjust in a few days and need fewer interventions as time goes on.

Do Braces Cause Long-Term Pain?

Braces do not cause long-term or chronic pain under normal conditions. The discomfort associated with orthodontic treatment is a result of controlled forces applied over time to reposition teeth. This process—called bone remodeling—involves minor inflammatory responses that fade as the mouth adapts.

Persistent or severe pain beyond the initial adjustment periods is uncommon and usually points to an unrelated issue, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or problems with jaw alignment. These should be evaluated by a dentist or orthodontist.

Once braces are removed, people typically report relief rather than ongoing discomfort. Any remnants of sensitivity usually resolve within days or weeks. The mouth adjusts quickly to life without brackets and wires.

In short, while soreness is part of the orthodontic journey, it is temporary. Proper care and regular checkups help ensure a treatment experience free from long-term pain.

Questions & Answers

Do braces hurt when you first get them?

Yes, mild soreness typically begins a few hours after the braces are placed. It's common for teeth to feel tender or tight for several days, especially when chewing.

How long does pain from braces last after each adjustment?

Discomfort generally lasts 1 to 3 days after an adjustment. The ache tends to be most noticeable on day two, then eases as the teeth shift and settle.

What does braces pain feel like?

Braces pain is often described as dull, achy pressure. It’s not usually sharp or constant, but biting or chewing can amplify the soreness temporarily.

Can I eat normally when I get braces?

At first, stick to soft foods—soups, eggs, mashed potatoes. As the soreness fades, you can eat most things, except very hard or sticky items that could damage the braces.

Do rubber bands with braces hurt?

Yes, elastics add targeted pressure, which can lead to new soreness, particularly at the start. The discomfort diminishes as your mouth adjusts.

Is it normal for my braces to cut my cheeks?

Yes, especially during the first week. Brackets and wires can irritate the inner cheeks. Orthodontic wax acts as a buffer to reduce abrasion while your tissues toughen.

Will I get used to having braces?

Most people adjust within 1 to 2 weeks. Daily routines like speaking, eating, and cleaning become easier as your mouth becomes familiar with the appliance.

Can I take painkillers for braces pain?

Yes, but check with your orthodontist first. Over-the-counter options like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly used to manage temporary soreness.

Are clear aligners less painful than braces?

They can be. Clear aligners generally cause less irritation to the cheeks and lips, though they still apply pressure to move teeth—leading to similar soreness, especially after switching to a new aligner tray.