Many people worry that getting braces will feel uncomfortable, especially before starting treatment. In reality, some mild soreness or pressure can happen during the adjustment period.
The good news is that this discomfort is usually manageable. Knowing when it may happen, how long it can last, and what you can do to ease it can make the process feel less daunting.
Do Braces Hurt?
If you are searching “is braces painful?”, you may be wondering what braces actually feel like during treatment.
Braces are a form of teeth straightening treatment, and they may feel uncomfortable at certain points. The sensation is commonly described as pressure, tightness, or soreness rather than a sharp pain.
For many, this is more noticeable in the first few days after getting braces or after adjustment appointments. This may happen with different fixed braces systems, including metal braces, as your teeth adjust to the brackets and wires.
The experience can vary from person to person. Some patients notice only slight tightness, while others may need a few days to adjust.
Why Do Braces Cause Soreness?
Braces can cause soreness because they place controlled force on your teeth, and the surrounding tissues need time to adapt. This is usually part of the tooth movement process.
There are a few reasons why this may happen:
- Tooth movement: Braces apply controlled pressure to gradually guide teeth into new positions
- Bone and gum adaptation: The tissues around your teeth also need time to remodel and adjust
- Bracket and wire friction: Brackets or wires may rub against the cheeks or lips while your mouth adapts
When Is Braces Discomfort Most Common?
Certain stages of treatment may feel more noticeable than others. This is often when your mouth is adjusting to a new appliance, a change in pressure, or friction against the soft tissues in your mouth.
After your braces are fitted, your teeth may feel tender as they adjust to the brackets and wires. Biting and chewing may feel less comfortable during the first few days, so it can help to choose softer foods and avoid hard or crunchy items during this period.
You may feel temporary tightness after adjustment appointments, as your braces are adjusted to continue supporting your treatment plan. This sensation is usually most noticeable shortly after the appointment and should gradually become easier to manage.
Brackets and wires can sometimes rub against the inside of your cheeks, lips, or gums, especially when you are still getting used to braces. Orthodontic wax can help create a smoother surface, but a sharp wire, persistent poking, or loose bracket should be assessed by your dentist.
How Long Does Braces Discomfort Last?
Braces discomfort is commonly most noticeable during the initial stage of fixed orthodontic treatment. Research suggests that discomfort can persist for more than 4 weeks after treatment begins.¹ For many, soreness is usually most noticeable during the first few days, before gradually becoming easier to manage.
Temporary soreness may also return after follow-up visits, as adjustments are made to support the next stage of movement.
If the pain feels unusually sharp, does not improve over time, or affects your ability to eat or brush properly, it is advisable to arrange a dental visit for assessment.
What to Expect Throughout Your Braces Journey
Braces treatment happens in stages, from your first consultation to the day your braces are removed. While every treatment plan is different, understanding the general process can help you feel more prepared before getting started.
How To Manage Braces Discomfort
The adjustment period is usually temporary, but it can still affect how you eat, speak, or clean your teeth. Here are some ways to help ease soreness during the adjustment period.
Choosing soft foods can make meals easier when your teeth feel tender. Options such as porridge, soup, yoghurt, mashed potatoes, soft noodles, eggs, and smoothies are usually gentler to chew after a fitting or adjustment visit.
If a bracket or wire rubs against your cheeks, lips, or gums, orthodontic wax can help create a smoother surface. This may reduce irritation while your mouth gets used to the braces.
A warm salt water rinse may help soothe mild irritation in the mouth. Gently rinse and spit it out after meals or when your cheeks and gums feel sensitive.
If your jaw or cheeks feel sore, applying a cold compress on the outside of your cheeks may help ease the discomfort. Wrap the compress in a towel and avoid placing ice directly on your skin.
If the discomfort affects your daily routine, you may consider over-the-counter pain relief.
Be sure to follow the instructions provided on the label, and consult your dentist if you are unsure whether the medication is suitable for you.
When Should You Visit Your Dentist?
While mild soreness or pressure can be expected during braces treatment, some issues should be checked promptly.
Arrange a dental visit if you experience:
- discomfort that does not improve after a few days
- ulcers that are getting worse
- swelling or bleeding
- difficulty eating or brushing
- braces that feel damaged or out of place
A poking wire, loose wire, or loose bracket is a common braces emergency that may require an adjustment or repair.
Braces vs Invisalign: Which Feels More Comfortable?
A clinical trial comparing Invisalign and traditional brackets found that discomfort patterns differ between the two treatment types.² While both braces and clear aligners apply pressure to move the teeth into alignment, the type and duration of discomfort can vary depending on the treatment method and individual case
With braces, discomfort may come from brackets and wires, particularly during the initial adjustment period. Some patients may also experience irritation when the brackets or wires rub against the cheeks or lips.
With Invisalign, patients may experience tightness when switching to a new set of aligners. This type of Invisalign pain is commonly associated with the tooth movement caused by the aligners.
Although comfort is an important consideration when comparing Invisalign vs braces, other factors such as treatment complexity, bite condition, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle also play a role in determining the most suitable option for you.
References:
- Rakhshan H, Rakhshan V. “Pain and Discomfort Perceived During the Initial Stage of Active Fixed Orthodontic Treatment.” The Saudi Dental Journal, Vol. 27, No. 2, Apr. 2015, pp. 81-87. [PubMed: 26082574]
- White DW, Julien KC, Jacob H, Campbell PM, Buschang PH. “Discomfort Associated With Invisalign and Traditional Brackets: A Randomized, Prospective Trial.” The Angle Orthodontist, Vol. 87, No. 6, Nov. 2017, pp. 801-808. [PubMed: 28753032]
FAQs About Braces Discomfort
There is no fixed level of pain as sensitivity varies from person to person. For many patients, soreness is usually mild to moderate and tends to be more noticeable during the first few days after the braces are fitted or adjusted.
Children may feel mild soreness or pressure when they first get braces, especially after fitting or adjustment appointments. If you are exploring braces for kids, your dentist can explain what your child may experience and how to keep them comfortable during the adjustment period.
Mild soreness during braces treatment is common and often becomes more manageable as your mouth adjusts to the braces. However, if the discomfort feels severe or persistent, it is advisable to arrange a dental visit so your braces can be assessed.
Some patients may feel mild pressure when wearing retainers, especially when they first start wearing them or if they have not worn them consistently. Understanding why retainers hurt can help you distinguish between normal tightness and discomfort that may require a dental assessment.
Bottom braces do not always hurt more, but they may feel more noticeable for some patients because of how the tongue, cheeks, and lower teeth move during eating and speaking.
