If you’re considering braces or just got them, you might be wondering, “Do braces hurt?” The short answer is yes, but only temporarily.
Braces work by gently shifting your teeth into alignment, which can cause discomfort, especially in the first few days after you get braces or after adjustments. This discomfort typically manifests as soreness rather than sharp pain. But the good news? Braces pain or soreness is manageable, temporary, and a sign that your treatment is working!
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about braces pain—how long it lasts, why it happens, and how to make it stop so you can adjust to your new braces comfortably.
Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect
Braces don’t hurt when they’re being put on, but you might feel mild pain and discomfort in the hours and days afterward as your teeth begin to move.
Most people experience:
- A tight, sore feeling in the teeth and gums
- Mild tenderness when biting or chewing.
- Possible irritation from brackets or wires rubbing against the inside of your mouth.
The pain is usually mild to moderate discomfort and goes away as your mouth adjusts.
How Long Do Braces Hurt?
Pain levels vary from person to person, but most discomfort, including even intense pain, lasts between 3 to 5 days after getting braces.
Pain Timeline After Getting Braces
- Day 1: No pain when braces are first placed, but pressure may start building.
- Day 2-3: The peak of discomfort—your teeth and gums feel sore.
- Day 4-5: Pain decreases as your mouth adjusts, though you might still experience slight pain or discomfort.
- After a week: Most people no longer feel significant discomfort.
Each time you get your braces tightened (about every 4-6 weeks), you may experience a similar soreness for a day or two—but it won’t be as intense as the first time.
Why Do Braces Hurt?
Braces cause discomfort because they are part of an orthodontic treatment that actively moves your teeth by applying gentle pressure.
Here’s why you might feel pain at different stages of treatment:
- Brackets and wires put pressure on teeth – This pressure stimulates bone remodeling, allowing teeth to move.
- Ligaments and nerves adjust – Your mouth is sensitive, and the movement can cause temporary soreness.
- Brackets and wires may irritate soft tissues – Lips, cheeks, and gums need time to adjust to the new hardware.
This pain is a sign that your braces are working! As your teeth shift into place, discomfort will gradually decrease.
Do Spacers Hurt More Than Braces?
Spacers (small rubber rings placed between teeth before getting braces) can sometimes hurt more than braces—but only for a short time.
Spacers create space for braces bands by slightly pushing teeth apart, which can cause pressure and soreness. When you wear braces, the initial adjustment period can also bring discomfort, but it typically subsides after a few weeks with proper care and pain management.
Spacers vs. Braces Pain
- Spacers – Usually hurt for 2-3 days, especially when chewing.
- Braces – Initial soreness lasts 3-5 days, then fades.
If you’ve had spacers before braces, you might actually find getting braces less painful because your teeth have already started shifting.
Do Rubber Bands on Braces Hurt?
If you’re wearing braces, especially with rubber bands (elastics), you may feel extra soreness, particularly at first.
Elastics help correct bite issues by adding extra pressure to move your teeth and jaw into proper alignment. This means:
- Pain is usually strongest in the first few days but decreases as your mouth adjusts.
- The more consistently you wear your elastics, the faster the pain will go away.
- Skipping days will only prolong the soreness when you put the elastics back in.
It’s important to wear your rubber bands exactly as instructed to avoid unnecessary pain and delays in treatment.
How to Make Braces Stop Hurting: 10 Ways to Relieve Braces Pain
The good news? There are plenty of ways to stop braces pain quickly. Here are the best strategies:
1. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help relieve soreness. It’s best to take pain relief before your appointment to minimize discomfort.
2. Eat Soft Foods
Stick to easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soup, smoothies, and scrambled eggs. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first few days.
3. Use Orthodontic Wax
If brackets or wires irritate your cheeks or lips, apply orthodontic wax to create a smooth barrier.
4. Rinse with Warm Salt Water
A warm salt water rinse (½ teaspoon salt in a cup of warm water) helps reduce inflammation and heal sore spots inside your mouth.
5. Apply Ice Packs
A cold compress on your cheeks can reduce swelling and numb pain. You can also suck on an ice cube or eat cold foods like ice cream or smoothies.
6. Stay Hydrated
Drinking lots of water helps keep your mouth moist and comfortable, reducing friction from braces.
7. Avoid Acidic or Spicy Foods
Foods like citrus, vinegar, and spicy dishes can make mouth sores sting more. Stick to bland, mild foods while your mouth adjusts.
8. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Believe it or not, chewing gum (sugar-free only!) can increase blood flow to your mouth, helping reduce soreness faster.
9. Gently Massage Your Gums
Using a clean finger, gently rub your gums in circular motions to relieve tension.
10. Be Patient!
Braces pain doesn’t last forever. Within a few days, your mouth will adjust, and the discomfort will fade.
At Enjoy Orthodontics, Dr. Felipe Porto and his team provide expert guidance and personalized care to help every patient adjust comfortably to braces.
How to Deal with Braces Pain Long-Term
Most braces discomfort goes away within a few days, but if you experience persistent pain, here’s what to do:
- Keep up with regular orthodontic visits – Your orthodontist will ensure your braces fit correctly as part of comprehensive orthodontic treatments.
- Speak up if something feels off – If a wire is poking or a bracket is causing pain, call your orthodontist.
- Follow instructions carefully – Wearing rubber bands correctly and avoiding hard foods helps prevent unnecessary pain.
Braces pain is temporary, but your new smile will last a lifetime!
Final Thoughts: Do Braces Hurt?
Yes, braces can cause temporary discomfort, but it’s manageable and gets better quickly. Braces are essential not only for aesthetic improvements but also for maintaining good oral health. Within a few days, you’ll barely notice them—and before you know it, you’ll be rocking a brand-new smile!
Key Takeaways:
- Braces hurt the most in the first 3-5 days, then improve.
- Tightening appointments may cause mild soreness for a day or two.
- Rubber bands and spacers may cause extra pressure at first but get easier over time.
- Pain relief methods include soft foods, pain relievers, orthodontic wax, and cold compresses.
At Enjoy Orthodontics, Dr. Porto and his team are here to help make your braces experience as comfortable as possible.
Need expert orthodontic care? Schedule a consultation today!
