If you or your child is about to get braces, one question probably comes first: will it hurt? Most people describe braces as uncomfortable rather than painful. You are likely to feel pressure and tenderness, particularly in the first few days and after adjustments, but the sensation typically fades as your mouth adjusts. This guide explains what braces feel like, why soreness happens, how long it usually lasts, and what you can do at home to feel better.

Do braces hurt when you first get them?

Getting braces put on is generally not painful. The process involves cleaning and preparing the teeth, bonding brackets to them, and threading the wire. Most patients describe feeling pressure and a strange new sensation in the mouth rather than pain. Soreness tends to build over the hours that follow. For more on this topic, see our post on whether braces hurt when you first get them.

What happens during the appointment

Your orthodontist polishes your teeth, applies a mild conditioning solution, bonds the brackets, and places the archwire. Because no drilling is involved, many people are surprised by how comfortable the appointment is. Your lips and cheeks may feel stretched from the retractors used to keep your mouth open, and you may feel tired afterward.

When soreness usually starts

Tenderness often begins several hours after the appointment, as the teeth start to respond to the gentle pressure of the wire. It may be most noticeable the first day or two. Eating can feel awkward during this time.

Why it feels different for everyone

Pain sensitivity varies from person to person. Factors include your individual tolerance, how much your teeth need to move, and whether you have other dental concerns. Younger patients and adults alike can have very different experiences.

Why braces cause soreness

Braces work by applying light, steady force to move teeth into better positions. That pressure triggers changes in the tissues around the teeth, and these changes can cause tenderness. Soreness is a sign that your teeth are responding to treatment, not a sign that something is wrong.

Pressure on teeth and ligaments

Each tooth is held in place by ligaments and bone. When braces apply force, those supporting tissues respond and adapt, which can leave teeth feeling sore, especially when biting down. This is typically most noticeable after the braces are first placed and after adjustments.

Irritation of cheeks and lips

Brackets and wires are new to your mouth, and the soft tissues need time to adjust. You may notice small sores or tender spots where the cheeks and lips rub against the hardware. These generally improve as the tissue toughens.

After adjustments

Soreness can return for a day or two after you visit for an adjustment, when the wire is changed or tightened. This is usually milder than the soreness after first getting braces.

How long does soreness last?

For most people, noticeable soreness lasts a few days after braces are placed and eases within about a week, although timelines vary. Later adjustments often bring shorter periods of tenderness. If discomfort is severe or does not improve, contact your orthodontist.

Stage What you may feel What can help
First day Pressure and the start of tenderness Soft foods and cool drinks
First few days Teeth sore when biting; cheek irritation Orthodontic wax, salt-water rinses, over-the-counter pain relief as directed
First week or two Soreness easing as the mouth adjusts Gradually return to a normal diet
After adjustments A day or two of tenderness Soft foods again, as needed

This table is a general guide. Your experience may differ, and your orthodontist can offer advice for your situation.

Factors that affect recovery

How much movement your treatment plan calls for, your personal sensitivity, and how closely you follow care instructions all play a part. Following your orthodontist’s guidance helps keep discomfort manageable.

When pain seems unusual

Sharp pain, swelling, or soreness that gets worse over time is not typical. If that happens, call your orthodontist rather than waiting it out. Our page on pain and soreness with braces offers additional guidance.

How to ease braces soreness at home

Several simple measures can make the adjustment period more comfortable. Choose what works for you, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions.

Choose soft foods

For the first few days, stick with foods that require little chewing, such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, scrambled eggs, and smoothies. Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that put extra pressure on sore teeth or could damage the braces. Read our tips on eating with braces.

Use orthodontic wax

If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheek or lip, a small piece of orthodontic wax can create a smooth barrier. Dry the area, roll the wax into a small ball, and press it over the troublesome spot.

Rinse with warm salt water

Swishing with warm salt water can soothe irritated tissues. Mix about a half teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, rinse gently, and spit it out.

Try cold relief

Cold drinks, ice-cold water, or a cold compress held against the outside of the cheek may help ease soreness for some people.

Consider over-the-counter pain relief

Some people take an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the label directions. Ask your orthodontist or pharmacist which option is appropriate for you, especially if you have other health conditions or take other medications.

Keep brushing and flossing gently

Good hygiene matters even when your mouth is sore. Use a soft toothbrush and gentle motions. Our guide to brushing and flossing with braces explains how.

Do other orthodontic appliances hurt?

Different appliances can feel different. Elastics, expanders, and retainers may also cause temporary soreness or pressure, usually milder than the initial days of braces.

Elastics

Rubber bands apply additional force to help move teeth and the bite. You may feel some tenderness when you start wearing them or switch to a new size. Learn more about elastics.

Clear aligners

Aligners also create pressure when you start a new tray. If you are wondering how they compare, see our Invisalign information page.

Expanders and other appliances

Appliances used for growing patients can cause pressure for the first several days. Your orthodontist will explain what to expect for your specific appliance.

When to call your orthodontist

Most braces discomfort is normal and temporary, but certain problems need attention. Do not hesitate to reach out if you are unsure.

Broken or loose parts

A poking wire, a loose bracket, or a broken appliance should be checked. In the meantime, wax can provide temporary relief. See our page on orthodontic emergency care.

Persistent or severe pain

If pain is intense, lasts longer than expected, or interferes with eating and sleeping, contact the office.

Signs of infection or swelling

Swelling, fever, or a bad taste in the mouth are reasons to seek prompt professional advice. If symptoms are severe, seek urgent medical care.

Conclusion

Braces are more likely to feel uncomfortable than painful. Expect tenderness for a few days after the braces are placed and after adjustments, and use soft foods, wax, salt-water rinses, and other simple measures to feel better. If something feels wrong, your orthodontist is there to help. The American Dental Association’s braces overview offers further reading. To begin, schedule an appointment at Tendler Orthodontics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do braces hurt?

Braces usually cause pressure and soreness rather than sharp pain. Discomfort is most noticeable in the first few days and after adjustments, and then it fades.

How long do braces hurt after getting them?

Most people feel sore for a few days, with discomfort easing within about a week. Individual experiences vary.

Do braces hurt more than Invisalign?

Both can cause temporary soreness as teeth move. The experience depends on the person and the treatment plan.

What helps braces pain?

Soft foods, orthodontic wax, warm salt-water rinses, cold drinks, and over-the-counter pain relief used as directed can help. Ask your orthodontist what is right for you.

Do braces hurt every time they are tightened?

You may feel some tenderness for a day or two after an adjustment, but it is usually milder than the soreness after first getting braces.

Is it normal for braces to cut my cheeks?

Mild irritation is common at first. Orthodontic wax can help while your mouth adjusts. Contact your orthodontist if sores are severe or a wire is poking.

When should I call my orthodontist about pain?

Call if pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by swelling, or if a bracket or wire is broken or loose.

About the Author

This article was prepared for Tendler Orthodontics, 199 West Palmetto Park Road, Suite D, Boca Raton, FL 33432, and reflects the experience of Dr. Minelle M. Tendler, DMD. Dr. Tendler earned her dental degree from the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, graduating magna cum laude and in the top 2% of her class, and completed her orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics residency at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine. She is board eligible for the American Board of Orthodontists and a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and the Florida Dental Association.

Disclaimer

This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional dental or orthodontic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Follow the instructions given by your own orthodontist, and seek urgent care for severe symptoms.