Do Braces Hurt? Your Guide to Discomfort and Relief with Orthodontic Treatment

“Do braces hurt?” is one of the most frequently asked questions patients have when considering orthodontic treatment. Given that the mouth is a sensitive area, this worry is understandable. It’s completely normal to feel anxious about potential discomfort.

The good news? While some discomfort or soreness is a normal part of the process, it’s often less intense and shorter-lived than what most people anticipate.

In this article, we share what sensations you can expect at various stages of orthodontic treatment and how you can manage any discomfort effectively. Rest assured that modern orthodontics has come a long way to making treatment as comfortable and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on the promising journey towards your perfect smile.

The Initial Fitting: What to Expect on Day One

The Fitting Process

The actual process of getting braces fitted is generally not painful. No needles or sharp objects are involved, and the procedure typically takes a couple of hours. You might feel a tightening or pressure as the wires are fixed in place and the brackets are glued to your teeth, but this sensation is more about adjustment than pain. So expect to feel pressure, not sharp pain. 

First Sensations

It can feel unusual or uncomfortable as you adjust to the new hardware in your mouth space. The initial soreness usually begins a few hours after the fitting, as your teeth start to respond to the pressure and begin to move.

So while most patients describe the fitting day itself as surprisingly manageable, it’s the hours that follow, when your mouth begins to adapt, that you’ll notice the first signs of discomfort.

The First Week with Braces

The Initial Adjustment

The first week is often the most challenging period of adjustment with days one and two bringing the peak of discomfort. Here’s what to expect:

Day 1: By the evening of the day of fitting, you might start to notice a deep pressure building in your teeth. This can make eating firmer foods difficult and the braces may begin to rub against your cheeks or lips.

Day 2: This is often reported as the worst day for discomfort, with teeth and gums feeling particularly sore. Eating and brushing can be challenging. Mild ulcers may start to form where the brackets rub. Pain levels can range from 5-7 out of 10 for most patients.

Gradual Easing

Days 3-5: The discomfort should gradually ease, with the intense tightness fading. While some soreness might remain, especially when chewing, things will start to stabilise, and you’ll get more used to the sensation of braces. Pain levels typically drop to 3-4 out of 10.

Settling In

After the first week: Most people experience minimal to no pain after seven days, often rating it 0-2 out of 10. The initial “strange feeling” of having braces in your mouth should subside within about three weeks.

Important note: You might find that bottom braces cause a bit more discomfort because the tongue is more likely to poke them, and jaw movement during talking and chewing can make this worse. Any initial sore spots on your gums or the inside of your lips are normal and should heal quickly.

Braces Adjustments: Understanding the Discomfort

As your orthodontic treatment progresses, you’ll need to go for adjustment appointments, typically every 6-8 weeks. Your orthodontist will adjust or tighten the wires and possibly change bands to continue guiding your teeth into their final positions.

What to Expect After Your Orthodontic Appointments

These adjustments will cause a temporary wave of soreness or tenderness, often described as a “mini-reset”. The sensation is usually:

• A firm, pressure-like or stretching feeling
• A dull ache or throbbing
• Not sharp pain

Discomfort after adjustments typically lasts for a day or two, though it can sometimes be up to three days. This period is generally shorter and milder than the initial discomfort after the first fitting.

It’s important to view this temporary soreness as a positive sign. It means your treatment is actively progressing and your teeth are moving as intended. Some modern technologies, such as self-adjusting braces or innovative wires like the SmartArch wire, can minimise the need for traditional tightening and potentially reduce associated discomfort.

Why Do Braces Hurt? The Science Behind the Sensations

Tooth Movement and Bone Remodelling

The discomfort you feel, particularly in the early stages and after adjustments, is a direct result of your teeth beginning to move. Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure through their brackets, wires and, sometimes, elastic bands.

This pressure stimulates the tissues and bone surrounding your teeth. Your body responds with a natural biological process called orthodontic bone remodelling. This involves the precise breakdown of bone on one side of each tooth and the rebuilding of bone on the other side, allowing your teeth to shift safely into their new, improved positions.

“Pain is Progress”: The Purpose of Discomfort

As your mouth and surrounding structures are adjusting to a new demand, the sensation is often likened to the muscle soreness you might feel after a good workout. It’s crucial to understand that this pain isn’t damage. Rather, it’s a clear sign that your treatment is progressing as it should be.

Technological advancements in orthodontic materials, such as state-of-the-art wire technology, are designed to apply very light, gentle forces to the teeth, which help to minimise discomfort from the outset.

How Much Do Braces Hurt on a Scale of 1-10?

Understanding the Pain Scale: A Subjective Experience

It’s important to remember that pain is relative. The degree of discomfort varies significantly from patient to patient, as everyone has a unique pain threshold.

Typical Discomfort Levels at Each Stage

Based on patient experiences, here’s a general breakdown:

• Initial fitting: Most people rate this at a 1-2 out of 10, describing it as little to no pain but rather a feeling of pressure.
• Days 1-2 after fitting: This can range from 5-7 out of 10, described as a dull ache or significant soreness.
• After adjustments: Pain can temporarily peak higher, often between 5-8 out of 10, but typically subsides within a day or two.
• Day to day: Most patients report very low pain levels, usually around 1-3 out of 10, feeling more like a mild irritation or pressure rather than sharp pain.

The general consensus is that the pain is typically a dull, pressurised ache, not a sharp or unbearable pain. To re-iterate: the idea of braces pain is often worse than the reality.

Individual Factors Influencing Braces Pain

The level of discomfort experienced with braces can vary widely due to several factors:

• Individual pain threshold and sensitivity: Everyone perceives pain differently, so what one person finds tolerable, another might find more uncomfortable.
• Bone and dental structure: Individuals with healthy, strong bone structures may experience less discomfort as their bones can better withstand the pressure from the braces.
• Inflammatory response: The body's natural inflammatory reaction to the stretching and compression of tiny ligaments around the teeth varies, influencing the degree of soreness.
• Soft tissue irritation: The brackets and wires can rub against the inside of your cheeks, lips and tongue, leading to irritation or sores.

The Role of Oral Health, Habits and Emotional State

Your oral hygiene and diet play crucial roles, too. Poor oral hygiene can exacerbate pain by increasing inflammation in the gums. Eating hard, sticky, or chewy foods can cause additional inflammation or even damage, increasing discomfort.

Psychological factors matter as well. Studies confirm that anxiety and stress about the treatment can actually amplify the perception of pain. Patients who are well-informed and prepared often cope better.

It’s worth noting that certain types of braces, such as clear aligners (like Invisalign), ceramic braces with tooth-coloured brackets and modern self-ligating braces with rounded edges are designed to be more discreet and potentially cause less discomfort than older, traditional metal braces.

Strategies for Braces Pain Relief

Immediate Relief Methods

There’s no need to “grin and bear it” as there are many effective ways to reduce and manage braces pain:

Over-the-counter Pain Medications

• Simple pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can significantly soothe lingering pain and reduce inflammation
• Always follow the dosage instructions

Orthodontic Wax

• Your orthodontist will provide this and you can apply it at home
• Mould a small piece of wax over any brackets or wires that are rubbing against your cheeks, lips, or tongue to create a smooth protective barrier

Saltwater Rinses

• Dissolve a level teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and gargle as you would a normal mouthwash
• This can relieve general dental pain, calm irritated tissues and help reduce bacteria

Cold Foods and Drinks/Compresses

• Cold temperatures can help numb the affected area and reduce inflammation
• Options include ice cream, cold smoothies, or even just sipping on ice water
• You can also apply a cold flannel or ice pack to the outside of your jaw

Daily Comfort Strategies: Eating and Oral Care

Eat Soft Foods

Especially during the first few days after fitting or adjustments, stick to a soft diet. Good examples include:

• Mashed potatoes
• Soup
• Scrambled eggs
• Yoghurt
• Pasta

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

• Keeping your teeth and braces clean is crucial to prevent additional discomfort from plaque buildup and gum inflammation
• Brush thoroughly after every meal and use a floss threader or water flosser
• An antiseptic mouthwash can also help maintain a healthy oral environment

Topical Anaesthetics

Gels or ointments containing lidocaine or benzocaine can be applied directly to particularly sore spots in the mouth for immediate, temporary numbing relief.

What to Avoid for a Smoother Journey

Foods to Avoid

• Hard foods (nuts, hard sweets, crusty bread, tortilla chips, carrots)
• Sticky foods (chewing gum, caramel)
• Chewy foods (bagels, tough meats)
• Crunchy foods (popcorn, crisps)

Habits to Change

• Avoid biting nails or pencils
• Never use your teeth as tools
• Never attempt DIY adjustments to your braces, as this can cause significant damage and long-term oral health issues

When to Contact Your Orthodontist About Pain

While mild discomfort is a normal and expected part of orthodontic treatment, it’s vital to know when to seek professional help.

Key Signs to Look Out For

Contact your orthodontist immediately if you experience:

• Severe, sharp, or persistent pain that doesn’t subside after a few days, or pain that isn’t alleviated by over-the-counter pain relief.
• Loose or broken brackets or wires – not only can these cause discomfort, but they can also hinder your treatment progress.
• A wire sticking out or protruding that’s causing irritation or pain.
• Prolonged sores or ulcers in your mouth that don't heal within a reasonable time.
• Any signs of infection, such as significant swelling, severe redness, or pus around your gums or teeth.
• Significant difficulty eating or speaking that goes beyond the initial adjustment period.

Your orthodontist is there to help make your journey as comfortable as possible, and minor adjustments can make a huge difference. Regular check-ups are also crucial to ensure the treatment is progressing as planned.

Does Braces Removal Hurt?

After your treatment is complete, the process of removing your braces is generally not painful. You might feel a strange sensation or a mild, momentary discomfort as the orthodontist gently disconnects the brackets from each tooth. Most patients describe this as an even easier experience than getting them installed or tightened.

This is often the longest, but most exciting appointment as you prepare to reveal your newly aligned smile. Once the braces are off, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned, and your orthodontist will likely suggest a retainer to help maintain your new smile.

Are Braces Worth the Discomfort?

The answer from countless satisfied patients is a resounding yes, absolutely! While the first few days or occasional adjustments may bring temporary discomfort, the long-term benefits of orthodontic treatment are significant and last a lifetime.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Health Advantages

These benefits extend far beyond just a straight smile:

• A healthier bite: Properly aligned teeth contribute to a healthier bite, which can reduce wear on your teeth, alleviate jaw strain, and prevent future dental issues.
• Enhanced confidence: A straighter, more confident smile can dramatically boost your self-image and how you interact with the world.
• Improved oral hygiene: Straight teeth are much easier to clean, reducing areas where food particles can get trapped and lowering your risk of tooth decay and gum problems.
• Better function: For many patients, braces can improve speech and chewing function.

The temporary discomfort is a small investment for a lifetime of confidence and improved oral health.

Final Thoughts

While initial discomfort is normal and manageable, it’s a temporary phase on your journey to a beautifully aligned and healthy smile. Don’t let fear of the dentist or concerns about temporary discomfort hold you back from achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. 

Contact Hampstead Orthodontic Practice today for a free consultation. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way to help you achieve your perfect smile with minimal discomfort.

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