If you’re considering braces, you’re probably concerned about how much they may hurt. You might also be wondering, “How long do braces hurt?” The anticipation of pain can be daunting, but don’t worry! Most of our patients tell us that the process hurts less than they expected. Stick around to learn why braces hurt, how much pain to expect, and how to relieve braces pain.
Does Getting Braces Hurt?
Braces are important for your overall oral health. Don’t let the fear of pain prevent you from getting the smile of your dreams!
Braces pain is usually experienced shortly after getting your braces attached. Getting braces installed is typically the most time-consuming part of the process; however, it does not hurt to get braces put on.
Instead, you can expect a little tightness or minor discomfort. Here’s how traditional braces are installed:
- We attach brackets to each tooth with enamel-colored dental cement.
- We then feed wires through tiny holes in the brackets.
- After the wires are all laced through, we trim the ends.
Afterward, you can select the bands that hold your wires in place. The Super Dentists also offer cool, kid-friendly designs to express your personality. During the entire process, braces, pain, and discomfort are limited and kept in check. We’ll ask if there is any pain, check that your tongue isn’t obstructed, and ensure there is no rubbing with your new braces.
A few days to a week after your appointment, you may experience some slight pain or discomfort as your teeth adjust. However, we have a plan for braces pain relief
We realize many patients experience anxiety when it comes to braces. Our orthodontists at The Super Dentists do everything necessary to ensure each patient receives the best possible care. Our method includes practical methods to lessen any fear before, during, and after your appointment. Our team provides the best care possible for patients of all ages who decide to get braces!
! Keep reading to learn more about what kind of pain to expect and how to relieve it.
A Braces Pain Timeline: What to Expect Day by Day
Day 1
Do braces hurt when you get them on? Simply put, no. But most people feel tenderness and pressure a few hours later as their teeth start to shift. This pressure can feel “weird” or “uncomfortable”.
Days 2-3
For many people, this is the peak period of soreness. But this isn’t true for every person, as your pain tolerance may be different than others’ pain tolerance. It’s not uncommon to feel irritation of the cheeks or tongue, or even get canker sores from braces during this time period. Using dental wax during this period and keeping your mouth clean can both help in that regard.
Days 4-7
When do braces stop hurting? For most people, discomfort and pain start to ease up around day 4-7. So if your braces hurt so bad you can’t sleep right now, and that’s not due to a protruding wire or broken braces bracket, take heart! It will get better soon – usually by the end of your first week wearing braces!
Later (Monthly Visits)
You should continue to expect some mild soreness lasting for about a day or two after each adjustment appointment. This is normal. As your mouth adjusts, you may feel residual pressure and occasional tenderness that is periodic or lasts longer. This is also normal.
Final Week (Braces Off)
The process of removing braces is a relatively quick and easy one! You might feel some pressure or discomfort as your braces are removed, but that should go away.
How Much Do Braces Hurt?
Because pain is relative, it’s very hard to answer this question! Even patients with very similar mouths and treatment schedules will experience discomfort differently. Braces don’t hurt when you get them, but minor discomfort is common. Some patients have pain while their mouth adjusts to their braces, and they describe it as a sore or achy jaw.
Mild over-the-counter pain relievers and home remedies like saltwater rinses are very effective at soothing braces pain. Although it can be uncomfortable, the pain is manageable. You can do it!
After braces are first placed or adjusted, it’s common to experience soreness and discomfort for a few days. This discomfort is caused by the pressure exerted on the teeth and the adjustment of the wires and brackets.
As your teeth gradually shift into their new positions, you may experience occasional episodes of discomfort after each tightening appointment. The intensity and duration of this pain typically decrease as your treatment progresses.
We want to remind you that everyone experiences pain in their own way. Everyone’s pain threshold is different, so what may be tolerable for one person could be more uncomfortable for another. Rest assured that there are many ways to soothe braces-related pain!
Does Brace Tightening Hurt?
During regular checkups for your braces, bands and wires will need adjustment, which makes the teeth feel “tight.” This is totally normal and expected. Pain during adjustment is one of the most common concerns about wearing braces.
As your teeth gradually shift into proper alignment, periodic adjustments will be necessary to ensure progress. During these tightening appointments, we may apply pressure to the braces, encouraging the teeth to move in the desired direction.
Just keep in mind that the mild discomfort is minimal and temporary. It will subside in a few days and might feel like a slight ache around the teeth and gums. Over-the-counter pain medications can be used during this time.
However, at The Super Dentists, we use the highest quality self-adjusting braces, which means we don’t have to do the traditional “tightening” of the braces. Instead, these braces self-adjust gradually and over time to maximize comfort while also significantly reducing office visits and treatment times.
Does It Hurt to Get Your Braces Off?
For many patients, getting braces off includes mild pain, but it’s not that uncomfortable. The Super Dentists’ orthodontists remove the bands and wires, then gently pry off the brackets from each tooth. Patients report that this is an even easier experience than getting braces installed or tightened.
Once the braces are removed, we’ll do a thorough teeth cleaning and possibly take X-rays to confirm how effective the braces were. You also may receive a retainer to wear at certain times during the day, which helps keep your teeth properly positioned while your gums and teeth heal.
Along with getting braces on, this will probably be your longest orthodontist appointment. That said, it’s also the most exciting one. Before you know it, your braces are off and you’re ready to show off your new smile!
Braces Pain Relief
Unfortunately, there is no way to stop braces pain immediately. Although there are no instant fixes, you have many options for pain relief!
With pain relievers (Tylenol, not anti-inflammation medication such as Aspirin and Advil), warm saltwater rinses, and oral anesthetics, any minor pain should be eliminated. Ensuring you take care of your braces will also help keep discomfort to a minimum.
Pro Tip: Avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods, especially during the first week or right after an adjustment. Stick to soft foods like smoothies, yogurt, mashed potatoes, or oatmeal.
When to Contact The Super Dentists
If you experience extreme discomfort that interferes with your sleep or daily life (such as saying, “My braces hurt so bad I can’t sleep”), don’t hesitate to reach out to our team right away. We can check your braces for issues like protruding wires or excessive pressure that may need an adjustment.
If you have any questions about braces pain or would like to discuss orthodontic treatments with the Super Dentists, feel free to visit or reach out to us. Check out our area locations, call us at 1 (855) GO SUPER, or send a text message to 1 (844) 765-1234. You can always schedule an appointment online as well!
Thanks for considering The Super Dentists for your complete orthodontic needs. Visit us today and see why 1 in 5 San Diego children is a Super Dentists kid!
FAQs About Braces Pain
Do braces hurt the whole time you have them?
Most patients only feel discomfort for a few days after each adjustment or during the first week of getting braces.
Can braces give you canker sores?
Yes, irritation from new brackets or wires can lead to a canker sore from braces, especially during the first few weeks. Dental wax and rinses can help.
What should I do if my braces hurt at night?
If you’re thinking, “My braces hurt so bad I can’t sleep,” try using wax, taking OTC pain meds, and sticking to soft foods. If it persists, contact us!
When do braces stop hurting after getting them?
Typically, within 3 to 7 days after getting them or a couple of days after an adjustment.
Do braces hurt when you get them on?
The installation doesn’t hurt, but mild soreness may develop a few hours later.
How long do braces hurt after an adjustment?
You may feel discomfort for 1 to 3 days after tightening, but it usually fades quickly.
Is it normal to be in pain a week after braces tightening?
It can happen, especially if it was a major adjustment. But if pain continues beyond 7 days, it’s best to contact your orthodontist to make sure everything is progressing normally.
What’s the best pain relief for sores from braces?
Try using orthodontic wax to cover any sharp areas, rinse with warm saltwater, and apply an over-the-counter oral gel to numb the sore area.
What if the braces pain gets worse instead of better after an adjustment?
Worsening pain may be a sign of an issue, like a loose bracket or a wire poking your cheek. Contact us so we can check and adjust if needed.
What can I do if pain medicine isn’t helping?
If OTC pain relievers aren’t enough, call us. We may need to adjust your braces or check for an underlying issue like an ulcer or bent wire.
