Do Braces Hurt?

If you’re about to get braces, or you’re a parent watching a nervous teen, you’ve probably typed this exact question. So do braces hurt? There can be some soreness. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) says most patients only experience mild discomfort, usually described as a dull ache rather than sharp pain, and that it typically fades after a few days.

If you’re wondering what the day you’re getting braces put on will feel like, ask your orthodontist what to expect.

We’ll give you the honest picture. Why it happens, when you’ll feel it, how long it lasts, and simple ways to feel better. No pressure, no surprises, just what to expect.

Do Braces Hurt? The Honest Answer

The AAO says you might feel pressure or tenderness around your teeth for the first few days after you get braces.

So what does it actually feel like? The AAO says most people describe it as a dull ache rather than sharp pain, and that for most people the discomfort is relatively mild and manageable. Pain tolerance does vary from person to person, so we won’t pretend everyone feels exactly the same.

Why Do Braces Hurt? A Simple Explanation

The AAO says braces soreness, while it may be concerning at first, is often a natural part of the process.

Braces use gentle, constant pressure from wires, brackets, and small elastic bands to guide your teeth into place. The AAO explains what happens underneath: the pressure starts a natural process called bone remodeling, where bone softens on one side of the tooth and rebuilds on the other, so the tooth can move.

Each tooth also sits in tiny ligaments that connect it to the bone. The AAO also notes that as your teeth shift, these ligaments stretch and compress, which triggers a natural inflammatory response that can cause soreness.

There’s a second cause too. The AAO says brackets and wires can rub against the inside of your cheeks, lips, and gums, causing tenderness or small sores. That’s the kind of irritation the AAO suggests orthodontic wax for.

When You’ll Feel It and How Long Braces Hurt

Here’s the timeline you’re probably really after. Soreness is usually strongest in the first 24 to 48 hours and typically fades after a few days. The AAO describes this same pattern for both new braces and adjustments.

There are three moments you’ll actually feel it. This table lays them out.

That middle row answers a common question: do braces hurt when tightened? The AAO says the fresh pressure can bring a temporary increase in soreness, similar to what you may feel after first getting your braces, and that it’s generally manageable and subsides within a few days.

How to Ease Braces Pain at Home

The AAO lists several ways to ease braces soreness at home.

• Soft foods after getting braces or an adjustment. The AAO suggests foods that need little chewing, like mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, soups, and scrambled eggs, and avoiding crunchy, chewy, sticky, and acidic foods.
• Use a cold compress. Wrap a cold pack or ice in a soft cloth and hold it against the outside of your cheek, which the AAO says can help numb soreness.
• Orthodontic wax over any spot that’s rubbing or poking. The AAO says to roll a small piece between your fingers to soften it, then press it onto the bracket or wire to make a smooth barrier.
• A warm saltwater rinse for sore gums or minor sores. The AAO suggests dissolving a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swishing it around for about 30 seconds, and spitting it out.
• Keep brushing gently around sore teeth and brackets. If you’re not sure which brush is kindest around braces, here’s how to brush gently around braces.
• An over-the-counter pain reliever, used as directed. The AAO says taking a dose before or after an adjustment can help prevent or reduce soreness. Always follow the directions on the label, or your provider’s advice, and see the note below for children and teens.

One note on the pain reliever: advice differs on whether ibuprofen or acetaminophen is the better choice for braces soreness, so follow the label and ask your orthodontist which is best for you. For children and teens, MedlinePlus (from the U.S. National Library of Medicine) says not to give pain relievers made for adults: use the dose on the package label that matches the child’s age, ask the child’s doctor if you don’t know how much to give, and ask a doctor before giving aspirin to a child or teenager.

Does Getting Braces Off Hurt?

The AAO says that for most people, getting braces removed is not painful.

You may feel pressure, squeezing, or a brief pulling sensation as each bracket is loosened, and some vibration or pressure while the leftover adhesive is polished off your teeth, according to the AAO.

Your teeth or gums may feel slightly sensitive afterward. The AAO says mild sensitivity usually improves on its own, and to contact your orthodontist if a tooth feels very loose or painful.

And this is the day you’ve been waiting for: you finally see your new smile.

Is My Braces Pain Normal, or Should I Call Us?

Let’s set the baseline first. The AAO says some discomfort is natural when you first get braces, and some soreness is normal after an adjustment.

If there’s facial trauma, swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, or severe pain, go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care first. Once everyone’s safe, call us.

For anything short of that, if you’re unsure whether something is urgent, call us. Contact us if you notice:

• Pain that’s getting worse instead of better, or that doesn’t ease with an over-the-counter pain reliever.
• Soreness that isn’t easing after a few days.
• A sore inside your mouth that won’t heal.
• Signs of infection, such as fever or redness.
• A broken bracket or a wire that’s poking you. Wax is a good first-aid step, but let us take a look.

That last one matters for more than comfort. The AAO notes that broken brackets and wires don’t apply the pressure needed to move your teeth, so if they aren’t fixed as soon as possible, you may have to wear braces longer. It’s worth a quick call, not a wait.

If you’re just getting started, you can book a free comprehensive consultation (a $249 value) or reach our team.

A Quick Word for Nervous Kids and Teens (and Their Parents)

If you’re the one getting braces and you’re feeling nervous, here’s what the AAO says: braces discomfort is typically short-lived and easily managed at home.

Parents, you can help a lot with small things. Stock soft foods for the days after braces go on and after adjustments. Keep orthodontic wax handy for any poky spot. Before giving a pain reliever, use a product made for your child’s age, follow its label, and ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist if you’re unsure. And you can let your child know the AAO says the ache typically fades after a few days.

Tell us if you or your child are feeling nervous. We’ll guide you through every visit. You can learn more about our orthodontic care whenever you’re ready.

Getting braces in Wellington or Boynton Beach? Our braces in Wellington and braces in Boynton Beach pages cover each office, what treatment costs, and how to book a free consultation; for younger patients, see our guide to braces and Invisalign for kids and teens.

Braces Pain FAQ