If you’re considering getting braces, you might wonder: Do braces hurt? You’re not alone because braces pain is a common concern for new orthodontic patients. While your appliance can cause mild discomfort, especially in the first few days, the good news is that modern orthodontic advancements have made treatment way more comfortable than it used to be.
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, we take it a step further. Our American board-certified orthodontists, Dr. Manal Ibrahim and Dr. Christine Gin, use SureSmile® prescription wires and self-ligating brackets to minimize discomfort and provide an even gentler, more efficient experience. We also offer the revolutionary OrthoPulse® device.
But to put your mind at ease, we’re answering your top questions about braces pain.
1. Why Do Braces Hurt?
Braces work by applying continuous, gentle pressure to shift your teeth into alignment. This pressure can cause inflammation in the surrounding tissues, which leads to temporary soreness. In the first few days after getting braces, your teeth and gums may feel sensitive, but this discomfort fades as your mouth adjusts.
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, we take a high-tech approach to orthodontics by using:
- SureSmile® robotically bent wires – These custom archwires move teeth more precisely and eliminate the need for frequent adjustments, which are a source of braces pain.
- Self-ligating brackets – These tie-less brackets don’t rely on ligatures (rubber bands or metal ties) and don’t require tightening and frequent office visits. They create less friction and pressure throughout the course of treatment.
- OrthoPulse® – This take-home device uses red-light therapy to stimulate cellular activity, reducing treatment time, inflammation and discomfort in just 10 minutes a day
2. Does it Hurt to Get Braces Put On?
Not at all! The process of getting your braces put on does not hurt, and there are no needles involved. Several hours later, however, mild sensitivity can set in.
3. How Long Do Braces Hurt?
So, how long does braces pain last? While everyone’s experience is different and it depends on the type of braces used, here’s a general timeline:
- After Getting Braces – Mild discomfort for 3 to 5 days that gradually decreases
- After Adjustments – Temporary soreness for 1 to 3 days after your orthodontist tightens your braces (no tightening here at Innovative Orthodontic Centers, so our patients get to skip this discomfort!)
- After Braces Removal – No pain, just excitement for your new smile!
Most patients adjust quickly, especially with SureSmile braces, and eventually forget they even have an orthodontic appliance.
4. Does It Hurt to Get Your Braces Tightened?
Back in the 80s and 90s, it did hurt to get your braces tightened, or adjusted.
Luckily, braces have come a long way since then! While traditional braces still require adjustments, the process is gentler and less frequent.
With conventional braces, your orthodontist will:
- Replace wires periodically to keep your teeth moving
- Manually bend wires with pliers to fine-tune alignment
- Make corrections based on how your teeth respond over time
These adjustments can cause soreness for a few days.
However, at Innovative Orthodontic Centers, we take a more proactive approach.
Instead of frequent manual adjustments, we use SureSmile prescription wires, which are:
- Custom-bent by a robot for precise movements – no need for manual wire bending
- Heat-activated and respond to your body temperature to apply gentle, continuous force
- More efficient, helping you finish treatment 29% faster than conventional braces
- Threaded through self-ligating brackets – no painful tightening needed!
This minimizes the need for adjustments and significantly reduces soreness compared to traditional braces.
5. Do You Have Any Advice on How to Treat Braces Pain?
If your teeth are sore from your braces or your brackets and wires are causing irritation, here are some home remedies to help:
Eat Soft Foods
When you first start treatment or whenever you feel sensitivity, stick with soft foods that require minimal chewing. Some of the best soft foods to eat with braces include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Avocados
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
- Mac and cheese
Avoid hard, crunchy and sticky foods that increase pressure and could damage your appliance.
Sip on Cold Drinks
Cold drinks like ice water, iced coffee and smoothies are easy on the teeth and have the added benefit of numbing your mouth.
Use Braces Wax
If your brackets or wires are rubbing against your cheeks, apply orthodontic wax to create a protective barrier. Here’s how to use wax for braces:
- Dry the areas of braces that are bothering you with a clean tissue or piece of gauze.
- Break off a small piece of wax.
- Roll the wax in between your fingers to warm it up.
- Place the wax on your braces and flatten it against your appliance.
Try a Salt Water Rinse
Swish with warm salt water (½ teaspoon of salt dissolved in 8 ounces of water) to reduce inflammation and soothe your gums.
Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
If needed, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever like Ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to ease soreness in the first few days.
Apply a Cold Compress
Holding a cold pack against your cheeks for 10-15 minutes can numb the area and reduce swelling.
Want more tips? Check out our post: 9 Braces Hacks to Make Wearing Them Way Easier.
6. I’ve Tried Everything. Why Do My Braces Hurt So Bad Still?
Remember, any discomfort should be mild and temporary. If you’ve had your braces on for more than a few days and you’re still desperately searching for how to make your teeth stop hurting with braces, call your orthodontist. You should never feel severe pain.
7. Does Getting Your Braces Taken Off Hurt?
Getting your braces removed also does not hurt. The orthodontist takes out your wires and gently removes the brackets. They get rid of any lingering adhesive, polish your teeth and let you check out your stunning new smile.
Final Thoughts on Braces Pain
While how long braces hurt and the severity of your discomfort depend on the type of braces you get, modern orthodontics has made true braces pain a thing of the past.
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers, our Naperville orthodontists are proud to provide the most precise, efficient and gentle care with the SureSmile system and OrthoPulse.
Book a Free Naperville Braces Consultation
Want a faster, more comfortable braces experience without cutting corners?
At Innovative Orthodontic Centers in Naperville, we use a powerful technology bundle to make every smile transformation as smooth and painless as possible.
Book your free consultation today!
