Most patients feel a dull ache or pressure for 1–3 days after braces are placed or adjusted. True pain is rare and usually easy to manage.

What should I expect on “braces day”?

Tender teeth and cheeks are normal. Use orthodontic wax, soft foods, salt-water rinses, and OTC pain relief as directed. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard.

How much braces pain is normal—and how long does it last?

Soreness often peaks at 24–48 hours and fades after that. Warm salt-water rinses and a cold compress can help. Stick to yogurt, eggs, and pasta for a day or two.

Do Invisalign aligners hurt less?

Aligners feel like snug pressure for 1–2 days with each new tray. Edges are smooth, so cheek rubbing is usually minimal. Wear trays exactly as directed so teeth track on schedule.

What happens after routine adjustments?

You may feel brief tenderness after wire changes or new aligners, then return to normal eating and brushing. Keeping appointments and good oral hygiene reduce discomfort.

Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect During Treatment

It’s completely normal to ask: Will starting my orthodontic treatment hurt? The good news is that while you may experience a day or two of mild, short-term soreness (like a dull ache) after getting braces or an adjustment, true pain is rare. Most of our patients are relieved by how comfortable treatment actually is! At Total Orthodontics in Lone Tree and Greenwood Village, CO, the team offers modern options like metal braces, clear braces, Damon self-ligating braces, and Invisalign clear aligners, and they guide you through each step so you know exactly what to expect.

What to Expect on Braces Day

When braces are first placed, your teeth and cheeks are getting used to the new appliances. It is common to feel tender for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief, orthodontic wax for rubbing spots, soft foods, and salt-water rinses usually help. If you play sports, a mouthguard protects your teeth and brackets while you adjust.

How Much Braces Pain Is Normal?

Most people describe it as a dull ache or pressure, not sharp pain. The feeling tends to peak in the first 24 to 48 hours and fades as your mouth adapts. Warm salt-water rinses and a cold compress can be soothing. Sticking with soft foods like yogurt, eggs, and pasta for a day or two can make chewing easier.

Orthodontic Discomfort With Invisalign Aligners

If you choose Invisalign, expect a snug, pressure-like feel for a day or two each time you switch to a new set of trays. If an edge feels rough, you can gently smooth the spot and use salt-water rinses for any minor sore areas. Wear your aligners as directed so they track properly and your teeth keep moving on schedule.

What to Expect After Routine Adjustments

Tightening visits and aligner changes move teeth in small, planned steps. It is normal to feel tender for a short window after these visits, then return to normal eating and brushing. Staying consistent with appointments keeps progress on track. Good brushing and flossing lower the chance of gum soreness and help everything feel better faster.

Quick Comfort Table

Common moment	How it feels	Easy relief	When to call
Braces placed	Pressure, tender cheeks	OTC pain reliever as directed, orthodontic wax, soft foods	If pain is severe or you cannot bite at all after a few days
First week with aligners or a new tray	Snug pressure, minor rubbing	Salt-water rinse, gently smooth a rough edge, wear aligners as instructed	If trays do not seat fully or cause cuts that do not heal
After an adjustment	Achy teeth for 1 to 3 days	Cold compress, soft foods, careful brushing	If pain worsens instead of improving
Poking wire or loose bracket	Local irritation	Place wax for comfort	Call the office to be seen for repair or guidance

When to Call for Help

Typical soreness is normal. Call the office if you have a loose or broken bracket, a wire that keeps poking even after using wax, swelling that does not improve, or an injury to the mouth. For direct injuries to teeth, contact your general dentist first, then the orthodontic team for appliance repair as needed.

Comfort-Focused Options Here

Patients can choose from metal braces, clear or ceramic braces, Damon self-ligating braces, and Invisalign aligners. For small touch-ups, limited clear-aligner treatment options may be available. Your doctor will match the plan to your goals and lifestyle after a careful exam.

Key Takeaways

Mild, short-term soreness is common and manageable.
Braces and aligners apply gentle pressure to move teeth on schedule.
Wax, soft foods, salt-water rinses, and OTC pain relief are simple tools.
Call for help with broken parts, persistent rubbing, or injuries.
You can choose from braces or Invisalign, including Damon self-ligating brackets and limited aligner options for minor movements.

Have questions about fit, comfort, or next steps? Reach out to the friendly team in Lone Tree or Greenwood Village to schedule a free smile exam and get a personal plan that feels right for you.