Nov 28, 2025

What Is The Most Painful Part Of Braces? Tips To Stay Comfortable

The good news is that discomfort is usually mild to moderate, it settles quickly, and there is a lot you can do to stay comfortable. At Frankston Orthodontics, we will guide you through each step, explain what is normal, and help you feel confident about your progress.

What tends to hurt the most with braces?

Different moments in treatment can feel tender for different reasons. Here is what most patients notice.

• The first few days after braces are fitted: Your teeth and gums can feel achey as they begin to move. Cheeks and lips may also rub against new brackets until the soft tissues adapt.
• The first days with clear aligners: Aligners feel snug by design. You may notice pressure when you insert a new tray, especially on the first night or two.
• After adjustments or a new aligner: Wires are tightened or changed during review visits, and aligners progress your teeth with each new set. This creates gentle pressure that can feel like dull soreness.
• Occasional rubbing points: A bracket or wire end might rub a cheek or tongue. This is easy to manage with orthodontic wax and a quick review if needed.
• Elastics: If you wear elastics, your bite may feel tender as teeth adapt. Consistent wear helps the tenderness pass faster.

Pain should never be sharp or severe. If something feels wrong, call our team. We will make things comfortable again.

How long does braces discomfort last?

Most discomfort is short lived.

• Starting treatment: One to three days of mild to moderate tenderness is common, with improvements over the first week.
• After adjustments: Soreness usually settles within 24 to 72 hours.
• Clear aligners: The first 24 to 48 hours of a new tray are the most noticeable, then it eases as your teeth seat into position.
• Soft tissue rubbing: Cheeks and lips usually adapt within one to two weeks. Orthodontic wax and saltwater rinses help.

If discomfort lasts longer than expected, feels intense, or you notice a sharp wire or broken bracket, contact us. Small tweaks can make a big difference.

Simple tips that actually help

There is a lot you can do at home to feel better. Try a few of these and choose what works best for you.

• Plan soft foods: Mashed potato, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, pasta, soups, and smoothies are gentle on tender teeth, especially in the first few days or after adjustments.
• Use orthodontic wax: Cover any bracket or wire that rubs. Replace as needed, especially before sport or sleep.
• Cold helps: Cold water, a chilled pack on the cheek, or a sugar-free icy treat can reduce tenderness.
• Over the counter pain relief: Paracetamol or ibuprofen can help in the first day or two, provided you can safely take them. Always follow the packet instructions or your GP or pharmacist’s advice.
• Saltwater rinses: A warm saltwater rinse - one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water - soothes irritated cheeks or gums.
• Keep teeth clean: Gentle but thorough brushing plus interdental brushes reduce plaque build-up that can make gums more sensitive.
• Stay consistent: If you wear aligners or elastics, consistent wear helps your teeth adapt faster. Stop and start patterns can prolong tenderness.

What about different appliance types?

Comfort varies slightly with each option, but the pattern is similar. A little pressure at the start, short tenderness after progress steps, then steady comfort as you settle.

• Metal braces and clear ceramic braces: Expect rubbing in the first week, then brief tenderness after adjustments. Wax and good brushing make a big difference.
• SureSmile braces: Planned with precise wire bends, these can improve efficiency and may reduce the number of wire changes, which some patients find helpful for comfort.
• Clear aligners, including Invisalign®: Pressure is most noticeable with a fresh tray for a day or two, then it settles. Many patients like being able to remove trays for meals and cleaning.

If you are deciding between options, we will talk you through comfort, appearance, and maintenance so you can choose what suits you best.

When should you call your orthodontist?

Reach out promptly if you notice:

• A wire is poking your cheek or gum
• A bracket is loose or has broken
• Pain is sharp, severe, or not improving after several days
• Ulcers that will not settle even with wax and saltwater rinses

Quick fixes at the clinic prevent small irritations from becoming bigger problems. Our friendly team is here to help.

Everyday habits that keep you comfortable

• Choose braces friendly meals for a few days after adjustments.
• Take aligner changes at night so you sleep through the first hours of pressure.
• Wear an orthodontic mouthguard for contact sport to protect cheeks and brackets.
• Sip water often to keep your mouth fresh and comfortable.
• Carry a small care kit: travel toothbrush, interdental brush, wax, lip balm, and an aligner case if you wear aligners.

You are not doing this alone

We want your treatment to feel smooth and manageable. From your first fitting to your final retainer, you will have clear support and simple advice at every step. If you ever feel unsure, contact us and we will talk you through the next best move, or bring you in for a quick comfort check.

If you would prefer a discreet option or want to compare choices, we can discuss clear braces, aligners and digitally planned systems during your consultation. You can also explore options with our team, and we will guide you through what to expect day to day.

Summary: short term tenderness, long term confidence

The most painful part of braces is usually the short period right after you start, or the day or two following an adjustment or new aligner. For most people, it feels like pressure or a dull ache rather than sharp pain, and it settles quickly. Soft foods, wax, cold compresses, saltwater rinses, and simple pain relief can make those early days much easier. Most of all, stay in touch with your care team. A small adjustment can resolve rubbing or irritation fast.

If you are ready to start or want personalised advice, book a consultation with us today. Our team at Frankston Orthodontics is here to help you feel comfortable and confident from day one.