Why do braces hurt? Understanding the causes of braces pain

If you have braces, and especially if they’re new to you, you may be feeling a bit sore. The reality is that occasional discomfort is a normal part of braces treatment. In fact, most times, pain is actually a good thing (hear us out) because it’s a sign that your treatment is going as planned, and your teeth are moving into their new, straightened positions. 

Of course, knowing that it’s normal and a good sign doesn’t really help you feel better if your mouth is feeling super sore, does it? We hear you! In this post, we hope to provide the information you need to put it all in perspective, and manage your braces pain effectively.

Why do braces hurt in the first place?

When you think about what is actually going on in your mouth during braces treatment, you’ll begin to understand very quickly why you sometimes feel sore.

Braces work by gently applying consistent pressure to your teeth, slowly guiding them into healthier alignment. That pressure affects not just your teeth, but also the surrounding tissues, ligaments, and even the bone. Your body reacts to this shift with inflammation and sensitivity. That’s the braces pain you are experiencing.

We hope this is somewhat validating; you’re experiencing pain and discomfort because the shape of your mouth is literally changing.

When will I experience pain during braces treatment?

Pain or discomfort from braces can feel different depending on where you are in the treatment process. Here are some points during your braces journey when you might feel pain:

When you first get your braces 

The first few days after you initially get your brace are the toughest because your mouth is adjusting on two levels. Your teeth and gums are reacting to the new pressure that’s beginning to shift your bite, and at the same time, your lips, cheeks, and tongue are learning to live with the brackets and wires. It’s normal to feel both soreness and irritation during this stage.

After adjustments

Each time your orthodontist tightens wires or changes bands, your braces apply pressure in new ways. The resulting soreness is usually strongest for the first 2–3 days after an adjustment, after which you’ll notice steady improvement.

Random aches during treatment

You may notice isolated teeth become sore or sensitive seemingly out of nowhere throughout treatment. This happens because teeth don’t all move at the same pace; some shift more actively at different times. These random aches are a sign that your braces are doing their job to gradually guide your teeth into a healthier bite.

When appliances are added

Sometimes orthodontic treatment involves appliances like expanders, elastics (rubber bands), springs, or power chains. These appliances introduce different kinds of pressure or friction, which can lead to soreness until your mouth adjusts.

When brackets or wires rub 

If a bracket is positioned near the edge of your lips or a wire pokes out at the back, it can cause irritation or small sores inside your cheeks until your mouth adjusts.

Toward the end of treatment

As your orthodontist fine-tunes your bite and alignment, some teeth may need to make very small but precise movements. These last adjustments can sometimes feel surprisingly intense, even though treatment is almost complete.

Types of pain or discomfort you may experience with braces

As you go through your orthodontic treatment, your mouth will be in a constant state of change. This change can show itself in a variety of different types of discomfort. These include:

• Pressure or soreness in the teeth: Braces work by applying constant pressure, so it’s normal to feel a dull ache in your teeth, especially after they’re first placed or adjusted.
• Swollen or tender gums: Your gums may feel puffy or inflamed as they adapt to tooth movement.
• Irritated cheeks, lips, and tongue: Brackets and wires can rub against soft tissues until your mouth “toughens up.” Orthodontic wax can help.
• Jaw tension: Shifting teeth can affect how your jaw muscles feel, sometimes leading to mild soreness or stiffness.
• Headaches: Some patients experience tension headaches in the first few days after braces are tightened.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold foods: Teeth may temporarily react more strongly to temperature changes.
• Mild bleeding gums: Gums that are adjusting (or need more thorough cleaning) can bleed lightly at first.
• Difficulty chewing: Biting into hard or crunchy foods may feel uncomfortable until your teeth settle.
• A feeling of loose teeth: This can feel unsettling, but it’s actually a good sign: teeth must loosen slightly in order to shift into alignment.

While this list might sound long, the key thing to remember is that these effects are temporary and expected. Don’t feel discouraged; now that we’ve gone over what to expect, we’ll look at how you can manage pain and discomfort during your braces treatment.

How long does braces pain typically last?

The discomfort from braces is usually temporary. Here’s what you can expect:

First day with braces

• Duration: Mild to moderate soreness for 3-5 days
• Pain type: Dull ache, tender gums

First adjustment

• Duration: 2-4 days of discomfort
• Pain type: Achy teeth, mild jaw soreness

Random tooth movement

• Duration: 1-2 days
• Pain type: Isolated tooth sensitivity

How to reduce or manage pain from braces

Even though braces pain is normal, there are gentle ways to make it more comfortable:

• Use orthodontic wax: Cover brackets that rub against your cheeks or tongue with orthodontic wax to decrease friction and prevent irritation.
• Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can ease inflammation (ask your dentist if you’re unsure what’s safe for you).
• Eat soft foods: Smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt, and pasta are easier on sore teeth.
• Cold compresses: Applying a cool pack to the outside of your mouth can soothe tenderness.
• Saltwater rinse: A warm rinse can calm irritated gums and promote healing.
• Stay consistent: Wearing rubber bands or other appliances as instructed helps prevent unnecessary delays (which can extend discomfort).

The bigger picture on braces pain

So, why are braces so painful sometimes? It all comes down to the way your teeth move. Braces apply gentle, steady force that shifts your teeth and bones into alignment, which can lead to short-term soreness. For most people, that discomfort only lasts a few days after placement or adjustments, and there are plenty of ways to manage it.

Remember: a little soreness now means a healthier, more confident smile in the future.