1st Days in Braces (2024)

FAQs

What to expect first days of braces? ›

The first two to three days after your braces are placed may be a bit uncomfortable. As your teeth begin to straighten, you will feel the pressure of the arch wire and brackets. We will give you wax to apply to your braces to relieve irritation of the lips and inner cheeks.

When you first get braces, it's common to experience pain and discomfort which lasts between 4-7 days for most individuals. It's also possible to experience pain and discomfort when your orthodontist makes adjustments or changes such as adding elastics or springs.

Although you may not notice any visible change for the first two to three months of treatment, braces begin working immediately.

Right after the braces are put on, your teeth will begin moving and in a few days, you may observe some of the teeth feel loose. Don't panic, because this is the normal pattern of tooth movement and is the method teeth use to move through the bone.

You may experience some short-term discomfort in the teeth and gums after these appointments, however, the pain is at its worst in the first few days of having new braces! In general, it takes around a month for people to get used to the novel sensation of having braces in their mouth.

Days 2 – 7 (The most uncomfortable period of soreness) We Recommend: Continue with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Tylenol or Advil (keep following the instructions on the bottle). By day 5, you should be feeling much better.

Many people will find that their bottom braces hurt more, because this is where the tongue is likely to poke or prod your braces and feel uncomfortable. Moving the jaw while talking and chewing is another way that bottom braces might cause a bit more discomfort.

Can braces change your face shape? Yes, braces can change your jawline, your chin, the shape of your mouth, and even your lips. However, these effects are secondary to the actual reforming of your teeth and bite. Braces can tighten your jawline and your teeth, but this happens over time and imperceptibly.

But you should only feel the discomfort immediately after your orthodontist places or adjusts your braces or wires. The discomfort typically disappears within four days, and braces pain rarely lasts longer than a week. When you first get braces, it's also common to feel some pain in your cheeks for about a week.

It's normal to be a little fidgety, moving your lips over the braces or touching the braces with your tongue. But within a day or two, this type of “checking it out” activity will go away. The “glue” that holds the braces on your teeth is similar to the material we use to fill teeth.

What to do after 1st day of braces? ›

On your first day with braces or even your first several days, your teeth will be sensitive as we said, so sticking with soft foods and cold drinks is your best bet. Things like mashed potatoes, smoothies, applesauce, soup, pudding, yogurt, ice cream and ice water are great options.

On average, patients can expect to see some movement in their teeth within the first few weeks to a few months of wearing braces. Although, it can take several months to achieve the desired results, depending on the complexity of the case.

Do lower teeth move faster than the upper teeth with braces? Not necessarily. In general, how fast your teeth move with braces is different for everyone and depends on the treatment type and the severity and individual characteristics of a patient's malocclusion.

Certain teeth are trickier to move than others. Knowing which teeth they are and what causes their movement can help you understand what your teeth need. Two types of teeth are the hardest to move: lateral incisors and molars.

If you choose to drink soda on a rare occasion while wearing braces, it is best to drink it through a straw and then rinse out your mouth with water afterwards.

Braces Day 2:

On this day, your teeth will start to move with the braces. This movement can occasionally cause some discomfort.

During your first week of orthodontic treatment, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain from braces. When you first get your braces tightened, our orthodontists recommend soft, braces-friendly foods to help you feel comfortable while you adjust to your braces.

Most people experience some pain for a few days when they first get braces and after brace tightening. However, others may experience only mild discomfort that goes away within a few hours.