Do Braces Hurt? What to Expect & How to Ease the Pain

Yes – braces can hurt, especially in the first few days.

But don’t panic. The pain is temporary, manageable, and usually a sign that your teeth are starting to move.

In fact, most patients describe it as more of a dull ache or tight pressure than anything sharp. On a scale of 1 to 10, it tends to sit around 3–6 in the early stages, dropping off within a week. It’s uncomfortable, yes – but not unbearable.

The key is knowing what to expect, what’s normal, and what you can do to ease the discomfort. In this guide, our orthodontists walk you through the braces pain timeline, how to relieve soreness, and when you might want to get in touch with your dentist.

Jump to a Section

• How Much Do Braces Hurt?
• When Do Braces Hurt the Most?
• Why Do Braces Hurt?
• How to Relieve Braces Pain

How Much Do Braces Hurt? (1–10 Pain Scale)

Everyone’s pain threshold is different, but here’s what most of our London braces patients tell us:

• The first 24–48 hours after getting braces: “It feels like pressure building in my teeth — not sharp pain, just intense tightness.” Most rate this around 5 or 6 out of 10.
• After a few days: “It’s more like a bruise now — I can eat softer foods and it’s getting better.” Pain usually drops to 2 or 3 out of 10.
• After a week: “I barely notice them unless I touch certain teeth.” Pain often drops to 1/10 or nothing at all.

When Do Braces Hurt the Most? (Timeline of Discomfort)

Braces pain isn’t constant – it comes in waves, usually tied to key milestones in your treatment.

For most people, the most noticeable discomfort hits in the first few days after getting braces, then again briefly after tightening appointments. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect, day by day:

Day 1: Fitting Day

The moment your braces go on, it might not hurt straight away — but a few hours later, you’ll start to feel that slow-building pressure as your teeth begin to adjust. It’s often described as a tight, sore sensation across the whole mouth.

Pain Level: 4–6/10
You’ll feel pressure and tightness once the braces are on. Your teeth won’t hurt immediately — but within a few hours, the soreness kicks in.

“It felt like my teeth were being gently squeezed. Not awful, but definitely noticeable.”

Day 2: The Peak

This is when most patients feel the worst of it. The pressure from the braces peaks, and your teeth and gums can feel tender to the touch — even biting into soft bread might feel uncomfortable.

Pain Level: 6–7/10
This is usually the worst day. You might struggle with firm foods and brushing. Mouth ulcers may start to form if brackets rub against your cheeks or lips.

“This was the day I questioned my life choices — but soft food and ibuprofen got me through.”

Days 3–5: Easing Off

By day three, things usually start to ease. You’ll still feel soreness when chewing, but the constant ache should begin to fade. Most people return to eating semi-normal meals (just nothing crunchy yet).

Pain Level: 3–5/10
The worst pressure starts to ease. You’ll still be aware of it, especially when chewing. Most people return to normal eating with minor adaptations.

Week 2 Onwards: Minimal Pain

By this stage, most of the discomfort is gone. Occasional tenderness might return after adjustments, but your mouth will have mostly adapted – and the braces become part of your daily rhythm.

Pain Level: 0–2/10
Occasional soreness may pop up (especially after adjustments), but daily discomfort fades.

It’s not just physical – many patients say it takes a few days to mentally get used to the feel of braces in their mouth. Once that becomes your new normal, it’s far easier to focus on the end goal: a straighter, healthier smile with the right teeth straightening treatment.

After Adjustments: The Mini Reset

Every time your braces are tightened or adjusted, you’ll feel a smaller version of the initial discomfort. It usually lasts 1–2 days, and then fades fast – a sign that the braces treatment is doing its job.

Why Do Braces Hurt? (And Why That’s a Good Thing)

Braces hurt because they’re doing something. That soreness and pressure you feel isn’t random — it’s a sign that your teeth are beginning to shift into better alignment.

Here’s what’s happening beneath the surface:

• Gentle force is applied to your teeth, via brackets and wires.
• That pressure sends signals to the bone surrounding each tooth.
• Your body begins a process called bone remodelling — breaking down bone on one side of the tooth and rebuilding it on the other. (Physiology)
• This process happens with all types of orthodontic treatment — whether you’re wearing fixed braces, metal braces, or even a system like Invisalign.

The result? Your teeth slowly move into a straighter, healthier position.

So yes, braces cause discomfort — but it’s not damage. It’s progress.

How to Relieve Braces Pain

While some soreness is unavoidable, there are plenty of simple ways to ease the discomfort. Most patients find that managing the pain becomes second nature within a few days – it’s all about having the right tools and tactics ready.

Here are the most effective ways to reduce braces pain:

• Stick to soft foods – Avoid anything crunchy, chewy, or sharp. Think mashed potatoes, soup, pasta, yoghurt, scrambled eggs, smoothies.
• Take pain relief if needed – Over-the-counter meds like ibuprofen or paracetamol help reduce inflammation. (NHS Guidance)
• Use orthodontic wax – Apply wax over irritating spots to prevent mouth ulcers and rubbing.
• Try a saltwater rinse – A teaspoon of salt in warm water can soothe sore spots and reduce bacteria.
• Apply a cold compress – Press a cool flannel or ice pack against the outside of your jaw to numb discomfort and reduce swelling.

Tip: Don’t power through the pain — the more you listen to your mouth and ease the pressure early on, the quicker your body adapts.

And if something feels off – intense pain, sharp wires, or a bracket that’s come loose – always contact your London orthodontist.

Are Braces Worth the Pain?

Absolutely – and most patients will tell you the same thing once their treatment is complete.

Yes, the first few days can be uncomfortable. But that short-term discomfort leads to a lifetime of benefits: a healthier bite, a straighter smile, and renewed confidence in how you look and feel.

Braces don’t just change your teeth — they can improve your speech, your bite function, and even reduce jaw pain or uneven wear. For many adults and teens alike, fixed braces or Invisalign provide the structure needed to achieve long-lasting change.

And once treatment is finished, the discomfort is long gone – but the results stay with you. A few weeks of tenderness is a small price for a smile you’ll have for life.