Getting your braces adjusted means your orthodontic treatment is progressing and your smile is getting closer to where it needs to be. But the soreness that follows can be so uncomfortable! Is there anything you can do to help with braces pain?
Yes! We’ve gathered five tips to help you get through those first few days.
Why Do Braces Adjustments Cause Discomfort?
During an adjustment appointment, your orthodontist tightens wires and repositions brackets to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. This creates new pressure on your teeth and the surrounding soft tissues. Most patients experience noticeable soreness for about 24–72 hours after each visit, after which the discomfort typically fades on its own.
It’s super normal and nothing to worry about if you have braces pain during this time. It’s actually a sign that your braces are doing their job! Your teeth are moving and getting closer to the perfect position.
How to Reduce Braces Pain After an Adjustment
The tips below work best when used together.
1. Use Orthodontic-Safe Pain Relief Options
Over-the-counter pain relievers can make a real difference in those first few hours after an adjustment. Here are two reliable options:
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) are both great choices for managing braces-related pain. Just follow the dosage instructions on the label, and consider taking them shortly before your appointment to get ahead of the discomfort.
Cold Compress
Applying a cold compress or ice pack to the outside of your cheeks can help reduce swelling and numb the area. Use it in 15-minute intervals for the best results.
2. Stick to Soft Foods
Chewing hard or crunchy foods puts extra pressure on already-sensitive teeth and gums, which can make braces pain much worse. For the first day or two after your adjustment, keep things gentle and easy to eat. Great soft food options include:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies
- Soups
- Scrambled eggs
3. Rinse With Warm Salt Water
If your gums feel irritated or you notice any minor mouth sores, a warm salt water rinse is one of the easiest remedies around. Salt water is naturally soothing and helps reduce inflammation in soft tissues. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:
- Mix: ½ teaspoon of salt into 8 oz of warm water
- Rinse: Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit
- Repeat: 2–3 times per day, especially after meals
4. Use Orthodontic Wax for Irritation
Sometimes it’s not the soreness from pressure that bothers you most—it’s a poking wire or a bracket rubbing against the inside of your cheek. We recommend orthodontic wax! Pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it over the bracket or wire that’s poking you so you can’t feel the metal against your cheek anymore. Wax is super helpful at night, too.
5. Practice Gentle Oral Hygiene
It can be tempting to skip brushing when your mouth is sore, but keeping up with your oral hygiene routine is really important, especially after an adjustment. Bacteria and food can worsen irritation and braces pain if they’re just left on your brackets and wires.
To make the process easier on sensitive teeth, try using:
- A soft-bristle toothbrush to gently clean around your brackets
- Interdental brushes to reach the tight spaces between wires and teeth
Being gentle doesn’t mean being less thorough. Just take your time and let the soft bristles do the work.
6. Chew Sugar-Free Gum
Chewing sugar-free gum can actually help ease discomfort after an adjustment. The gentle chewing motion increases blood flow around each tooth, which may help reduce soreness and shorten how long the discomfort lasts. Just be sure to stick with sugar-free options and follow your orthodontist’s recommendations about gum.
Your Comfort Matters to Us at Silcox Orthodontics
Discomfort after an adjustment is a normal part of the orthodontic process, and with the right strategies, it’s very manageable. A little preparation goes a long way toward making each appointment feel less scary.
At Silcox Orthodontics, Dr. Jon Silcox and his team are committed to making your entire treatment experience as smooth and comfortable as possible. If you ever have questions between visits (or you’re ready to start your smile journey), we’d love to hear from you!
Schedule your free consultation today and experience the personalized, compassionate care that sets Silcox Orthodontics apart.
