Do braces hurt?

Page updated October 14, 2026. Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Thomas and Dr. Jennifer Loucks-Buren.

Braces usually cause a dull ache rather than sharp pain. It's strongest for the first 24 to 48 hours after the braces go on and after each adjustment, then fades over a few days. Invisalign can feel similar when you switch to a new set of trays. Most soreness can be managed at home with soft foods, cold compresses, saltwater rinses and orthodontic wax.

When braces hurt: a timeline

The AAO describes three main times braces can hurt (AAO):

Adjustment visits come every 4 to 6 weeks in the AAO's pain guide (AAO) (its braces guide gives a wider 4 to 12 weeks (AAO)), so expect a few sore days after each one. Before braces, spacers between the back teeth can also be sore for a couple of days (Healthline).

Why braces cause soreness

Braces move teeth by applying gentle, constant pressure, and the AAO explains why that's felt (AAO):

• Bone remodeling: bone breaks down on one side of the tooth to let it move and builds up on the other, which causes soreness while it happens.
• Ligament tension: the tiny ligaments holding each tooth stretch and compress, causing a tight, achy feeling, like after a workout.
• Soft tissue irritation: brackets and wires can rub the cheeks, lips and gums, especially in the first days.
• Fresh pressure at adjustments: each adjustment restarts the process, so soreness briefly returns.

How to relieve braces pain

The AAO recommends these home remedies (AAO):

• Soft foods: mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, soups and scrambled eggs after the braces go on or after an adjustment.
• A cold compress: a cold pack wrapped in a soft cloth on the outside of the cheek for 10 to 15 minutes.
• A warm saltwater rinse: a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swished for about 30 seconds, to soothe sore gums and small sores.
• Orthodontic wax: a small piece pressed over a bracket or wire that's rubbing.
• Topical oral gels: over-the-counter numbing gels applied to sore spots, following the package instructions.
• Water, and fewer acidic foods: staying hydrated reduces friction, and citrus, soda and vinegar dressings can sting sore spots.

Which pain reliever to take

Ask your orthodontist, because the sources differ. The AAO lists ibuprofen or acetaminophen as options, and says taking a dose before or after an adjustment can help (AAO). Cleveland Clinic advises acetaminophen and suggests avoiding ibuprofen and other NSAIDs, citing research that they may interrupt the tooth-movement process (Cleveland Clinic). Your orthodontist can tell you which they prefer for your treatment and age.

Does Invisalign hurt?

Clear aligners can be uncomfortable too, especially when you start each new set of trays. Cleveland Clinic says you may notice pressure or soreness when you chew or take the trays out, and that it typically eases within a few days (Cleveland Clinic). The AAO says the discomfort when switching trays is usually easily managed, and warns that taking aligners out because they're uncomfortable defeats their purpose, since they only work in your mouth (AAO). Soft foods and an ice pack on the jaw can help in the first days of a new set (Cleveland Clinic). More on Invisalign vs braces.

For other aligner effects, from sore gums to rare allergies, see Invisalign side effects.

Do some braces hurt more than others?

All braces apply pressure, so all can cause soreness. Differences are mostly about irritation: lingual braces sit on the tongue side and can be uncomfortable at first (AAO), and with any braces, brackets and wires can irritate the mouth for a while after they're placed or adjusted (AAO). Compare the options on types of braces.

What to eat when braces are sore

After getting braces or an adjustment, choose foods that need little chewing; the AAO suggests mashed potatoes, smoothies, yogurt, soups and scrambled eggs (AAO). Cleveland Clinic adds pasta, cooked vegetables, soft fruits and oatmeal for the first few days (Cleveland Clinic). Avoid crunchy, chewy and sticky foods, which press on sore teeth and can break brackets or wires (AAO).

Does a retainer hurt?

A retainer can feel sore at first, probably because it's nudging the teeth into alignment; over-the-counter pain relievers can help while you adjust, and your teeth shouldn't hurt once you wear it regularly (Cleveland Clinic). Ask your provider how much soreness to expect; ongoing discomfort may mean it needs adjusting (Cleveland Clinic). See retainer costs.

Pain at each stage, at a glance

Mouth sores and rubbing

In the first days with braces, brackets and wires can rub the cheeks, lips and gums and cause small sores (AAO). Orthodontic wax is the quickest fix: roll a small piece between your fingers to soften it and press it over the bracket or wire that's rubbing (AAO). You can buy dental wax for braces at most pharmacies (Cleveland Clinic). A warm saltwater rinse helps small cuts heal (AAO). As your mouth gets used to the braces, this kind of irritation generally decreases (AAO).

A sore-week kit

Have these ready before you get braces put on and before each adjustment, all from the AAO's list of home remedies (AAO):

• Orthodontic wax for brackets or wires that rub
• Salt, for warm saltwater rinses
• A cold pack and a soft cloth
• Soft foods: yogurt, soups, mashed potatoes, smoothies, scrambled eggs
• The pain reliever your orthodontist recommends
• Water, to stay hydrated

How much of treatment is sore?

Less than most people expect. The discomfort clusters around a few events: the first days with braces, a few days after each adjustment, and any broken bracket or wire (AAO). Between those, most patients get used to their braces, and the AAO notes some even forget they have them on (AAO). Planning soft meals for the day of each adjustment makes those few days much easier.

When to call your orthodontist

Contact your orthodontist right away if you have severe or long-lasting pain, or a broken bracket or wire (AAO). Broken parts don't apply the right pressure, so leaving them can make treatment take longer (AAO), which can also mean extra visits. Until you're seen, orthodontic wax over a sharp wire helps.

Is it worth it?

Most people find the soreness temporary and manageable (AAO), and it's concentrated in a few days around each visit. If the cost is the bigger worry, see what braces cost and the braces cost calculator.