If you’re considering braces or clear aligners, one of the biggest questions on your mind is probably: Will it hurt? No one wants to deal with unnecessary pain, and it’s understandable to wonder what to expect before starting treatment.
Dr. Joanna Yu likes to reassure patients that while orthodontic treatment can cause some discomfort, it’s nothing unbearable. It’s more of a pressure sensation than outright pain; for most people, it fades quickly. Your teeth are moving, which is precisely what they’re supposed to do—but that movement naturally comes with a little adjustment period. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to make the process easier at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics in Portland and Windham.
When Does Orthodontic Treatment Cause Discomfort?
Braces and aligners apply gentle, continuous pressure to guide teeth into better alignment. That pressure can cause mild soreness at certain points during your orthodontic treatment.
You’ll likely notice it most:
After getting braces or switching to a new set of aligners, you’ll feel the most pressure in the first few days as your teeth start to adjust.
After an adjustment or tightening appointment: If you have braces, Dr. Joanna Yu will periodically adjust the wires to keep your teeth moving in the right direction. This can cause temporary soreness.
When biting into firmer foods, your teeth may feel more sensitive right after an adjustment or new aligners, making crunchy or chewy foods a little uncomfortable.
Any soreness is temporary. It usually fades within a few days and is mild enough that you won’t even notice it after a while.
Do Some Types of Braces Cause More Discomfort Than Others?
Yes, different types of orthodontic treatments come with different sensations. Some are designed to minimize irritation, while others require a little more getting used to.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are effective but can cause some initial soreness, especially after adjustments. The brackets and wires might also rub against your cheeks, but orthodontic wax helps smooth rough spots.
Ceramic Braces
Clear braces work just like metal braces but are less irritating to soft tissues inside your mouth. The pressure on your teeth is the same, though, so you’ll still feel some soreness after adjustments.
Clear Aligners (Like Invisalign)
Because Invisalign clear aligners don’t have brackets or wires, they tend to cause less discomfort overall. Instead of periodic tightening, you switch to a new set of trays every couple of weeks. That switch can cause mild pressure, but it’s usually more manageable than the soreness from braces.
How to Manage Soreness from Orthodontic Treatment
If you’re feeling some discomfort, there are plenty of ways to make the transition easier:
- Stick to soft foods. Mashed potatoes, yogurt, eggs, and smoothies are much easier on your teeth.
- Use orthodontic wax – If brackets or wires irritate your mouth, a small piece of wax can make a big difference.
- Try over-the-counter pain relievers if needed. If the soreness is more noticeable, ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help. Before taking anything, check with our team at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics.
- Rinse with warm salt water – This helps soothe any irritation and speed up healing if you have small sores.
- Apply a cold compress. If your jaw feels sore, an ice pack wrapped in a towel can help reduce discomfort.
Most of the time, soreness goes away within a few days. Your mouth adapts, and what once felt unfamiliar will start to feel normal.
What About Sores or Ulcers?
Braces can sometimes cause small sores inside the mouth, especially in the beginning. The brackets and wires take a little getting used to, but there are ways to prevent and manage irritation.
- Use a mouth rinse designed for ulcers – These can protect the sore and speed up healing.
- Apply orthodontic wax – Wax creates a smooth barrier if a specific bracket is irritating.
- Avoid acidic or spicy foods – Citrus, vinegar, and anything spicy can make sores sting more than necessary.
If you’re using clear aligners, you won’t have to deal with bracket irritation, but you might experience mild irritation if your aligners are dry or if a new tray presses against your gums. Drinking plenty of water and keeping your aligners clean helps prevent this.
A Temporary Adjustment for Long-Term Results
The thought of discomfort shouldn’t keep you from starting orthodontic treatment. Yes, there will be an adjustment period, but it’s short-lived, and there are plenty of ways to manage it. Before long, you’ll barely notice your braces or aligners at all.
If something doesn’t feel right or the discomfort seems more intense than expected, Dr. Joanna Yu at Adult & Pediatric Orthodontics is here to help. A quick check-in at our Windham or Portland office can make sure everything is moving along as it should.