Braces pain is usually temporary and can often be managed at home. To stop braces pain, try orthodontic wax for cheek irritation, eat soft foods, use a cold compress, rinse with warm salt water, and take an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever if needed. Most soreness improves within a few days after getting braces or having an adjustment.
Whether you have traditional metal braces or clear braces, some soreness is normal when your treatment begins or after an adjustment. Your braces apply gentle, consistent pressure to move your teeth into better alignment, which can temporarily make your teeth, gums, and jaw feel tender.
Fortunately, there are several simple ways to stop braces pain and make braces soreness more comfortable.
7 Ways to Stop Braces Pain
1. Use Orthodontic Wax
If your braces are hurting your cheeks, lips, or tongue, orthodontic wax can help.
Brackets and wires can sometimes rub against the soft tissues inside your mouth, especially when you first get braces. Orthodontic wax creates a smooth barrier between the braces and your cheeks or lips.
To use orthodontic wax:
- Wash your hands.
- Dry the bracket or wire that is causing irritation.
- Roll a small amount of wax into a ball.
- Flatten the wax and gently press it over the irritating bracket or wire.
You can replace the wax as needed throughout the day. Remove it before brushing your teeth.
Best for: Braces rubbing against your cheeks, lips, or tongue.
2. Eat Soft Foods
When your teeth are sore, chewing can make braces pain feel worse. Eating soft foods for the first day or two after getting braces or having an adjustment can help reduce discomfort.
Try foods such as:
- Yogurt
- Smoothies
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Soup
- Soft-cooked vegetables
Cold, soft foods can also feel soothing when your teeth are sensitive.
As your soreness improves, you can gradually return to your regular diet while continuing to follow your orthodontist’s recommendations about foods to avoid with braces.
Best for: Sore or sensitive teeth that hurt when chewing.
3. Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress can provide temporary relief when your teeth, gums, or jaw feel sore after getting braces or having an adjustment.
Wrap an ice pack or cold pack in a thin towel and hold it against the outside of your cheek for about 15–20 minutes at a time. Do not place ice directly against your skin.
Drinking cold water can also provide a soothing sensation when your mouth feels uncomfortable.
Best for: General soreness and temporary relief after an adjustment.
4. Rinse With Warm Salt Water
A warm salt-water rinse can help soothe irritated gums and sore spots inside your mouth.
To make a salt-water rinse, mix about 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Swish the solution around your mouth for approximately 30–60 seconds, then spit it out.
You can use a warm salt-water rinse as needed when your gums or the inside of your cheeks feel irritated.
Best for: Sore gums and irritation inside the mouth.
5. Use an Appropriate Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever
If your braces soreness is uncomfortable, an over-the-counter pain reliever may provide temporary relief.
Medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be appropriate for some people. However, the right medication depends on factors such as your age, health, allergies, and other medications you may take.
Always follow the product’s directions and ask your doctor, dentist, orthodontist, or pharmacist if you are unsure which medication is appropriate for you.
Best for: Temporary relief from tooth soreness and discomfort.
6. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Keeping your teeth and braces clean is an important part of staying comfortable during orthodontic treatment.
Food can become trapped around brackets and wires. Plaque buildup can also contribute to irritated gums, which may make existing braces discomfort feel worse.
Continue brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between your teeth as recommended by your orthodontic team.
Good oral hygiene can help keep your gums healthy and prevent additional irritation while your mouth adjusts to braces.
Best for: Preventing additional gum irritation during orthodontic treatment.
7. Give Your Mouth Time to Adjust
Sometimes the best way to make braces pain go away is simply to give your mouth time to adjust.
Soreness is common during the first few days after getting braces or having an adjustment. As your teeth and mouth become accustomed to the pressure from your braces, the discomfort should gradually improve.
Everyone responds differently to orthodontic treatment, so some people may experience more soreness than others.
Following your orthodontist’s instructions and using the pain-relief methods above can make this adjustment period easier.
Best for: Normal, temporary soreness after getting or adjusting braces.
How Long Does Braces Pain Last?
Most braces soreness improves within a few days after getting braces or having an adjustment. Your teeth may feel tender when biting or chewing during this time.
The amount and duration of discomfort varies from person to person. If your pain is severe, continues without improving, or seems different from normal adjustment soreness, contact your orthodontist.
How to Stop Braces From Hurting Your Cheeks
If your braces are hurting your cheeks or lips, orthodontic wax is usually one of the simplest ways to reduce irritation.
Place a small amount of wax over the bracket or wire that is rubbing against your cheek. This creates a smoother surface and gives the irritated area time to adjust.
If a wire is poking you or a bracket has broken, contact your orthodontist for guidance.
Is It Normal for Braces to Hurt After an Adjustment?
Yes. Mild soreness after a braces adjustment is normal.
Your orthodontist adjusts your braces throughout treatment to continue guiding your teeth into their desired positions. This can cause temporary pressure or tenderness.
Eating soft foods, using a cold compress, rinsing with warm salt water, and using orthodontic wax can help make the adjustment period more comfortable.
When Should You Call Your Orthodontist About Braces Pain?
Some soreness is expected, but severe or persistent pain may need to be evaluated by your orthodontist.
Contact your orthodontist if:
- Your pain is severe or unusual.
- Your pain continues without improving.
- A wire is poking or cutting your cheek.
- A bracket is broken or detached.
- You have significant swelling.
- You have an injury involving your braces.
- You are concerned that something is wrong with your appliance.
Your orthodontic team can determine whether the discomfort is normal treatment soreness or whether your braces need attention.
Braces Pain FAQs
What helps braces pain fast?
A cold compress, soft foods, orthodontic wax, and an appropriate over-the-counter pain reliever can help make braces pain more manageable. A warm salt-water rinse can also soothe irritated areas of the mouth.
How do you make braces pain go away?
Braces pain usually improves with time. To make the discomfort more manageable, use orthodontic wax, eat soft foods, apply a cold compress, rinse with warm salt water, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow your orthodontist’s instructions.
How long do braces hurt after getting them?
Braces soreness usually improves within a few days after braces are placed. Some people may experience tenderness for several days as their mouth adjusts.
Why do braces hurt after tightening?
Braces may feel sore after an adjustment because the braces continue applying pressure to guide your teeth into new positions. Mild tenderness after an adjustment is common and generally improves within a few days.
What can I eat when my braces hurt?
Soft foods are easiest to eat when your teeth are sore. Try yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta, applesauce, and soup.
Do braces hurt more the first day?
For many patients, soreness is most noticeable during the first few days after braces are placed or adjusted. The discomfort generally becomes easier to manage as your mouth adjusts.
The Bottom Line: Braces Pain Is Usually Temporary
Braces pain is common, but it is usually temporary. Most soreness after getting braces or having an adjustment improves within a few days.
If your braces are hurting, start with simple steps like eating soft foods, using orthodontic wax, applying a cold compress, and rinsing with warm salt water. If you have severe or persistent pain, or if a wire or bracket is causing significant irritation, contact your orthodontist.
At Unique Orthodontics, our team is here to help you stay comfortable throughout your orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about braces pain, adjustments, or caring for your braces, our orthodontic team is happy to help.