What to Expect Right after Getting Braces

Do you want to achieve that Instagram post-worthy smile, and for this, you have decided to get braces? That's a big, bold, and brave step, we must say! Now, let’s be real for a sec. Those first few days after getting braces can feel a little off, like your mouth’s adjusting to a whole new reality and isn’t quite sure how to handle it. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Everyone who undergoes the braces treatment faces the same.

That’s why we’ve put together this all-in-one survival guide to help you through your first days with braces. We’ll break down our top tips to make things a whole lot smoother. And if you’re still deciding between braces and clear aligners? Stick around because this guide will also contain a side-by-side comparison between the treatment process of braces and clear aligners .

The First Days with Braces

The first days with braces can feel like your mouth is staging a bit of a rebellion. But don’t worry! This phase is completely normal and part of the brace adjustment period. Let’s walk through what to expect during this period:

The Pressure

Right after getting braces, one of the first things you’ll notice is a feeling of tightness or pressure. This discomfort after getting braces is a sign that the brackets and wires are already working hard to move your teeth into alignment. It’s not exactly comforting, but it’s a good thing!

Overproduction of Saliva

Brace yourself (pun intended), your mouth is about to get full hydration. Your body isn’t used to having metal in your mouth, so it responds by producing more saliva. It’s weird, a little annoying, and totally temporary. This fades away within a few days once your mouth gets used to the new hardware.

Speech Difficulty

Got a slight lisp? As part of the brace adjustment period, your tongue now has to navigate a whole new landscape of brackets and wires. That means your speech might sound a little different at first, especially with certain letters like “s” and “t.” But don’t worry, give it a few days and you’ll be back to chatting like nothing changed.

What is Normal and What is Not?

Discomfort after getting braces is kind of part of the deal. But don’t worry, most of what you’re feeling is completely normal and temporary. Here’s a breakdown of what’s part of the brace adjustment period, but if something feels off, don’t ignore it. Knowing how to manage pain after braces includes recognizing when it's time to get help.

Normal Discomfort

During the first few days after getting braces, you may experience:

• Sore teeth or gums, especially when chewing or biting down
• Minor headaches caused by the tension from your new appliances
• Irritated cheeks and lips due to the brackets and wires
• Slight jaw tension as your mouth learns to rest and function with braces in place

Not So Normal Discomfort

While mild pain is expected, certain symptoms may point to a problem. Call your orthodontist if you notice:

• Sharp, stabbing pain that doesn’t ease up over time
• Broken brackets or poking wires causing cuts or deep irritation
• Severe swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection around the gums or mouth

How to Manage Pain after Braces

Here’s how to manage pain after braces like a total boss:

Use Ice

Cold temperatures help reduce inflammation and numb soreness. Use ice pack or drink cold water to reduce the soreness. It's a super simple way to ease discomfort after getting braces.

Pain Relievers

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can seriously help during the early days of your brace adjustment period. Just be sure to check with your doctor or orthodontist before using any meds.

Saltwater Rinse

This is one of the oldest and best braces oral care tips out there. You just have to mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water in a glass. Gently swish this water around your mouth. It soothes sore gums, cleans out irritants, and promotes healing.

Orthodontic Wax

If you’re feeling friction from brackets rubbing against the inside of your cheeks or lips, orthodontic wax is a total game-changer. Just roll a small piece between your fingers and place it over the troublesome bracket.

Soft Foods Only

Stick to smooth, easy-to-chew foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, smoothies, soup, oatmeal, and soft-cooked pasta. This will fulfill your cravings and your braces will also stay safe.

Braces Oral Care Tips

Oral care during the brace adjustment period can feel like a whole new ball game. But don’t stress, we’ve got you covered with some super practical braces oral care tips to keep your teeth in top shape from day one.

Brush and Floss after Every Meal

It's important to brush and floss after every meal to remove trapped food and prevent plaque buildup. Carry a travel toothbrush with you for quick cleanups when you’re on the go.

Use a Soft Toothbrush or an Electric One

Your teeth and gums might feel sore when you first get the braces, so go for a soft-bristled toothbrush or a gentle electric one. This will help you with thorough cleaning without adding pressure to already-sensitive areas.

Use Mouthwash

Using a fluoride mouthwash is a total game-changer. Not only does it help fight off cavities, but it also strengthens your enamel.

Bonus Tip for Invisible Braces Users

If you're using removable aligners like those from SmilePath , you’ve got it a bit easier when it comes to oral hygiene. You can pop those trays out to brush and floss normally. That said, don’t forget to clean your aligners too.

Eating with Braces

One of the biggest adjustments during the first days with braces is figuring out what you can and cannot eat. The brace adjustment period means your teeth and gums are a bit more sensitive, so it's all about going soft, smooth, and soothing when it comes to food.

Top Comfort Foods

During that initial discomfort after getting braces, you’ll want to stock up on soft, easy-to-chew meals that won’t put extra pressure on your teeth. These are your go-to picks for that first week:

• Oatmeal
• Scrambled Eggs
• Smoothies
• Mac & Cheese
• Soups
• Ice Cream

Foods to Avoid

To avoid damaging your brackets or causing unnecessary pain, here are some no-nos, in the early days and throughout your entire time with braces:

• Popcorn
• Hard Candy
• Gum
• Nuts
• Crusty Bread or Pizza Crust

In a nutshell, don't consume the foods that are hard, chewy, and sticky to avoid any damage to the braces and your teeth.

What about Clear Aligners?

If you're using SmilePath clear aligners instead of traditional braces, here’s your lucky break: no food restrictions! Aligners are removable, which means you can eat whatever you want during meals. Just make sure to pop them back in right after eating, and stay on top of your braces care routine.

Clear Aligners vs Traditional Braces: What to Expect

Here is a quick comparison between what you should expect after getting braces or clear aligners:

Getting Braces: What to Expect

Yes, the first days with braces can feel a bit difficult, with the pressure, the speech quirks, and figuring out what to eat. But with the right mindset, some soft snacks like mashed potatoes or eggs, and a stash of orthodontic wax, you’ll be cruising through your brace adjustment period like a pro in no time.

Now, if you’re still deciding between traditional braces and clear aligners like SmilePath, remember: both options have their pros and cons. Braces might come with more restrictions and discomfort early on, but they’re incredibly effective for complex corrections. Meanwhile, clear aligners offer comfort, flexibility, and freedom, especially when it comes to food and brushing. They’re nearly invisible and fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, but they’re best-suited for mild and moderate malocclusions .

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