Getting Used to Braces
Getting braces is a significant step toward a healthier, straighter smile – and the first week is when most patients experience the biggest adjustment. Whether you have just received metal or ceramic braces, or are starting treatment with Brava, some initial soreness and sensitivity are completely normal. At BP Smiles Orthodontics in Queens, Dr. Boris Pinhasov – Board-Certified orthodontist and ABO Diplomate – prepares every patient for what to expect so that the transition is as smooth and comfortable as possible.
What to Expect in the First Week
The day your braces are placed, your teeth may feel fine for the first few hours. As the archwire begins to apply gentle pressure, you will likely notice a dull ache or soreness that builds over the first 24 to 48 hours. This is your teeth beginning to move – a sign that the treatment is working. The soreness typically peaks around day two or three and then gradually fades over the next several days.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue will also need time to adjust to the presence of brackets and wires. It is common to feel irritation on the inside of the cheeks during the first week, especially when talking or eating. The soft tissues of your mouth will toughen up naturally within one to two weeks, and the discomfort will diminish significantly.
Managing Initial Soreness
There are several proven ways to reduce discomfort during the adjustment period:
Eat soft foods. For the first three to five days, stick to foods that require minimal chewing. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, pasta, and soft bread are all excellent choices. As the soreness subsides, you can gradually reintroduce firmer foods.
Use orthodontic wax. Our office provides a supply of wax with your braces. Pinch off a small piece, roll it into a ball, and press it over any bracket or wire that is rubbing against your cheek or lip. The wax creates a smooth barrier that prevents further irritation. You can eat and drink with the wax in place, though it may need to be reapplied after meals.
Over-the-counter pain relief. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen, taken as directed, can help manage soreness during the first few days and after future adjustment appointments. If you have any questions about which medication to use, Dr. Pinhasov or our team can provide guidance.
Rinse with warm salt water. Dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water and rinsing gently can soothe irritated gums and any sore spots inside the mouth. This simple remedy is effective and can be repeated several times a day.
Foods to Avoid with Braces
Protecting your braces from damage means avoiding certain foods throughout your treatment – not just during the first week. Hard, sticky, and crunchy foods are the most common causes of broken brackets and bent wires. Steer clear of:
- Hard candy, nuts, and ice
- Popcorn (kernels can lodge under wires)
- Chewy candy such as caramels, taffy, and gummy bears
- Corn on the cob and whole apples (cut them into pieces instead)
- Bagels, hard pretzels, and crusty bread
- Chewing on pens, pencils, or fingernails
Following these guidelines helps prevent orthodontic emergencies and keeps your treatment on schedule.
Oral Hygiene Tips with Braces
Keeping your teeth clean with braces requires extra attention, but it becomes second nature after the first couple of weeks. Dr. Pinhasov recommends brushing after every meal using a soft-bristled toothbrush angled at 45 degrees to clean around each bracket. An interdental brush (sometimes called a proxy brush or Christmas tree brush) is essential for cleaning between the wires and brackets where a regular toothbrush cannot reach.
Flossing with braces takes a bit more time. A floss threader or orthodontic flosser allows you to guide the floss under the archwire and between each tooth. Water flossers are also an excellent tool for orthodontic patients and can supplement traditional flossing. Good oral hygiene during treatment helps prevent white spot lesions, cavities, and gum inflammation.
Speaking Adjustments
Some patients notice a slight lisp or difficulty pronouncing certain sounds during the first few days with braces. This is temporary and resolves quickly as your tongue adapts to the brackets on the back of your teeth. Reading aloud or having conversations are the fastest ways to speed up the adjustment. Most patients speak normally within three to five days.
When to Call Our Office
Mild soreness after getting braces or after an adjustment visit is expected and not a cause for concern. However, you should contact BP Smiles Orthodontics if you experience severe pain that does not respond to pain medication, a wire that has shifted and is poking into your cheek or gum, a bracket that has come completely off, or any swelling or signs of infection. Our team can walk you through a temporary fix over the phone or bring you in for a same-day appointment if needed.
Dr. Pinhasov’s Tips for New Patients
As the Program Director of Orthodontics at Maimonides Medical Center, Dr. Pinhasov has guided thousands of patients through their first days with braces. His advice: be patient with yourself, follow the dietary guidelines, keep your oral hygiene routine consistent, and remember that any initial discomfort is temporary. The minor inconvenience of the first week is a small price for the lasting results of a well-aligned, healthy smile.
If you are preparing for braces or have recently started treatment, our Queens office is here to support you at every step. For teens, children, and adults alike, understanding the adjustment process makes the experience easier and sets you up for a successful outcome. Contact us with any questions or to schedule your next appointment.