Do Braces Hurt the First Day? The Ultimate Braces Survival Guide for Teens

By: Rhea Roy

Do braces hurt the first day? Honestly, not right away, but you will definitely feel a soreness kick in a few hours later. The secret to surviving day one is sticking to soft foods, using your orthodontic wax before a wire pokes you, and remembering that the initial discomfort only lasts a few days!

Before I got my braces, everyone told me that getting them on would make me want to cry. But honestly? I never feared braces tightening or the initial appointment because the actual process of getting them glued to your teeth doesn't hurt. It just feels a little weird.

If you are getting braces soon and are stressing about the discomfort, don't panic! Here is your ultimate, unfiltered braces survival guide to getting through the first 24 hours entirely stress-free.

What Does It Actually Feel Like on Day One?

During the actual appointment, you are just sitting in the chair while the assistant cleans your teeth and the orthodontist glues the brackets in place. No needles, no drilling, just a lot of plastic cheek-retractors making you look a little silly.

The soreness starts later in the evening. It feels like a constant, heavy pressure across your jaw. Your teeth will also feel incredibly sensitive to the touch, meaning even biting down on a piece of bread can feel like a massive chore.

Tip: You can take an over-the-counter pain reliever before the numbness or initial weirdness wears off. Getting ahead of the ache makes a massive difference in how comfortable you'll feel by bedtime.

The Ultimate Day One Survival Checklist

Getting through the first day is all about prep work. Make sure you have these three things ready to go before you head to your appointment:

1. Stock Up on the Ultimate Soft Food Menu

Do not try to eat a burger or pizza on night one. Your teeth will be way too sensitive. Stick to foods you can swallow with minimal chewing.

• Smoothies and Milkshakes

• Mashed Potatoes or Mac and Cheese

• Yogurt, Applesauce, and Soup

2. Use Your Orthodontic Wax

Your orthodontist will give you a little pack of clear wax. Do not throw this in the back of your drawer! The inside of your lips and cheeks aren't used to rubbing against metal brackets yet, and they can get irritated quickly. Roll a tiny piece of wax into a ball and press it over any bracket that feels scratchy before it creates a sore spot.

3. Stick to Cold Drinks

Ice water, iced tea, or fruit smoothies are your best friend on day one. The cold causes the wire of your braces to relax slightly, which temporarily eases the pressure on your teeth.

The good news is that your mouth adjusts incredibly fast. Don't let the temporary soreness stop you from living your life! During my very first week of getting braces, I went out to a restaurant with my friends. Even though my teeth were way too sensitive to bite down normally, and I literally had to mush up my spaghetti with a fork just to eat it, we still had the absolute best time laughing about it. Then within a couple of weeks, you’ll completely forget you even have them on.