No, braces generally don't hurt when they are first put on.
Initial Placement of Braces
When braces are first applied, you shouldn't experience any significant pain. According to the reference, "You should feel little to no discomfort when your braces are initially placed onto your teeth". The procedure itself is not typically painful. The brackets are carefully bonded to your teeth, and while it might feel a bit strange, it shouldn’t be uncomfortable.
What to Expect After Initial Placement
The soreness usually begins a few hours later, indicating your teeth are responding to the pressure and beginning to move, as noted in the reference: "However, after the first few hours, you may experience some soreness- this means that your teeth are responding in a positive manner and moving, ie getting straighter!".
Here's a brief timeline to help you understand:
- During Placement: Little to no discomfort.
- A Few Hours Later: You might start to feel some soreness or tenderness.
- Following Days: The soreness usually peaks and then gradually subsides.
Understanding the Soreness
This soreness is normal and a sign that the braces are working. The pressure exerted by the wires on your teeth is what causes this feeling.
Managing Initial Soreness
While the initial placement isn’t painful, you will likely experience some discomfort afterward. Here are some ways to manage that:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate the soreness.
- Soft foods: Stick to soft foods for the first few days to avoid additional pressure on your teeth. Examples include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soup
- Smoothies
- Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to your cheeks can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Saltwater rinse: Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can help soothe irritated gums.
| Time | Expected Discomfort | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| Placement | Little to none | None |
| Few Hours | Mild soreness | Consider over-the-counter pain relief, soft foods |
| Following Days | Increasing soreness | Cold compress, soft foods, salt water rinse |
