Living With Braces
6 min read • By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, Diplomate, American Board of Orthodontics
Let me be straight with you: braces can be a little uncomfortable, especially at the start and after each adjustment. But real, sharp pain is not normal, and most of the aches are easy to manage once you know what's happening. Here's what to expect, how to feel better fast, and exactly what to do when something goes wrong, like a poking wire or a loose bracket.
Why braces hurt (and for how long)
The soreness isn't your braces rubbing, it's your teeth moving. Gentle, steady force slowly remodels the bone and ligament around each root, and that process makes teeth tender for a few days. It's most noticeable in the first week with new braces, then again for a day or two after each adjustment when we activate new movement. Clear aligners feel similar for the first day or two in each new tray. The good news: it fades quickly, and it means treatment is working.
How to relieve braces pain fast
- Over-the-counter pain relief. Whatever you'd take for a headache, used as directed, works well for braces soreness.
- Cold helps. Sip cold water or have something cold and soft like yogurt or a smoothie. Cold calms inflammation.
- Soft foods for a few days. Soups, pasta, eggs, mashed potatoes. Our braces food guide covers what's easy on sore teeth.
- Orthodontic wax over any bracket or wire that's rubbing your cheek or lip.
- Warm salt-water rinse to soothe irritated gums and small sores.
Common braces emergencies and what to do
| Problem | Do this now | Call us? |
|---|---|---|
| Poking wire | Cover the end with wax; if long, tuck it down gently with a clean eraser end | Yes, to trim it |
| Loose or broken bracket | Leave it on the wire, cover with wax, save any pieces | Yes |
| Lost or cracked aligner | Put your previous tray back in so teeth don't shift | Yes |
| Mouth sore or ulcer | Salt-water rinse, wax over the spot, topical gel if needed | If it lingers |
| Food stuck | Floss or use an interdental brush; a water flosser helps | No |
Most of these are minor and wait comfortably until the next business day. The point of the wax and the rinse is to keep you comfortable until we can see you.
When to call us right away
We'd always rather hear from you than have you tough out something that has an easy fix. A quick call often saves a longer visit later.
Something poking or bothering you?
Call and we'll walk you through it or get you in quickly.
Frequently asked questions
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Why families trust Elate Orthodontics
With over 1,000 five-star reviews across three locations, Elate Orthodontics is led by Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, whose clinical work was recently selected for the cover of the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, the most prestigious peer-reviewed journal in the field, and a national speaker on clear aligner treatment. Alongside Dr. Julia Kang, DMD, MS, both Boston University graduates and members of the Omicron Kappa Upsilon national honor society, our husband-and-wife team has been recognized as D Magazine Best Dentist 2026, Living Magazine Readers' Choice 2026 Best Orthodontist in Frisco & Plano, Readers' Choice Best Orthodontist in The Colony, Best New Business by the Chamber of Commerce, Nextdoor Neighborhood Favorite, and featured in Orthotown and Authority Magazine.
We serve families through three convenient offices in West Frisco, North Frisco, and The Colony, each staffed by the same trusted team, equipped with advanced technology, and committed to the personalized approach that consistently helps patients finish treatment sooner than expected. From braces and clear braces to Angel Aligners, we offer treatment for every age and every stage of life. We stay in-network with most insurance plans and offer flexible financing to make exceptional orthodontic care accessible for every family we serve.
Need general and family dentistry too? Our sister practice, Tribute Family Dentistry, provides dental care for all ages.
