Getting braces is a big milestone — and for many kids and teens, it’s a mix of excitement and a little nervousness. The good news? The first week is usually the hardest, and it gets so much easier from there. At Fort Dental Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics, we want you and your child to feel fully prepared, confident, and comfortable every step of the way.
Here’s an honest, day-by-day look at what to expect during that first week with braces.
Day 1: Getting Braces On
The appointment to put on braces typically takes 1–2 hours. It’s not painful — you may feel some pressure as the brackets are bonded to the teeth and the wire is placed, but there’s no drilling or injections involved. Your child might feel some sensitivity or mild discomfort toward the end of the appointment as their teeth start to feel the new pressure.
Right away, they’ll notice:
- Their teeth feel different when biting down
- Their mouth feels a little crowded or full
- Their lips may feel stretched over the brackets at first
All of this is completely normal and temporary.
Days 1–3: The Soreness Peak
This is usually the most uncomfortable stretch of the entire braces journey. As the wire begins to gently move the teeth, most patients experience:
- Aching or tenderness in the teeth and jaw
- Sensitivity when biting or chewing
- Soreness where the brackets or wire touch the cheeks and lips
Tips to manage soreness:
- Soft foods are your best friend. Yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, smoothies, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and pasta are all great options. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or chewy.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (used as directed) can help with discomfort.
- Orthodontic wax is a game-changer. Roll a small piece and press it over any bracket or wire that’s rubbing against the inside of the cheek or lips.
- Cold foods like ice cream, cold water, or chilled applesauce can help soothe sore gums.
Days 3–5: Starting to Adjust
By the middle of the first week, most patients start feeling noticeably better. The soreness begins to ease, eating becomes more manageable, and your child will start getting used to the feeling of braces in their mouth.
They may still experience:
- Mild tenderness when eating firmer foods
- Some irritation on the cheeks or lips (this improves as the tissue toughens up)
- The occasional loose-feeling tooth — this is normal! It means the braces are working.
Days 5–7: Finding a New Normal
By the end of the first week, most patients feel significantly more comfortable. They’re getting the hang of eating, brushing is starting to feel more routine, and the braces are becoming just a part of daily life.
This is also a great time to:
- Master the new brushing routine (brushing after every meal is recommended with braces)
- Practice flossing with a floss threader or orthodontic floss picks
- Review the list of foods to avoid going forward
Foods to Avoid With Braces
One of the most important things to get right from day one is knowing which foods can damage brackets or wires. Avoid:
- Hard foods: ice, hard candies, nuts, popcorn, hard pretzels, raw carrots
- Sticky/chewy foods: gummies, taffy, caramel, bagels, hard rolls
- Foods you bite into: whole apples, corn on the cob, hard pizza crust — cut these into small pieces instead
Breaking a bracket isn’t the end of the world, but it does mean an extra trip to the office and can slow down treatment. A little mindfulness goes a long way!
Caring for Braces: The Basics
Good oral hygiene is even more important with braces because brackets and wires create lots of nooks for food and plaque to hide. Here’s the routine we recommend:
- Brush after every meal — at minimum, morning and night, but ideally after lunch too.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush at a 45-degree angle above and below the brackets.
- Floss once daily using a floss threader or orthodontic flosser to get under the wire.
- Rinse with fluoride mouthwash to help protect enamel around brackets.
When to Call Us
Most first-week discomfort is normal, but there are a few situations where you should reach out to our office:
- A bracket has come off or a wire has broken or is poking sharply
- Pain is severe and not responding to over-the-counter medication
- A wire is digging into the gum or cheek and wax isn’t helping
We’re always here to help — don’t hesitate to call!
Looking Ahead: It Only Gets Better
The first week is truly the hardest part. After that, adjustments at each visit may cause 1–2 days of mild soreness, but patients typically handle it much more easily because they know what to expect. Most kids and teens are back to eating, laughing, and barely noticing their braces within a couple of weeks.
And when those braces come off and you see that final smile? Every moment of soreness will be completely worth it. 😊
Questions About Braces? We’re Here!
Whether your child is about to get braces, is mid-treatment, or you’re just exploring options, the team at Fort Dental Kids Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way. Give us a call or book a consultation online — we’d love to help your child achieve the smile they deserve!