Short answer: In the few days after fixed braces are fitted, or after the wire is changed and adjusted at a check-up appointment, pressure on the teeth, sensitivity when chewing and irritation of the cheeks are common. In most cases this feeling eases by itself. Soft foods and orthodontic wax make things easier; whether you need a painkiller should be decided by asking your dentist or pharmacist.
Why does sensitivity happen?
In orthodontic treatment, wires and brackets apply a light, continuous force to the teeth. While the supporting tissues around the tooth adapt to this force, a feeling of pressure and fullness can appear for a while. When a wire is newly fitted, or when a thicker wire is placed at a check-up, this feeling can become noticeable again. In addition, in the first days the brackets can rub against the inside of the cheeks and lips and cause small irritations.
How strong the discomfort is and how long it lasts varies from person to person. Some people feel only light pressure, while others find it hard to chew hard foods in the first days. We describe the period after braces are fitted in more detail on our first weeks after braces are fitted page.
What can you do at home?
Soft foods
On days when the sensitivity is noticeable, choose foods that are easy to chew: soup, yoghurt, purée, boiled vegetables, eggs, pasta and soft fruit such as bananas. Hard nuts, hard bread crusts and sticky sweets both strain sensitive teeth and can cause brackets to come off. Cutting food into small pieces and chewing slowly with the back teeth also helps. For a detailed list, see our eating with braces page.
Orthodontic wax
If a bracket or the end of a wire is rubbing against your cheek, lip or tongue, you can roll a small piece of orthodontic wax with a clean, dry finger and press it onto the bracket concerned. The wax smooths the surface and forms a cushion between the tissue and the metal. It is usually recommended to remove it before meals and put on a fresh piece afterwards. You can get wax from our clinic or from a pharmacy.
Keeping up oral care
Even if your teeth are sensitive, do not skip brushing; a soft-bristled brush and gentle movements are enough. Food debris collecting around the brackets can cause extra sensitivity in the gums. For cleaning tips, take a look at our article on cleaning and caring for orthodontic appliances. Rinsing your mouth with lukewarm water can soothe irritated areas.
Can painkillers be used?
Some people may need a painkiller in the first days. However, which medicine can be used, at what dose and how often depends on your age, the other medicines you take, your allergies and your general health. So rather than choosing a medicine on your own, ask your dentist or pharmacist. This advice is especially important for children and for people with chronic conditions.
When should you call the clinic?
In the following situations, let the clinic know instead of waiting:
- The sensitivity does not ease within a few days but instead keeps getting worse
- The end of a wire is poking and cannot be covered with wax
- A bracket has come off or a wire has broken
- You notice clear swelling, inflammation or a bad smell in the gums
- There is sharp, throbbing pain in a single tooth (this may be a sign of a problem unrelated to orthodontics)
For situations that may count as emergencies and the first steps to take, see our orthodontic emergencies page. In serious situations such as swelling that makes breathing or swallowing difficult, or swallowing a part, call 112.
Small habits that make the first days easier
- Plan a soft meal in advance for the evening of the day your braces are fitted or your check-up takes place.
- Keep orthodontic wax in your bag, at work and at home.
- If a small sore has formed inside your cheek, try not to keep touching the area with your tongue; the tissue settles faster.
- Drink enough water; a dry mouth can increase irritation.
- Note when the sensitivity started and when it eased; it is useful to share this with your dentist at the check-up.
These suggestions are general information. Whether the sensitivity is at the expected level in your case is assessed by the dentist managing your treatment.
Does it feel different with fixed braces and clear aligners?
Because the teeth move with both methods, a similar feeling of pressure can occur. With clear aligners, this feeling is usually most noticeable in the first days after switching to a new aligner. For aligner wearers, we have prepared the article do clear aligners hurt? For how fixed braces treatment works in general, take a look at our fixed braces treatment page.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the sensitivity usually last?
For most people it is noticeable in the first days and gradually eases; however, the duration varies from person to person. If it does not ease or gets worse, let the clinic know.
Will there be sensitivity after every check-up appointment?
When the wire is changed or adjusted, a feeling of pressure can return for a while. After some check-ups you may not notice anything at all.
Do cold foods help?
Some people say they find relief with cold drinks or soft, cold foods. Avoid chewing hard pieces of ice, however; they can damage the brackets.
How can you find out what suits you?
The information here is general; the right plan and care recommendations for you are determined through an examination and the dentist's assessment. At our clinic in Oran, Çankaya, Ankara, we discuss your questions with you during the first orthodontic examination.
