How Much Pain Is Normal?
It’s normal for your teeth to feel sore for 2 to 3 days after braces are placed or adjusted. You may also feel some irritation on your cheeks, lips, and tongue for a week or two as they get used to the braces rubbing against them.
Pain Relief
Gargling with lukewarm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of water) can soothe tender teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen help too. For irritation to the soft tissue in your mouth, we can give you wax to create a smooth barrier over the braces.
Loose Teeth
It can feel a little strange, but it’s normal for teeth to feel loose during treatment. It’s actually a good sign that your braces are working. They have to loosen your teeth to move them, and your teeth won’t feel loose forever.
Sports Mouthguards
If you play sports, we can give you a special mouthguard to protect your smile during play.
When to Call
Give us a call if you feel a sharp pain or notice a sore developing on your gums, cheeks, or lips. And if you think a band, bracket, or wire is loose or broken, let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible.
Don’t worry, your teeth won’t hurt forever. If you ever have questions about how long or how much soreness to expect, give us a call.