How to Stop Braces Pain and Take Care of New Braces
Getting braces is an exciting step toward a straighter, healthier smile. But if you’ve just had braces placed, you may have questions like:
How do I stop braces pain?
What can I eat with new braces?
How do I use braces wax?
How do I clean underneath my braces?
Some soreness and irritation are normal during the first few days of orthodontic treatment. Your teeth and mouth are adjusting to the pressure of the braces, while your lips, cheeks, and tongue may need time to become accustomed to the brackets and wires.
At Emanuel Mizrahi DDS PC – Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates, we help patients in Forest Hills, Queens, and surrounding communities understand how to care for their braces and stay comfortable throughout treatment.
How Long Do Braces Hurt After Getting Them?
It’s normal for your teeth to feel tender after braces are first placed or after certain orthodontic adjustments.
According to Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates, general soreness and tenderness when biting can occur for approximately three to five days after getting braces. Your lips, cheeks, and tongue may also experience irritation for a week or two while they adjust to the braces.
The discomfort should gradually improve.
If you experience severe or persistent pain, contact your orthodontist rather than trying to manage the problem yourself.
How to Stop Braces Pain
Here are several ways to make the adjustment period more comfortable.
1. Eat Soft Foods
Your teeth may be particularly sensitive when chewing during the first few days.
Choose foods that require minimal chewing, such as:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Pasta
- Soft rice
- Scrambled eggs
- Soup
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Soft cooked vegetables
- Smoothies
- Soft fish
- Soft chicken
- Pudding
A soft diet can make eating much easier while your teeth adjust.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates specifically recommends sticking with softer foods until chewing becomes comfortable.
2. Try a Warm Saltwater Rinse
A warm saltwater rinse can help soothe irritated areas inside your mouth.
The practice recommends dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of warm water, then rinsing your mouth with the solution. Do not swallow it.
This can be particularly helpful if your cheeks, lips, or gums feel irritated.
3. Use Orthodontic Wax
If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheek or lip, orthodontic wax can create a protective barrier between the appliance and the sensitive tissue.
This is especially helpful during the first several days after getting braces.
How to Use Braces Wax
Using orthodontic wax is simple.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Always start with clean hands before handling orthodontic wax.
Step 2: Identify the Irritating Area
Look for the bracket or wire that is rubbing against your cheek, lip, or tongue.
Step 3: Dry the Area
If possible, gently dry the bracket or surrounding area with a tissue or cotton swab. Wax adheres better to a relatively dry surface.
Step 4: Take a Small Piece of Wax
Break off a small amount of orthodontic wax and roll it between your clean fingers until it becomes soft.
Step 5: Place the Wax Over the Bracket or Wire
Gently press the wax onto the irritating area.
Create enough coverage to form a smooth protective surface.
Step 6: Replace It When Necessary
Orthodontic wax can come loose while eating or brushing. Simply remove the old piece and replace it with a fresh piece when necessary.
If a wire or bracket continues to cause significant irritation, contact your orthodontist.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates recommends using wax when braces or appliances are irritating the lips or cheeks.
What to Eat With New Braces
Food choices are especially important when you first get braces.
Your braces contain brackets, wires, and other components that can be damaged by hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods.
Best Foods to Eat With New Braces
Soft Dairy Foods
- Yogurt
- Soft cheese
- Pudding
- Milk-based drinks
Soft Grains
- Pasta
- Soft rice
- Pancakes
- Soft tortillas
- Oatmeal
Soft Proteins
- Soft cooked chicken
- Meatballs
- Eggs
- Tuna
- Salmon
- Soft seafood
Soft Fruits
- Bananas
- Applesauce
- Soft berries
- Smoothies
Cooked Vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Steamed spinach
- Soft beans
- Well-cooked vegetables
Soft Treats
- Ice cream without nuts
- Milkshakes
- Jell-O
- Soft cake
These types of foods are consistent with the practice’s existing guidance for eating with braces.
Foods to Avoid With Braces
Some foods can bend wires, loosen brackets, or damage orthodontic appliances.
Avoid Hard Foods
Examples include:
- Ice
- Hard candy
- Nuts
- Popcorn kernels
Avoid Sticky Foods
Examples include:
- Chewing gum
- Caramel
- Taffy
- Sticky candy
Avoid Crunchy Foods
Examples include:
- Chips
- Hard pretzels
- Crunchy snacks
Be Careful With Foods You Bite Directly
You may need to modify foods such as:
- Apples
- Raw carrots
- Corn on the cob
- Hard breads
Instead of biting directly into an apple or carrot, cut it into small pieces.
The practice’s existing braces guidance specifically advises avoiding chewy, crunchy, sticky, and hard foods because they can damage orthodontic appliances.
How to Clean Under Braces
Keeping your teeth clean becomes especially important when you have braces.
Brackets and wires create additional places where food particles and plaque can accumulate.
If plaque remains around your brackets, you can increase your risk of tooth decay, gum problems, and white spots on your teeth.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates recommends paying special attention to cleaning around brackets and flossing underneath the archwire.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Teeth With Braces
1. Brush Around Every Bracket
Place your toothbrush at an angle and gently brush around each bracket.
Don’t rush.
Spend enough time cleaning the areas above, around, and below the brackets.
2. Brush Along the Gumline
Plaque can collect where the teeth meet the gums.
Use gentle movements along the gumline to remove buildup.
3. Brush Under the Wire
Angle your toothbrush so that you can clean the tooth surfaces underneath the orthodontic wire.
4. Brush Above the Brackets
Don’t forget the area between the brackets and your gums.
This area can easily collect food particles.
5. Floss Under the Archwire
Traditional floss can be difficult to use with braces.
A floss threader or orthodontic flossing tool can help you guide floss underneath the wire and between your teeth.
6. Rinse Thoroughly
After brushing and flossing, rinse your mouth to remove any remaining particles.
Should You Brush After Every Meal With Braces?
Cleaning your teeth after meals can be especially helpful when you’re wearing braces because food can become trapped around brackets and wires.
If you can’t brush immediately after eating, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and brush as soon as you’re able.
The goal is to prevent food and plaque from remaining around your orthodontic appliances for long periods.
What If a Bracket or Wire Breaks?
Don’t try to repair a damaged appliance yourself.
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks, contact your orthodontist.
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates advises patients to contact the office when an appliance becomes damaged because leaving the problem untreated can interfere with treatment.
If a wire is irritating your cheek, orthodontic wax can temporarily help protect the area while you arrange an appointment.
When Is Braces Pain a Problem?
Some discomfort is expected after braces are placed or adjusted.
However, you should contact your orthodontist if you experience:
- Severe pain
- Pain that doesn’t improve
- A broken bracket
- A loose band
- A wire that cannot be managed comfortably
- Significant swelling
- An appliance that has become displaced
True orthodontic emergencies are uncommon, but severe pain or a painful appliance problem should be evaluated.
How to Make Your First Week With Braces Easier
The first few days don’t have to be difficult.
Keep these tips in mind:
Eat soft foods while your teeth are tender.
Use orthodontic wax if brackets or wires irritate your cheeks.
Rinse with warm salt water to soothe irritated areas.
Brush carefully but thoroughly around your brackets and wires.
Floss every day and clean underneath the archwire.
Avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage your braces.
Follow your orthodontist’s instructions throughout treatment.
Braces Care in Forest Hills, Queens, NY
At Emanuel Mizrahi DDS PC – Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates, we want our patients to feel comfortable and confident throughout their orthodontic treatment.
Our practice provides orthodontic care for:
- Children
- Teens
- Adults
Treatment options include traditional braces, clear braces, Damon braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic solutions based on each patient’s needs. The practice already provides dedicated braces care for children and teens and emphasizes proper cleaning and food choices during treatment.
We proudly serve patients from Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens, Kew Gardens Hills, Briarwood, Elmhurst, Corona, Middle Village, Glendale, and Ridgewood.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does braces pain last?
Mild soreness and tenderness commonly occur for several days after braces are placed or adjusted. Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates notes that tenderness can last approximately three to five days.
What can I eat the first day I get braces?
Choose soft foods such as yogurt, pasta, mashed potatoes, eggs, smoothies, soup, soft rice, and bananas.
Can I use wax on braces?
Yes. Orthodontic wax can be placed over irritating brackets or wires to help protect your cheeks and lips.
How do I clean underneath braces?
Brush around and underneath your brackets and use floss or an orthodontic flossing tool to clean between your teeth and underneath the archwire.
Can I eat chips with braces?
Crunchy foods such as chips can damage orthodontic appliances. It’s best to avoid them or follow your orthodontist’s specific instructions.
What should I do if my braces wire is poking me?
Orthodontic wax can temporarily cover the irritating end. Contact your orthodontist if the problem continues or the appliance is damaged.
Need Help With Your Braces?
If you’re experiencing significant discomfort, have a damaged bracket or wire, or simply have questions about caring for your braces, Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates is here to help.
Emanuel Mizrahi DDS PC – Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates
110-35 Jewel Ave
Forest Hills, NY 11375
(718) 897-6666
Forest Hills Orthodontic Associates: Emanuel Mizrahi, DDS
If you’re considering braces or Invisalign, you can also schedule a consultation to discuss your orthodontic needs and treatment options.