Dental Articles - London

Getting braces is a big step toward improving your smile, but it’s normal to wonder how they’ll feel at first. The first 72 hours are a period of adjustment as your teeth, gums, and mouth respond to gentle pressure. Understanding what to expect and how to manage it can make those first few days much more comfortable.

Hour by Hour: Managing Your First 72 Hours with Braces

Right After Braces Are Put On (0–4 Hours): What to Do

Right after your appointment, your braces will feel tight and unfamiliar, but pain is usually minimal at this stage.

What you may feel:

• Pressure on your teeth
• A bulky feeling on your lips and cheeks
• Increased saliva
• Mild difficulty speaking clearly

What to do during this time:

• Avoid eating until the numbness (if any) wears off
• Stick to cool or room-temperature drinks
• Practice talking slowly to help your mouth adjust
• Avoid touching brackets with your fingers or tongue

This period is about awareness, not discomfort.

The First Day (4–24 Hours): How to Manage Soreness

As the hours pass, soreness often begins. This is when your braces start applying steady pressure to move your teeth.

What you may feel:

• Tender teeth
• Sensitivity when biting
• Mild jaw ache
• Rubbing on cheeks or lips

What helps most:

• Eat soft foods only
• Cut food into small pieces
• Use orthodontic wax on irritating spots
• Brush gently with a soft toothbrush

Discomfort during the first day is expected and temporary.

Day Two (24–48 Hours): When Discomfort Peaks

For many patients, day two is the most challenging. This is a normal response to active tooth movement and does not mean something is wrong.

What to expect:

• Increased pressure or soreness
• Difficulty chewing firmer foods
• Possible sore spots on cheeks or lips

How to cope:

• Continue with soft foods
• Avoid crunchy, sticky, or chewy items
• Use cold foods or drinks for relief
• Take pain relief only if recommended

Staying consistent with these steps helps prevent irritation from getting worse.

Day Three (48–72 Hours): Signs You’re Adjusting

By day three, most people notice improvement. Your mouth begins adapting to the braces, and soreness gradually decreases.

You may notice:

• Less pain when chewing
• Improved comfort when speaking
• Fewer sore spots
• A general sense that braces feel more “normal”

This is a good sign that your teeth and mouth are responding as expected.

Understanding What Is Happening in Your Mouth

Common Sensations During the First 72 Hours

Braces work by applying steady pressure, so sensations like tightness, pressure, or mild aching are normal. Some people also notice a tingling feeling in their teeth, which can happen as teeth begin to shift.

These sensations should improve daily. Sharp pain or worsening discomfort is not typical and should be checked.

Why the First Few Days Feel This Way

Braces do not simply sit on your teeth. They apply gentle, steady pressure to guide tooth movement. During the first 72 hours, your teeth, ligaments, and surrounding tissues begin adjusting to these new forces. This adjustment period is normal, temporary, and an important part of treatment.

Most patients find that once this initial phase passes, daily life with braces feels much more comfortable and manageable.

When to Contact the Office

You should reach out if:

• Pain doesn’t improve after three days
• A wire is poking or causing injury
• A bracket becomes loose or breaks
• Sores worsen instead of healing

Early support helps keep treatment comfortable and on track.

The Takeaway

The first 72 hours with braces can feel uncomfortable, but they are also the most intense part of the adjustment period. With the right care and realistic expectations, most people adapt quickly. Once your mouth adjusts, braces become part of your routine.

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Dentist London