How to Avoid Pain When Your Braces Are Tightened

Medically reviewed by Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Last Updated: September 30, 2024 Approved

Getting your braces tightened can cause a lot of discomfort. The first few hours may be very painful to nearly anyone, regardless if it's your first time or your last time. You can prevent and treat pain and discomfort associated with your braces using a few different strategies. These solutions range from eating soft foods to using over the counter medicines and gels to keep the sharp parts of your brace covered.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Remaining Calm Before and During Tightening

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1
Talk to your orthodontist or dentist about the procedure. If you are anxious, tell them so they can adapt your treatment.^{[1]
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- Dentists and orthodontists are used to dealing with anxious patients.
- They will explain the procedure to you and help you handle your anxiety.
- They can also suggest ways to reduce your nervousness.
2
Practice deep breathing before and during the procedure. This will provide a distraction for you and it can help to reduce your anxiety. ^{[2]
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- If you are more relaxed, you are less likely to be in a lot of pain.
- Breathe in slowly through your nose.
- Pause before exhaling slowly.
- Keep breathing slowly and steadily in a rhythm. Concentrate on this and you will be distracted from what the dentist is doing.
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Close your eyes and listen to music. Bring an iPod, phone, or music player with you and listen to music or a podcast. ^{[3]
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- Choose music that is calming, rather than something jarring and energetic.
- Alternatively, listen to an audiobook.
- Bring earbuds so other patients can't hear your music.
- Make a playlist ahead of time so you have enough music to last through your appointment.
- Some dentists or orthodontists may have televisions for you to watch during the procedure or music playing in the background to distract you.
- Some dentists' offices now have 3D virtual reality glasses, which you can wear to distract and entertain yourself during your entire procedure.
4
Avoid caffeine before your appointment. Caffeine can make you more nervous and jittery. ^{[4]
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- Drinks that contain caffeine include coffee, tea, sodas, and energy drinks.
- Do drink plenty of water before your appointment.
- Make sure to avoid any sugary drinks or foods before your appointment too.
5
Check to make sure none of the wires are poking you before leaving. The best time to address this problem is at the appointment before you go home.^{[5]
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- Ask your dentist or orthodontist to trim or adjust any wires that are poking or scraping your mouth.
- If it is the brackets causing discomfort, ask your dentist to apply some dental wax to reduce any scraping.
- Remember that it is normal for your braces to feel tight and to have some throbbing in your teeth after the procedure.

Part 2

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Using Over The Counter Medications

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1
Take an over-the-counter painkiller or anti-inflammatory. Make sure you check with your doctor before doing so.
- Different medications you can take include acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and aspirin.
- Check the dosing guidelines for a schedule and amounts.
- Don't exceed the number of doses in a 24-hour period as labeled on the bottle.
- Don't take the medication more often than recommended.
- These can help take some of the aching and soreness associated with shifting teeth, but you may still experience some discomfort.
- Carry the painkiller with you so that you have it when needed.
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Take the medicine one hour before entering the office. This way it will already be in effect before your appointment.
- Be sure to take the amount with at least one full 8 ounce glass of water.
- This should help to reduce any swelling and discomfort during your appointment.
- After your appointment, take a full dose of your chosen painkiller according to the time schedule on the bottle.
- Taking this on schedule for 24 hours after your appointment can help to reduce pain over the next day.
- Avoid using chewable tablets, since these can be difficult to chew if your teeth are already sore and they can get stuck in your braces. Painkillers in liquid form work best.
3
Use an oral anesthetic to reduce discomfort. These come in gel form and are available at most pharmacies. ^{[6]
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- Gels like Oragel and Anbesol are examples of these products.
- The gel will numb any areas it contacts such as gums and teeth.
- Most are flavored, though they can have an unpleasant taste.
- Apply the gel to sore and tender areas of your mouth.
- Use a q-tip to apply the gel and to spread it.
- Try not to get the gel on your tongue; you might not feel your tongue and then bite it by accident.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Reducing Pain After the Procedure Without Medication

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1
Modify your diet. You should avoid any foods that require lots of chewing.
- Eat a soft diet for the first 24 hours after your braces are tightened.
- Stick to foods such as Jello, pudding, mashed potatoes, applesauce, soups and smoothies.
- If you must eat something that has to be chewed, cut it into small pieces to reduce the amount of chewing you have to do.
- Use a small spoon or fork (preferably made out of plastic or wood) while eating to avoid hitting your teeth with utensils.
2
Apply cold to your face and teeth to reduce pain and swelling. You can use ice packs or drink cold water.
- Use a gel or soft ice pack. Apply this to your cheeks for 15 minutes.
- Drink plenty of cold water with a straw.
- The cold from the water will help to numb your teeth and reduce the swelling in your gums.
- Do not eat or drink warm substances immediately after drinking icy water; this can damage your braces and make your teeth hurt even more.
3
Rinse your mouth frequently. Use a recommended mouthwash or salt water.
- Mix a teaspoon of table salt into a glass of lukewarm water.
- Swish the salt water around your mouth for 60 seconds.
- This may sting any scrapes or sores you have from your braces at first, but will help to keep these clean and speed up healing.
- Do the same with any mouthwash recommended by your dentist.
4
Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Using a regular toothbrush might cause more discomfort.
- Remember to brush your teeth and braces at least twice a day.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth, such as Sensodyne.
- Sensodyne can help to reduce sensitivity and pain in your teeth due to tightened braces.
5
Use dental wax on any wires or brackets that are scraping your mouth. This will protect you cheeks, lips and gums from scrapes and cuts.
- Ask your dentist or orthodontist for a supply of dental wax. You can also buy this at pharmacies.
- Apply a small amount of the wax to brackets and protruding wires in the morning after brushing your teeth.
- Remove any wax before brushing your teeth at night.
- Discard any used wax as it builds up bacteria.
- Try to sleep without dental wax on, but if you have a very troublesome wire it is ok to use this product at night.
- Keep your dental wax with you during the day in case you need to re-apply a small amount.
6
Apply a fluoride gel three times a week. You should do this especially if your teeth are sensitive to cold things. In general, this gel can help with cavity prevention and tooth sensitivity. Sometimes you need a prescription for brush-on fluoride gel, so you should talk to your dentist about it before you use it.
- There are also fluoride gels that your dentist can apply to your teeth about twice a year. Talk to your dentist about this option if you're concern about the sensitivity of your teeth or the possibility of getting cavities.^{[7]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

What helps when you get your braces tightened?

Jeremy Silverman, DMD
Dentist
Jeremy Silverman is a Dentist and Founder of Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, Arizona. With a decade of professional dental experience, he focuses his practice on incorporating mental well-being into the core of oral care. He also partakes in continuing education and stays up to date with the newest techniques, technology, and products. Dr. Silverman holds a BA in Psychobiology from the University of California at Los Angeles and a DMD from Midwestern University. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Arizona Dental Association, and Central Arizona Dental Society. Dr. Silverman is also Laser Certified by the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Jeremy Silverman, DMD

Dentist

Expert Answer

Try adding a pea-sized amount of orthodontic wax. Wash your hands thoroughly and brush your teeth, then pinch the wax between the thumb and forefinger and roll the wax into a ball. Place the wax on the areas of the braces that are causing irritation and use your tongue to make slight adjustments if needed.

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I'm about to get my braces tightened for the first time. I'm nervous. Any tips?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Take an anti-inflammatory medication about a day in advance before seeing your orthodontist. The pain will not be that severe, but the constant pressure on your teeth can get annoying. It always depends from patient to patient, so you may be lucky and not feel anything at all, as each individual has a different pain threshold.

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Question

Will it be painful when the dentist changes my braces every month?

Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.

Cristian Macau, DDS

Doctor of Dental Surgery

Expert Answer

Your dentist will not change the braces, although many patients assume they will. Instead, he will tighten or adjust the main metal wire. Sometimes your orthodontist might decide that the main wire should be exchanged for a new one. In this case, you will feel pressure on your teeth for a few days. If you have braces for more than 3 months, the pain is not going to bother you, as your teeth have already gotten used to it.

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Tips

Make sure you have plenty of soft foods to eat after your braces are tightened.

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Don't take more than the recommended dosage of any anti-inflammatory medications.

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If you are experiencing an unusual amount of discomfort, call your orthodontist. They might want to re-adjust your braces.

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Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

If your dentist gives you pain medication, they gave it to you for a reason. Don't feel bad about taking the meds. Just make sure that you take them as directed.
Try to remember that the pain is going to go away soon. Your teeth should only hurt for a couple of days after getting the braces adjusted.
Hold an ice pack against your cheek. The cold will really numb the sensitive nerves in your gums.

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