Nervous about your child getting braces? Here’s exactly what you and your child can expect. Getting braces is one of the most common worries children have before beginning orthodontic treatment. 

The most important thing to know is that putting braces on does not hurt. Dr. Tajaddod and our orthodontic team will carefully clean and dry your child’s teeth, apply a special bonding material, and attach each bracket. There are no needles or drilling involved, and the appointment typically takes about an hour.

Once the braces are on and the wire begins doing its job, most patients experience some soreness or pressure. This usually starts several hours after the appointment and may feel strongest around Day 2 or 3. It is generally not a sharp pain. Instead, it feels more like the soreness after a long day of sports; your body is simply adjusting to something new. It is also a sign that the braces are beginning to work exactly as intended.

What Does the Soreness Feel Like?

Most kids describe the feeling as a dull, all-over ache rather than a sharp or stabbing sensation. Their teeth may feel tender, especially when biting or chewing. Foods that are normally easy to eat (such as sandwiches or crunchy snacks) may feel uncomfortable for a few days. This is when soft foods become your child’s BFF (Best Friend, not forever but temporarily)! Your child may also notice some irritation along the inside of the cheeks or lips while their mouth gets used to the new brackets. Orthodontic wax can help. Simply press a small piece over any bracket that is rubbing to create a smooth, comfortable barrier. Our team will send your child home with plenty of orthodontic wax. If you ever need more, you’re always welcome to stop by our Palo Alto office. You’re now part of the MTO family!

How Long Does the Soreness Last?

For most patients, the most noticeable soreness is over by Day 4 or 5. By the end of the first week, nearly everyone is back to eating, talking, and feeling mostly normal. It is also reassuring to know that the first week is usually the biggest adjustment, it is not a preview of how the next year or two will feel. Your child may experience mild soreness after adjustment appointments, when a wire is replaced or adjusted, but it is typically shorter and less noticeable than the initial discomfort.

What Can Help Your Child Feel Better?

A few simple steps can make the first several days much more comfortable:

  • Offer soft foods such as pasta, scrambled eggs, soup, mashed potatoes, yogurt, applesauce, and smoothies. S
  • Try cool foods and drinks, which can feel soothing on tender teeth.
  • Use orthodontic wax on any brackets that rub against the cheeks or lips.
  • Rinse gently with warm salt water to help calm minor mouth irritation.

If needed, ask your child’s doctor or pharmacist which over-the-counter pain reliever is appropriate, and always follow the dosing instructions for your child’s age and weight.

For a full breakdown of what to eat and how to prepare, read our article: Eating With Braces: What to Eat and What Makes it Easier

What Isn’t Normal?

Please call us at (650) 854-8888 if a bracket breaks, a wire is poking and orthodontic wax does not help, your child has severe or worsening pain, or something simply does not feel right. We would always rather hear from you early and help put your mind at ease.

Our team is here for your family every step of the way, and braces are not something you or your child have to navigate alone. In fact, most kids who feel nervous before their appointment tell us afterward that getting braces was much easier than they expected. That is our goal every single time.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Tajaddod and our team. We are here to listen and answer all of your questions, thoughts, and concerns so that both you and your child feel comfortable and confident about treatment.

From our orthodontic office in Palo Alto, we are proud to care for children, teens, and families from throughout the Bay Area, including Menlo Park, Los Altos, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Redwood City. Some of our wonderful patients even travel from farther away to see us! Call us at (650) 854-8888 or schedule a complimentary consultation online. We would love to meet you and your family.