After having your braces tightened, wires changed, or aligners progressed to the next stage, it is completely normal to feel soreness in your teeth and jaw. This discomfort is a sign that your teeth are moving — which is exactly what is supposed to happen.
Soreness typically starts a few hours after the appointment and peaks on day 1–2.
It gradually eases over 3–5 days and most people feel comfortable again within a week.
Your teeth may feel tender when biting — this is the most common complaint after an adjustment.
Your lips and cheeks may take a few days to re-adjust to any new wires or brackets if they have been changed.
If you have started wearing a new set of aligners, expect mild pressure and tightness for the first 2–3 days of each new tray.
Managing Soreness
The discomfort is temporary and manageable. Here is what helps:
Over-the-counter painkillers: Paracetamol (1g, up to four times daily) or ibuprofen (400mg, up to three times daily with food — if suitable for you) are effective for orthodontic soreness. Take them as the soreness builds, not just when it becomes severe.
Soft foods for the first 2–3 days: soup, yoghurt, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, soft fruit, pasta. Avoid hard or chewy foods that require significant biting force.
Cold foods can soothe sore teeth — a cold smoothie or yoghurt straight from the fridge can provide temporary relief.
Orthodontic wax: If a bracket or wire is rubbing against your cheek or lips, apply a small piece of orthodontic wax to smooth the irritating area. Roll a piece into a ball and press it firmly over the bracket or wire.
Soreness that does not improve after a week, or pain that is severe rather than just uncomfortable, should be reported to your orthodontist.
Poking Wires — What to Do
As your teeth move, wires can occasionally shift and start to poke the inside of your cheek or the back of your mouth. This is a common issue that can usually be managed at home in the short term.
Apply orthodontic wax over the poking end of the wire to prevent it irritating the soft tissue while you arrange an appointment.
If wax is not available, you can temporarily fold a small piece of clean tissue or cotton wool over the wire as a short-term measure until you can source orthodontic wax from a pharmacy.
If the wire is causing a significant injury or ulcer that is not improving, contact your orthodontist for an appointment to trim it.
Do not attempt to cut the wire yourself at home unless you have been shown how to do so safely — you risk swallowing a piece of wire.
Oral Hygiene With Braces
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy during orthodontic treatment requires extra effort, but it is essential. Braces create more places for plaque to hide.
Brush after every meal — at least twice daily. Use a soft-bristled brush and angle it at 45 degrees to clean both above and below each bracket.
Use interdental brushes to clean between brackets and under wires. Your orthodontist will have shown you the best technique.
Use a fluoride mouthwash daily to help protect against decay — particularly important with fixed braces.
Water flossers or orthodontic floss threaders can help clean between teeth under the wire.
If you wear aligners: clean them daily with a soft toothbrush and cool water. Do not use hot water — it can warp the plastic.
Avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks — particularly fizzy drinks, which are especially damaging to teeth under brackets.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
Contact your orthodontic practice if:
A bracket comes off or a band becomes loose — keep the bracket safe and contact the practice to rebook an appointment
A wire is poking and cannot be managed with wax, or is causing a significant wound
You have severe pain that is not settling after 5–7 days
You notice significant swelling or redness in the gum around a bracket (may indicate gum inflammation or an early abscess)
A retainer breaks or is lost
Your aligner no longer fits correctly or you have skipped a set
For out-of-hours advice on urgent orthodontic issues, call NHS 111.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Contact your orthodontist or dentist if a wire is poking and causing significant injury to the cheek or tongue, if a bracket comes off, if you have significant swelling or a high temperature, or if you have any urgent concerns. Call NHS 111 for out-of-hours advice.
References
Aligned with guidance from: FGDP(UK), British Orthodontic Society patient guidance.