Stopping the Braces Pain: Real Tips & Tricks for Immediate Relief
If you just got braces yesterday, you’re likely in the “regret phase” right now. Your teeth feel loose, your gums are throbbing, and that one hook in the back is digging into your cheek.
First, take a deep breath. This is normal. It means the treatment is working. Second, wax isn’t your only weapon. Here are proven, orthodontist-approved strategies to stop the pain fast.
The “Soreness Schedule”: What to Expect
Just Pressure.
Feels weird and “full,” but rarely painful.
Peak Soreness.
Teeth are highly sensitive to biting. Wires are active.
Back to Normal.
Soreness fades rapidly. You can chew softer foods again.
Strategy 1: The Right Medication at the Right Time
Don’t wait until the pain is unbearable. The key is preemptive strike.
Ibuprofen (Advil)
Best for: Reducing inflammation in the gums and ligaments. Often works better than Tylenol for orthodontic pain.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Best for: Blocking pain signals if you cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues or allergies.
Strategy 2: Cold and Salt (Nature’s Anesthetic)
Sometimes the simplest remedies are the most powerful.
The Magic Warm Saltwater Rinse
Why it works: It heals raw spots on your cheeks and soothes inflamed gums instantly.
Recipe: 1 tsp salt dissolved in 8oz warm water. Swish for 60 seconds, spit out. Repeat 3x daily.
Ice Water “Numbing”
Why it works: Cold temporarily numbs the nerve endings. Sip ice-cold water and hold it over the sore teeth before swallowing. Treat yourself to ice cream or a cold smoothie (with a spoon!).
Strategy 3: Orthodontic Wax Mastery
If wax isn’t working, you’re probably applying it wrong. Wax won’t stick to wet saliva.
The “Dry Tooth” Technique:
- Wash your hands thoroughly.
- Pinch off a pea-sized ball of wax and roll it in your fingers to warm and soften it.
- Crucial Step: Use a tissue or cotton swab to completely dry the offending bracket or wire. It must be bone dry.
- Press the wax ball firmly over the bracket, molding it around the edges so it stays put.
Don’t Make It Worse With Food!
Eating hard foods during the sore phase is torture and can break brackets. Stick to the “Soft Food List”.
See the complete Safe vs. Forbidden Food GuideFrequently Asked Questions
Should I use heat or cold for pain?
For tooth soreness, cold is usually better as it reduces inflammation. Heat can sometimes make the throbbing worse.
A wire is poking my cheek sharp! What do I do?
Use wax immediately. If it’s a long wire at the very back, you can try carefully clipping it with sanitized nail clippers as a last resort, but it’s safer to call your orthodontist for an emergency clip.
Will it hurt like this for the whole two years?
Absolutely not. The first week is the worst. Future adjustments will cause minor soreness for a day or two, but your mouth toughens up quickly.
Hang In There, It Gets Better
The pain is temporary, but the smile is forever. Be kind to yourself this week, eat lots of ice cream, and remember that this phase passes quickly.
If pain is unmanageable or you have a broken appliance, don’t hesitate to call your office.
Read about emergency visit costs →Survival Guides
Running out of wax?
Most pharmacies carry dental wax in the toothpaste aisle. Don’t suffer waiting for the office to open!