Getting braces is a big step for your child, and for you as a parent. The first week can bring a mix of excitement, questions and a little uncertainty. Understanding what to expect after getting braces helps take away a lot of that stress and makes the process feel more manageable from the start.
At Joosse Family Orthodontics in Williamsburg, VA, Dr. Joosse and our team guide families through every step of treatment so you always feel supported. Knowing what to expect after getting braces helps parents feel prepared before the first appointment even happens. Here’s a practical guide to help you get through that first week with confidence.
The First Few Days: What to Expect After Getting Braces
The first 24 to 72 hours after getting braces are the toughest 2-3 days of the entire treatment. Teeth are moving and they are sore. Unlike soreness in your muscles, you can’t rub your teeth to make them feel better, so your child will likely feel the most soreness of their entire treatment. This is completely normal.
Likewise, the lips and cheeks are getting used to new things rubbing them, which can cause additional discomfort. It is relatively common for kids to complain about their lips and cheeks hurting, particularly in the back of the mouth.
Finally, in some cases, we will intentionally alter the bite with something called “bite turbos.” Often, when treating excessive overlap of upper and lower front teeth (called a “deep bite,” patients will be biting into their lower braces. If left biting into the lower braces, the lower braces will likely break off leading to additional visits to have them repaired. To avoid this breakage, we place “bite turbos.”
Bite turbos, if used, prevent your child from biting into their new braces, but they also prevent your child from biting all the way down on all their teeth like they could before braces were applied. Bite turbos are NOT painful, but they are just another thing in the mouth that is new and different. Finally, bite turbos are a necessity for some treatments and they do help treatment move more quickly, which is why we used them.
So, there are three major factors that require some acclimation in the first few days:
- Soreness from tooth movement
- Irritation from the braces touching the lips and cheeks
- An altered bite from bite turbos, if they are used
Between these factors, many parents are surprised by the soreness that comes, especially when it affects eating habits. Rest assured, by the end of the first week, most kids feel much more comfortable.
Managing Discomfort at Home
Knowing what to expect after getting braces helps parents feel more confident, especially since mild soreness is a normal part of the early adjustment period. Here is what you can do at home to help:
First, we encourage all of our patients to take either tylenol or ibuprofen to manage some of the soreness. In fact, it is best to take one of these even before the soreness sets in, which means take it the day the braces go on.
Orthodontic wax is a helpful tool to treat the irritation from the braces touching the lips and the cheeks. We will provide some orthodontic wax at the “braces on” appointment and wax can also be purchased at most drug stores. Wax creates a smooth barrier over brackets or wires allowing the lips and cheeks to acclimate. The biggest challenge to using orthodontic wax is that it only sticks in dry environments (and the mouth can be hard to get dry!). So, if you can’t get the wax to work, sugarfree gum (make sure it is sugar free!) can be used as a substitute.
Finally, warm salt water rinses can also soothe sensitive areas during the first few days. These simple steps make a big difference in comfort and are part of what to expect after getting braces.
Daily Care: Building Good Habits Early
Daily care becomes an important focus during treatment. Brushing after meals helps prevent food from getting trapped around brackets and keeps teeth healthy throughout treatment. Good, meticulous brushing is the BEST thing a patient can do to improve the success of their treatment!
Flossing also takes a bit more time, which is normal. Tools like floss threaders or water flossers make the process much easier for families.
Once a routine is established, brushing and flossing become second nature. That commitment to consistency is part of what to expect after getting braces and helps ensure the best results.
Eating with Braces
Food choices are another important adjustment. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods should be avoided to protect brackets and wires. Soft foods like yogurt, pasta, smoothies and scrambled eggs are the best in the first few days.
As time goes on, kids naturally adjust their eating habits. That adaptation is another normal part of what to expect after getting braces.
Staying Positive Through the First Week
To better understand what to expect after getting braces, it helps to know the adjustment period is temporary. Most kids adapt within a week or two and quickly forget they are even wearing braces.
Encouragement from parents plays a big role. Small wins—like finishing a meal or brushing successfully—help build confidence and momentum.
Staying positive makes the entire experience easier and helps kids see progress early.
Support from Joosse Family Orthodontics
Dr. Joosse and our team are here to help families understand what to expect after getting braces and answer any questions that come up along the way. The first few days can feel like a big adjustment, especially for kids, but having a clear idea of what’s normal helps everyone feel more confident from the start.
From soreness to daily care, our team provides guidance through every stage so nothing feels overwhelming. We take time to walk families through simple routines that make brushing, eating and adjusting to braces much easier during the early days.
As the mouth adapts, most kids settle into a rhythm quickly. Small changes become part of everyday life, and families start to feel more comfortable with the process. That steady adjustment is something we prepare you for at every step.
We also focus on making sure parents feel supported, not just patients. Questions are normal, and we encourage families to reach out whenever something feels unclear. Having that open line of communication is an important part of the process, especially in the beginning when everything is new.
Learn What to Expect After Getting Braces: Request Your Appointment Today
At Joosse Family Orthodontics in Williamsburg, VA, braces are a partnership between Dr. Joosse and his team, parents and patients. Knowing what to expect after getting braces helps make the process smooth, predictable and successful from day one. When everyone understands the plan and feels supported, the entire experience becomes much easier to manage.
Over time, what starts as a new routine becomes second nature. Kids gain confidence in caring for their braces, parents feel reassured and progress becomes visible with each visit. That long-term growth and consistency are all part of what to expect after getting braces, and it’s exactly what we work toward at Joosse Family Orthodontics. Request your complimentary consultation today!
