Starting orthodontic treatment comes with plenty of excitement, but one of the first questions many patients ask is, “Will it hurt?” While braces and Invisalign work by gently shifting your teeth over time, any soreness is usually mild and short-lived. Dr. Lombard and the team at Legacy Orthodontics in Leesburg, VA, focus on making the process as comfortable as possible, with plenty of ways to keep any tenderness to a minimum. Let’s take a closer look at what to expect and how to stay comfortable throughout treatment.
What to Expect When Getting Braces or Invisalign
Starting orthodontic treatment is a smooth process, but it’s natural to wonder how it feels when everything is first put in place. The good news? There’s no drilling, no needles, and no pain during the application of braces or the fitting of Invisalign aligners. Instead, it’s a straightforward appointment where Dr. Lombard and the team at Legacy Orthodontics set you up for success.
- Braces: Brackets are bonded to the surface of your teeth, and an archwire is threaded through them to apply gentle pressure. You might feel a little tightness as the wire is secured, but nothing sharp or painful.
- Invisalign: A quick digital scan captures the shape of your teeth to create a series of clear aligners. When you put in your first set, you may notice some mild pressure, but they should still feel comfortable.
While the placement process itself is painless, you may experience a slight adjustment period in the hours after your appointment. So, why does this happen? Let’s break it down.
Why Do Braces and Invisalign Cause Sensitivity?
Your teeth may seem stuck in one place, but they are actually surrounded by bone and ligaments that allow them to shift over time. Braces and Invisalign apply gentle pressure, triggering your body’s natural process of bone remodeling. This movement is what brings your teeth into better alignment, but it can also cause temporary soreness as your mouth adjusts.
Most patients describe the feeling as a dull ache or mild tenderness rather than actual pain. It’s similar to the sensation you might get after an intense workout—your muscles feel sore, but it’s a sign that progress is happening.
So, how long does this sensitivity typically last? Let’s take a look at the usual timeline for braces and Invisalign adjustments.
How Long Does the Soreness Last?
The adjustment period is different for everyone, but most patients find that any soreness is temporary and fades within a few days. Your teeth are adapting to the gentle force applied by your braces or aligners, and while it might feel a little unusual at first, your mouth quickly gets used to the change.
First 24–48 hours
This is when any tenderness is most noticeable, especially when eating or biting down. Soft foods, cold drinks, or even ice cream (more on that later!) can help during this time.
Days 3–5
You might still notice some tightness when biting into firmer foods, but it won’t be as pronounced as before.
End of the first week
Most patients barely notice their braces or aligners anymore, and any lingering tightness is minimal.
For those with braces, minor soreness may return after adjustment appointments, but it typically fades even faster than the initial phase. Invisalign wearers might experience a similar feeling when switching to a new set of trays, but it’s usually milder with each transition.
Now that we’ve covered the timeline, let’s go over some easy ways to stay comfortable during this period.
Ways to Stay Comfortable During Treatment
While mild soreness is a natural part of the process, there are plenty of ways to keep it under control. Dr. Lombard and the team at Legacy Orthodontics have helped countless patients in Loudoun County adjust to braces and Invisalign with ease, and a few simple strategies can make all the difference.
- Stick to soft foods: In the first few days, meals like mashed potatoes, oatmeal, yogurt, and pasta are easier to chew while your teeth adjust.
- Use cold drinks and snacks: Chilled water, smoothies, and frozen treats can help numb any tenderness and reduce inflammation. It should be noted that cold foods will also temporarily stop the heat activated braces wires from working.
- Try orthodontic wax: If brackets or wires rub against the inside of your mouth, a little wax creates a smooth barrier to prevent irritation.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed: A dose of ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage soreness, especially right after an adjustment.
- Keep up with your routine: The more you wear your aligners or adjust to your braces, the faster your mouth adapts, making each transition easier.
Speaking of cold treats—why not turn soreness into an excuse for something sweet? Leesburg has plenty of great spots to grab an ice-cold dessert after an adjustment, or even the Dairy Queen next door to our office!
Cool Down with a Sweet Treat in Leesburg
A cold, creamy dessert can help ease sensitivity while giving you something to look forward to after your appointment at Legacy Orthodontics. Luckily, Loudoun County has plenty of braces-friendly spots where you can grab a scoop (or two) and enjoy a well-earned break.
Check out these local favorites:
- Gruto’s Soft Serve – A downtown Leesburg gem, Gruto’s is known for its smooth and creamy soft-serve options. The texture makes it a great choice for those with braces, and their rotating flavors keep things fun.
- Bruster’s Real Ice Cream – Located at Compass Point Plaza, Bruster’s serves up fresh, homemade ice cream with plenty of soft and scoopable flavors that won’t be tough on sensitive teeth.
- Cold Stone Creamery – Found on Edwards Ferry Rd, Cold Stone lets you customize your dessert while still keeping it braces-friendly—opt for their classic soft flavors without the crunchy mix-ins!
A cold treat isn’t just delicious—it can also help reduce inflammation and make your mouth feel better faster.
Braces Won’t Break You—But Ice Cream Helps!
Orthodontic treatment might come with a short adjustment period, but any soreness is temporary and easy to manage. Dr. Lombard and the team at Legacy Orthodontics in Leesburg, VA, are here to make sure your experience is smooth from start to finish. With the right care (and maybe a scoop of ice cream), you’ll be on your way to a confident smile in no time. Schedule a complimentary consultation today!