Nov 21, 2025
How Painful Are Braces For Kids? Comfort Tips For A Smooth Journey
If your child is about to start braces, you might be wondering how much it will hurt and how you can make the first few weeks easier. You are not alone. Most children feel some tenderness when braces go on and after adjustments, yet with the right care and a friendly, supportive team, the experience can be smooth and even exciting as they watch their smile change.
At Specialist Orthodontic Practice, our goal is comfort and confidence from day one. You will meet our Specialist Orthodontist, Dr Finn Geoghegan, and our caring team including Amanda, our Dental Nurse and Orthodontic Therapist, and Niamh and Sandra, our Treatment Coordinators. We take time to explain each step, answer questions and offer practical tips that work in real life. You might also meet Rudi, our lovable dachshund and unofficial therapy dog, who has a calming effect on even the most nervous visitors.
How painful are braces for kids, really?
The honest answer: expect mild to moderate tenderness, not sharp pain. Most children describe pressure on the teeth for 2–3 days after braces are fitted, and again after adjustments. Cheeks and lips can feel rubbed until they adapt to the brackets.
A few helpful points to set expectations:
- Timing: Discomfort peaks during the first evening and 48 hours
- Type of discomfort: Dull pressure, mild aching, and occasional rubbing on cheeks/lips
- Duration: Typically short-lived
- Severity: Usually manageable with home care—if it feels unusual, contact us
We use gentle, controlled force levels for comfort and effectiveness. If your child is nervous, we can stage the process for a smoother transition.
Practical comfort tips from our dental nurse and orthodontic therapist
- Soft foods are your friend: Stock up on yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes, pasta, eggs, fish and smoothies
- Pre-empt soreness: Use child-safe pain relief before fitting or adjustment, as advised
- Orthodontic wax: Apply to dry brackets that rub, replace as needed
- Saltwater swishes: Use a mild warm saltwater rinse 2–3 times daily
- Lip balm: Helps soothe dry lips during the first week
- Chewing relief: Sugar-free gum or silicone chewies can help ease pressure—check with us first
- Cold comfort: Cold drinks, ice water sips, or a cold pack can help
- Night time support: Keep the routine calm and encourage side sleeping
- Sports and braces: Use a custom-fitted mouthguard—we can recommend suitable ones
Keeping braces comfortable day to day
- Use a soft toothbrush angled along brackets and the gumline
- Clean with interdental brushes under the wire
- Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash daily if recommended
- Use disclosing tablets occasionally to spot plaque
Avoid these foods:
- Hard, sticky, or crunchy foods like toffees, popcorn, nuts and raw carrots
- Cut fruit and veg into small pieces
- Use wax for poking wires and call us if anything breaks or comes loose
How SOP supports children through the adjustment period
- Personalised pacing: Dr Finn plans comfortable, gentle force levels
- Friendly coaching: Amanda and team teach wax use, cleaning and care tips
- Remote reassurance: Digital tools support progress checks without missing school
- Open communication: You'll always know what to expect and when to call
- A welcoming space: Rudi the therapy dog helps nervous kids feel at ease
When to call us
- Pain lasts more than 3-4 days
- A mouth ulcer isn't healing
- A wire digs in and wax won't hold
- A bracket or band comes off
- Your child struggles to eat or sleep
A quick word on alternatives
Clear aligners can be an option for some teens. We offer in-house aligners and can compare them with braces based on your child's bite and lifestyle.
Your child can do this, and we will help at every step
Braces aren't scary with the right team. Mild pressure is normal and fades quickly. Soft foods, wax, salt rinses and caring support make the difference. We're here to help through every step - from the first week to braces off.
If you're considering braces for kids and want a warm, child-friendly team in Dublin, book a no-obligation consultation with our Specialist Orthodontist today.
