What to do after getting braces starts with the first 24–72 hours when soreness peaks. Use ice packs, over-the-counter pain relief, and stick to soft foods for 3 to 5 days. Most discomfort fades quickly if you follow simple care steps, and you can return to normal eating within a week.
You leave the orthodontist office with shiny new brackets and a slightly numb mouth, then wonder what to do after getting braces when the numbness wears off and your teeth start to ache. Parents whose teens just got braces, adults starting treatment, and anyone who wants to avoid panic calls to the office all ask the same question. This guide walks you through the first 24–72 hours, soreness management, a 3-day soft-food meal plan, daily care, and exactly when to call your orthodontist. You will finish knowing how to stay comfortable, protect your braces, and keep your treatment on track from day one.
First 24–72 Hours After Getting Braces
The first 24–72 hours after getting braces bring the most soreness because your teeth begin moving and your lips and cheeks adjust to the brackets. Teeth feel tenderest 6 to 8 hours after installation, not right away. Most patients rate the discomfort as mild to moderate and compare it to the pressure of a tight ponytail.
Soreness Management Tips
Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed on the label—your orthodontist usually recommends one or the other right after placement. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to your cheeks for 10 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Rinse with warm salt water (½ teaspoon salt in 8 ounces warm water) several times a day to soothe irritated tissues. Orthodontic wax covers any sharp bracket edges that rub your cheeks or lips.
What to Eat: Soft Foods and 3-Day Meal Plan
Stick to soft foods for the first 3 to 5 days so you do not aggravate sore teeth or risk popping a bracket.
3-Day Soft-Food Meal Plan
Day 1
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with mashed banana
- Lunch: Creamy tomato soup (no chunks) + mashed potatoes
- Dinner: Scrambled eggs with cheese + applesauce
- Snacks: Smoothies, pudding, or cottage cheese
Day 2
- Breakfast: Oatmeal made with milk
- Lunch: Macaroni and cheese (soft-cooked)
- Dinner: Mashed sweet potatoes + ground turkey in gravy
- Snacks: Protein shakes or Jell-O
Day 3
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs + soft fruit puree
- Lunch: Refried beans + melted cheese
- Dinner: Soft-cooked pasta with butter
- Snacks: Yogurt or ice cream (no nuts or chunks)
Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy items like popcorn, nuts, gum, hard candy, and raw carrots. Cut everything into tiny pieces if you must eat firmer foods.
Daily Care and Oral Hygiene After Getting Braces
Brush after every meal with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. A water flosser on low setting reaches under the archwire where string floss struggles—most orthodontists recommend one by day 3 or 4. Rinse with water after snacks to clear debris.
When to Call Your Orthodontist
Call the office right away if you have severe pain that ibuprofen does not touch, a bracket comes completely loose, a wire pokes your cheek and wax will not hold it, or you develop swelling or fever. Minor discomfort or a slightly loose ligature can usually wait until the next business day.
Braces Cost and Pricing Guide
The full braces process, including what to do after getting braces, costs the same regardless of aftercare steps.
Price Comparison Table
| Brace Type | Average Cost (USD) | Treatment Time | Best For |
| Traditional metal braces | $3,000–$7,000 | 18–24 months | Most malocclusions, budget-friendly |
| Ceramic braces | $4,000–$8,500 | 18–24 months | Aesthetic focus, moderate cases |
| Lingual braces | $8,000–$13,000 | 18–36 months | Adults wanting completely hidden braces |
| Self-ligating braces | $4,000–$8,000 | 12–24 months | Patients wanting fewer adjustments |
| Clear aligners (Invisalign or Spark) | $3,000–$8,000 | 6–18 months | Mild cases, removable convenience |
Cost Breakdown by Age Group
- Children (7–11): $3,000–$5,500. Phase 1 keeps the process shorter.
- Teens (12–17): $3,500–$6,500. Full Phase 2 treatment.
- Adults (18+): $4,000–$7,000 or higher for complex cases.
What Drives Price Up or Down
Case complexity raises costs the most. Shorter treatments lower them. Coastal cities run 20–30% above average. Check the state cost index on Brass Smile for your area.
Insurance, HSA/FSA, and Payment Options
Most plans cap orthodontic benefits at $1,000–$3,000 lifetime maximum and cover patients under 19 only. Use HSA or FSA funds tax-free.
Without full coverage, discount dental plans, orthodontic schools like NYU or University of Michigan, and in-house payment plans help. Expect 20–30% down and $100–$300 monthly over 18–36 months. CareCredit is common for 0% interest.
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Retainers cost $150–$600. Emergency visits for a loose bracket run $50–$150.
About BrassSmile
BrassSmile launched in 2023 after founder Alex Rivera spent two years guiding her own children through orthodontic treatment. She saw the need for honest, independent information that cuts through marketing hype and affiliate blogs.
Editorial Team
- Alex Rivera, Founder & Lead Writer (LinkedIn)
- Dr. Lisa Chen, DMD, ABO diplomate, Medical Reviewer (LinkedIn)
- Jordan Patel, DDS, Content Editor
Every article receives review by a board-certified orthodontist before publication. We update this page every six months or sooner when AAO or ADA guidelines change. We cite only peer-reviewed sources and official data from the American Dental Association (ADA), American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and CDC dental health statistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do after getting braces?
The first day after getting braces focus on ice packs, soft foods, and over-the-counter pain relief. Soreness peaks around 6 to 8 hours after placement.
How long does soreness last after getting braces?
Soreness after getting braces usually lasts 3 to 5 days. It fades as your mouth adjusts to the brackets.
What foods can I eat after getting braces?
Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, soup, scrambled eggs, and smoothies for the first few days.
When should I call the orthodontist after getting braces?
Call your orthodontist if you have severe pain that medication does not control, a bracket falls off completely, or a wire pokes your cheek.
How do I clean my teeth after getting braces?
Brush after every meal and use a water flosser on low to reach under the archwire. Rinse with water after snacks.
Can I eat normally one week after getting braces?
You can eat normally one week after getting braces as long as you cut firm foods into small pieces and avoid sticky or hard items.
Does the first week with braces affect treatment time?
The first week with braces does not affect treatment time as long as you follow care instructions and attend all scheduled adjustments.
What pain relief works best after getting braces?
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen works best for pain after getting braces. Follow the label or your orthodontist’s recommendation.
How do I use orthodontic wax after getting braces?
Roll a small piece of orthodontic wax and press it over any sharp bracket or wire that rubs your cheek or lip.
What happens if I eat the wrong food after getting braces?
Eating the wrong food after getting braces can pop a bracket or bend a wire, which may require an extra visit and slightly delay progress.