BY TOFTWOOD DENTAL PRACTICE
11 November 2025
Table of Contents
If you are considering getting metal braces or dental implants, it’s completely natural to wonder — will it hurt? Many people feel anxious about dental procedures simply because they don’t know what to expect.
In this article, we’ll walk you through exactly what happens before, during, and after each treatment so you can feel more confident and prepared. You’ll also discover practical tips for managing discomfort, understanding what’s normal during recovery, and exploring safe, effective pain relief options recommended by dental professionals.
By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of what these procedures truly feel like — helping you replace uncertainty with trust, and take your next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
Does getting braces hurt?
This is one of the most common questions among our patients. While you may experience some discomfort or soreness during the first couple of days after getting your braces, this is completely normal, and it usually goes away quickly as your mouth adjusts.
Pain during the procedure
Pain after the procedure
Once your braces have been fitted, pain can feel stronger during the first day – especially at night and the next morning. This is completely normal as your teeth have started to move. Also, it is very common to feel discomfort when chewing or eating during the first week.
What to expect week by week after getting braces
Pain will vary for each person, but if you are getting braces, you should expect the following evolution:
- First week: Mild to moderate soreness is common, especially when chewing.
- Second week: Discomfort starts to fade, and you start to get used to how the braces feel.
- Third week: Most patients feel no pain by now, unless an adjustment is necessary.
How to relieve braces pain?
Feeling some pain or discomfort during the first few days after getting braces is completely normal. The good news is that this is only temporary, and there are some tips you can follow for effective braces pain relief.
- Take painkillers
The NHS recommends taking over-the-counter pain relief medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to ease discomfort, especially on the first day after your braces are fitted or adjusted. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or your orthodontist’s advice. - Eat soft food
During the first few days, your mouth may feel tender, so it’s best to stick to soft food that doesn’t require much chewing. For example, yoghurt, soup, mashed potatoes or scrambled eggs would be great options for those days.
Try to avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods as these can be difficult to chew and may damage your braces. - Use orthodontic wax
If your braces are rubbing against your lips or cheeks, orthodontic wax can help by creating a smooth barrier that reduces irritation. Apply a small amount directly to the bracket or wire to protect your mouth and relieve soreness. - Oral hygiene
Keeping your teeth and gums healthy is especially important during orthodontic treatment. Brush carefully after every meal (or at least twice a day). You can also use fluoride mouthwash to help strengthen your enamel and prevent cavities.
Try to limit sugary snacks, fizzy drinks, and acidic foods, as they can weaken enamel and increase the risk of tooth decay while wearing braces.
Do dental implants hurt?
Dental implants involve a minor surgical procedure, so it is normal to experience some minimal discomfort during and after the treatment.
If you are considering this procedure, look at the advantages of dental implants and find out if this is the right choice for you.
Pain during the procedure
You won’t feel pain during the implant placement, as local anaesthetic is used to numb the area to be treated.
Pain after the procedure
You will rarely feel any pain after a dental implant procedure, but you might experience some soreness, swelling, or bruising for a few days. However, with tailored aftercare instructions and painkillers, this can be easily managed.
What to expect week by week after getting dental implants
Dental implant discomfort should be decreasing progressively after the first week.
Here is a breakdown of what to expect week by week:
- First week: By the end of the first week, pain should be mild or nearly gone. You might still feel some tenderness when you touch the area or chew.
- Second week: If you are still having moderate or sharp pain, contact your dentist to rule out infection or other issues.
- Third week: Most patients feel no pain at all at this stage. Also, you should be able to return to your normal diet, and any swelling left should be gone.
How to relieve pain from dental implants?
Implant pain management is usually straightforward if you take a little extra care and follow some simple aftercare recommendations:
- Take painkillers
You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen before the local anaesthetic wears off and for the first 48h after your dental implant procedure. This will help to control discomfort and reduce inflammation during the healing phase. - Cold packs
Some patients may experience slight swelling or bruising on their face after treatment.
Applying an ice pack for around 10 minutes can help reduce this, especially within the first 24 hours. Keeping your head slightly elevated can also help minimise swelling. - Good oral hygiene
During the first week after your implant, avoid brushing directly over the implant site. The NHS recommends using mouthwash containing chlorhexidine to keep the area clean and free of plaque. - Eat soft foods
Stick to soft foods and avoid hot or spicy meals that might irritate the implant area. As your mouth heals, you can gradually reintroduce your normal diet. - Changes to your lifestyle
It is important to make a few temporary lifestyle changes before and after getting your dental implant to ensure a smooth recovery:- Rest and avoid heavy activity for at least 48 hours after getting your dental implant
- Avoid smoking and alcohol for at least a week, as both can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of infection.
You should always follow your dentist’s aftercare advice to ensure your dental implant heals properly. If you are unsure about how to proceed, contact your dental clinic for further guidance.
Braces vs dental implants: Which one hurts more?
Pain is one of the biggest concerns people have when considering going for one of these procedures. Braces and dental implants can cause some discomfort, but in different ways.
The table below breaks down the main differences in how each procedure typically feels, so you know what to expect.
|
|
Braces
|
Dental Implants
|
|---|---|---|
|
Type of pain
|
Ongoing pressure and soreness
|
Short-term soreness after surgery
|
|
When pain happens
|
After getting braces and during adjustments
|
Right after implant placement
|
|
How long it lasts
|
3–5 days at the start, then briefly after adjustments
|
Usually fades within 7 days
|
|
Pain level
|
Mild to moderate
|
Mild to moderate
|
When to call your orthodontist or dentist about pain?
Some discomfort will be normal; however, pain should get better, not worse. You should contact your orthodontist or dentist if:
- Pain or swelling gets worse after 3 to 5 days
- Painkillers don’t help with pain, and this feels severe
- You notice signs of infection — redness, swelling, discharge, fever, or bad taste
- A brace becomes detached, or a wire is poking
- You experience difficulty opening your mouth, chewing, or swallowing
FAQs
Here are some common questions patients have when considering braces or dental implants, with evidence-based answers:
How long do braces hurt?
Most patients experience discomfort for the first 3 to 5 days after getting braces, and again briefly after each adjustment visit.
Why does my dental implant hurt when I chew?
This will be normal after a dental implant, and it may occur during the first week after the placement. However, if it persists after two weeks, it should be checked by a dentist as any soreness or discomfort should be gone by then.
Is uncovering dental implants painful?
Uncovering is a minor procedure done once the implant has fused with the bone. This is less invasive than the initial placement, so less painful too. Having regular painkillers should be enough if there is any initial discomfort.
Does Invisalign hurt more than braces?
Neither Invisalign nor fixed braces cause severe pain, but both may cause some discomfort as they make teeth move.
While braces cause more pressure soreness after adjustments, Invisalign’s pressure is gentler when switching to a new aligner. Overall, Invisalign tends to be less irritating because it has no wires or brackets.
Will dental implants hurt years later?
A healed implant should feel like a natural tooth. If pain persists or develops months or years later, it could be a signal of an infection, nerve irritation, or mechanical issues such as a loose crown. If you feel discomfort you should get in touch with your dentist.
Does a tooth implant hurt more than a tooth extraction?
Both procedures are performed under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn’t feel pain during either of the treatments.
Conclusion
Both braces and dental implants can cause mild discomfort, but with the right aftercare and guidance from your dentist or orthodontist, pain will only be temporary, and soon you will enjoy a healthier and more confident smile.
Our team at Toftwood Dental Practice is here to guide you through every step, whether you are considering fixed orthodontic braces or dental implants in Dereham, Toftwood, or across Norfolk.
If you’re wondering which type of dental implants would suit you best, or how braces can help correct your misaligned teeth, the best way to find out if you’re a suitable candidate is by booking a personalised consultation with our team.
This content is for informational purposes only. Consult a professional for personal advice.
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