So, you just got braces. Whether you’ve been counting down the days or dreading the appointment, welcome to the first official chapter of your orthodontic journey. Your teeth are now on a mission to shift into better alignment—and while that’s exciting, the first week can feel a little... chaotic.
You might be dealing with sore teeth, pokey wires, and a mental list of foods you didn’t realize were off-limits until now. Even something as simple as talking or brushing your teeth can suddenly feel like a full production.
The truth is that braces take some getting used to, and the first week is where most of the adjusting happens. Learn what to expect during your first week with braces in Hollywood, how to manage the awkward parts, and what to watch for in case something doesn’t feel right.
The moment your braces go on, it’s hard not to become hyper-aware of every single thing happening in your mouth. The brackets feel bulky. The wire feels tight. Your lips aren’t sure what to do with themselves. And chewing might feel like a high-stakes operation.
First, don’t panic. Day 1 is all about adjusting to the idea of braces more than anything else. You probably won’t feel much discomfort right away; your teeth are still processing the gentle pressure from the wire.
But that pressure is starting to do its job, and by the end of the day, you might notice a little soreness creeping in.
Eat soft foods, take it easy, and if your orthodontist gave you a goody bag of supplies (wax, toothbrush, floss threader), now’s a good time to look through it. That little chunk of wax might look unimpressive now, but you’ll love it soon enough.
Welcome to the part no one looks forward to, but everyone goes through. These are typically the most uncomfortable days. You’ll probably feel a dull ache or pressure, especially when you bite or chew.
Some teeth may be more sensitive than others, depending on how they’re positioned and what corrections are starting to happen.
Here’s your strategy:
You might also feel the inside of your lips or cheeks rubbing against the brackets. If anything feels sharp or scratchy, that’s where your orthodontic wax comes in. Dry the area, roll a small bit of wax into a ball, and press it onto the trouble spot.
The soreness should start to ease up, and daily activities like eating, brushing, and talking won’t feel so foreign. It’s not totally smooth sailing yet, but your mouth is adapting.
You may notice little things during these days, like how food gets stuck around brackets more easily or how your teeth feel slightly looser than usual. Don’t worry, that’s all expected. The “looseness” is part of the movement process and doesn't mean anything is wrong.
Also, keep an eye on how your lips and cheeks are adjusting. If you’re still developing sore spots, you might need to reapply wax more often or consider a warm saltwater rinse (mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish for 30 seconds).
Bonus tip: These are great days to start getting confident with flossing using threaders or a water flosser. The sooner you make flossing part of your routine, the easier your entire braces journey will be.
By now, the initial soreness should be mostly gone, your mouth feels less awkward, and you’re figuring out what foods are safe bets. You’ll probably still need to avoid hard, chewy, or crunchy foods, but you’ll feel more confident making food choices that work for your new setup.
You might also notice your bite feels different when you close your mouth. That’s part of the realignment process and nothing to stress over. If something feels truly off or uncomfortable, it’s always worth giving your orthodontist a call—but most of the time, it’s just your teeth doing their job.
Speech should be back to normal, too. If you had a slight lisp in the first few days, that usually fades quickly once your tongue figures out its new surroundings.
Use the end of this first week to check in with yourself. Do you have everything you need—enough wax, an effective toothbrush, flossing tools? Now’s the time to restock or ask questions if anything’s unclear.
Brushing with braces takes a little more effort. But it’s one of the most important things you can do to keep your smile on track.
Here’s your new oral hygiene game plan:
You might also notice your gums are a bit puffy or sore in the beginning—that’s often due to inflammation. Keep up your cleaning routine, and things should improve quickly.
Most first-week issues are minor and easy to fix at home. But in some cases, you might need to reach out.
Call us if you notice:
At TLC Dental, we’re always here to help with repairs and adjustments or just to answer your questions. If something feels off, trust your gut and give us a ring.
The first week with braces is a little bumpy, but it’s also the hardest part. After this, everything starts to feel more normal. You’ll eat, talk, smile, and brush like a pro before you know it.
Keep reminding yourself why you started: a straighter, healthier smile that you’ll be proud to show off. It’s worth every minor inconvenience now for the results you’ll enjoy later.
Whether you’re thinking about traditional braces, curious about Invisalign®, or need help with a wire gone rogue, TLC Dental has you covered.
We provide personalized orthodontic care in Tamarac, including new patient consultations, repairs, and ongoing support during your entire treatment. Call us today to schedule your appointment!
*Invisalign®, the Invisalign logo, and iTero®, among others, are trademarks and/ or service marks of Align Technology, Inc. or one of its subsidiaries or affiliated companies and may be registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
