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  • Aftercare Guide

Braces & Aligners Aftercare

A little soreness after getting braces or starting a new aligner tray is your teeth responding to the pressure. It means it’s working. Here’s how to get through the first week comfortably.
(832) 612-2831
  • First 24 Hours

The most important window

These first few hours set the foundation for a smooth recovery. Keep these in mind tonight.

What to Do

  • Take OTC pain relievers (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) as directed if you're experiencing soreness.
  • Rinse with warm salt water — it soothes irritated gum tissue.
  • Use orthodontic wax on any bracket or wire that's irritating the inside of your cheek.
  • Wear your aligners for 20–22 hours per day — only remove them to eat and brush.
  • Eat soft foods for the first 2–3 days while you adjust.
  • Keep up with your oral hygiene — braces trap food, so brush after every meal.

What to Do

  • Avoid hard, sticky, or crunchy foods — they can break brackets or wires.
  • Don't chew on pens, nails, or ice — these put unintended pressure on brackets.
  • Don't remove your aligners more than necessary — treatment depends on consistent wear.
  • No chewing gum — it sticks to brackets and is nearly impossible to clean off.
  • Days 2-7

What healing looks like

Most people feel noticeably better by day 3. Here’s what’s normal and what’s worth a call.

Normal Signs of Healing

  • Soreness and pressure on the teeth — especially the first 3–4 days after placement or a new tray.
  • Teeth may feel slightly loose — this is normal and expected during active tooth movement.
  • Cheek and lip irritation from brackets as your mouth adjusts.
  • A new aligner tray may feel tight at first and then loosen as movement progresses.
  • Slight lisp with new aligners — this typically resolves within a few days.

Watch Out For

  • A wire is poking your cheek and orthodontic wax isn't holding it.
  • A bracket has broken off or feels loose.
  • Your aligner is cracked or doesn't seat fully on your teeth.
  • Sharp pain localized to one specific tooth — different from general soreness.
  • Significant swelling or a sore that isn't healing.
  • Nutrition

What to eat right now

Your food choices in the next few days directly affect how fast you heal. Keep it simple.

Eat This

  • Yogurt and smoothies
  • Soft pasta and rice
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Soup and soft cooked vegetables
  • Bananas and soft fruits
  • Soft cheese
  • Pancakes or soft bread

Skip This

  • Popcorn — kernels get under brackets
  • Hard candy and lollipops
  • Ice — never chew it
  • Caramel, taffy, or gummy candy
  • Bagels and hard rolls
  • Corn on the cob
  • Chips and pretzels
  • Chewy or tough meats

When to Call Us

These symptoms go beyond normal healing. Don’t wait — call us right away and we’ll take care of you.

(832) 612-2831

A wire is poking into your cheek or gum that you can't relieve with wax

A bracket broke off or came loose

Your aligner has a crack or won't seat properly over your teeth

Unusual pain in one specific tooth that's separate from general adjustment soreness

A sore or ulcer in your mouth that isn't healing after 7–10 days

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