What to Expect During Your First Week With Braces

Getting braces is an exciting step toward a healthier, more confident smile—but the first week can feel like a big adjustment. At Webb Family Orthodontics, your orthodontic specialist in Chattanooga, TN, we want to make the transition as smooth as possible. Here’s everything you need to know about your first week with braces so you can feel confident and comfortable from the start!

Day 1: Getting Braces On

The day your braces go on is painless, but it can feel a little strange. You might notice some pressure as the brackets and wires are placed. After your appointment, your lips and cheeks may feel slightly puffy for a short time, but that fades quickly.

Pro tip: Take a selfie! This is the start of your smile journey.

Days 2–3: Soreness Begins

Around the second or third day, it’s normal to feel soreness in your teeth and gums. This is a sign that your braces are beginning to work. You may also feel some irritation where the brackets and wires touch the inside of your lips or cheeks, but it’s nothing you can’t manage!

Tips for managing discomfort:

  • Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, smoothies, or soup.
  • Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets causing irritation.
  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.

Days 4–7: Adjusting to the New Normal

By the end of the first week, most patients start feeling more comfortable. You’ll begin adjusting to talking, eating, and brushing with braces. Your cheeks will toughen up, and the initial soreness will start to fade.

Good habits to start now:

  • Brush after every meal to prevent plaque buildup around brackets.
  • Floss daily using a floss threader or water flosser.
  • Avoid sticky, crunchy, or hard foods that can damage braces.

What to Eat During Your First Week With Braces

Here are a few braces-friendly food ideas:

  • Yogurt
  • Applesauce
  • Oatmeal
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Pasta
  • Soft-cooked vegetables

Avoid foods like popcorn, gum, nuts, and chewy candies—these can damage wires or brackets.

When to Call Your Orthodontist

Call your orthodontic office if you experience:

  • A poking wire you can’t fix with wax
  • A broken bracket

At Webb Family Orthodontics, we’re always here for our patients—whether it’s a minor issue or something more urgent.

Ready for Your New Smile?

Your first week with braces is just the beginning of a smile transformation that lasts a lifetime. Webb Family Orthodontics is proud to be a top orthodontist in the Chattanooga area, offering personalized care with braces and Invisalign for kids, teens, and adults.

If you’re ready to begin your journey or have questions, contact us today to schedule your free consultation!