Marks Orthodontics

Is It Painful to Get Braces On?

Dr. Kathryn Marks walks you through exactly what to expect when getting braces put on — and why it's much easier and more comfortable than most people think.

Video Transcript

Dr. Kathryn Marks: Hi, I'm Dr. Kathryn Marks, owner and doctor of Marks Orthodontics.

A question I get asked all the time is: "Is it painful to get braces on?"

The process of getting braces on is easy and pain-free. Many times, people even fall asleep! We'll place some cheek stretchers in your mouth to keep your teeth really dry, and then we'll place the braces on — like little stickers. You'll feel me press them down onto your tooth, but really, that's about it.

After you leave the office, about 4 to 6 hours later, you'll start to feel some discomfort as your teeth begin to move. You'll feel the most sore within the first 24 hours, and after 4 days, you'll feel great. I recommend using over-the-counter headache medicine as needed.

That's the most discomfort you're going to feel throughout treatment — and I promise you, it doesn't last long.

If you're interested in a free smile consultation, call the office or check out our website today!

Video Gallery

Common Questions

Does getting braces put on hurt?

The process of having braces placed is completely pain-free. Dr. Marks uses cheek stretchers to keep your teeth dry and bonds the brackets onto your teeth comfortably. Most patients find the appointment easy — some even fall asleep! Any soreness typically begins 4–6 hours after leaving the office, not during the procedure itself.

How long does soreness last after getting braces?

Most patients feel the most discomfort during the first 24 hours after their braces are placed, as the teeth begin to shift. By day 4, the vast majority of patients feel completely back to normal. Dr. Marks recommends over-the-counter headache medicine as needed to manage any tenderness during those first few days.

What can I take for pain after getting braces?

Dr. Marks recommends standard over-the-counter headache or pain relief medicine (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to manage soreness after braces are placed. This mild discomfort is temporary and is typically the most you'll feel throughout your entire treatment.

What happens during a braces placement appointment at Marks Orthodontics?

During your braces placement appointment, Dr. Marks will first place cheek stretchers in your mouth to keep your teeth clean and dry. She then carefully bonds each bracket to your teeth — similar to applying small stickers. The appointment is straightforward and comfortable, and most patients are surprised by how quick and easy the process is. Learn more at marksortho.com/what-to-expect.

YouTube Description & Further Links

Does Getting Braces Hurt? Here's What to Really Expect with Marks Orthodontics

Nervous about getting braces? You're not alone — it's one of the most common questions Dr. Kathryn Marks hears. In this short video, she walks you through exactly what happens on brace placement day, what you'll feel (and when), and how to stay comfortable in the days that follow.

Spoiler: the process is easier than you think — some patients even fall asleep!

🦷 What happens when you get braces on?

Cheek stretchers are placed to keep your teeth dry
Brackets are bonded to your teeth like little stickers
The whole process is easy and pain-free in the chair
Mild soreness typically begins 4–6 hours after your appointment
You'll feel the most discomfort in the first 24 hours — and feel great by day 4

💊 Dr. Marks recommends over-the-counter headache medicine as needed for those first few days.

🔗 Learn More:

What to Expect at Marks Orthodontics → https://www.marksortho.com/what-to-expect
Braces at Marks Orthodontics → https://www.marksortho.com/braces
Types of Braces & Retainers → https://www.marksortho.com/types-of-braces-retainers
Orthodontic Emergencies → https://www.marksortho.com/emergencies
Braces Terminology → https://www.marksortho.com/braces-terminology

📅 Ready to see what your smile could look like?Schedule your FREE consultation today → https://www.marksortho.com/schedule-a-consultation

❓ More questions? → https://www.marksortho.com/frequently-asked-questions

📍 Proudly serving Muskegon, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Fruitport, Nunica, Ferrysburg, Holland, and surrounding West Michigan communities.

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