Will Getting Braces Be Painful? Here’s What to Expect from a Spring Hill FL and Lecanto FL Orthodontist
April 21st, 2025
If you or your child is about to get braces and you're wondering, "Will it hurt?"—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we hear at Strouse Orthodontics, and the short answer is: getting braces put on is not painful. Let’s walk you through exactly what to expect and how we make the experience as smooth (and even fun) as possible.
Step By Step: What Happens When you Get Braces?
1. Cleaning the Teeth
Before anything goes on, we clean and polish your teeth. This helps the braces stick properly and ensures a healthy foundation for treatment. This step feels just like a regular dental cleaning—simple and painless.
2. Cheek Retractor: Yes, You’ll Look Like You’re Playing "Speak Out"
Next, we use a cheek retractor to gently hold your lips and cheeks out of the way. If you’ve ever played the game Speak Out, you’ll know exactly what this looks like. It might feel a little silly at first, but most patients laugh through it—and it gives us a great view of your teeth so we can do precise work.
3. Placing the Brackets
Now comes the star of the show: the braces themselves. We apply a special bonding material to each tooth and place a bracket (the small square) on top. A light is used to cure the adhesive and lock everything in place. There are no needles, no drilling, and no pain involved.
4. Inserting the Wire
Once the brackets are set, we thread a thin archwire through each one and secure it with small ties. This wire is what will gently move your teeth over time. You may feel a little pressure when this step is done—but it’s not painful.
5. Reviewing Your Instructions
Before you leave, we’ll go over everything you need to know: how to brush and floss with braces, foods to avoid, and how to keep your teeth clean and healthy throughout your treatment. You’ll leave feeling confident and ready to go.
What About Pain Afterward?
It’s normal to feel some mild soreness a few hours after your braces are placed and for a couple of days after that. This isn’t because anything is wrong—it’s just your teeth beginning to move. Think of it like starting a new workout; a little soreness means it’s working.
For any discomfort, we’ve got you covered. We offer a Pain Eraser at our office—a small, drug-free device that helps block discomfort using gentle micro-pulses. It’s easy to use, safe for all ages, and a great tool to help you stay comfortable through treatment.
Want to dive deeper into handling any soreness during your journey? Check out our full post here:
? Braces Causing Discomfort? Here’s What You Need to Know (and What You Can Do About It)
Bottom Line: Getting Braces Doesn’t Hurt
The process of getting braces is simple, gentle, and nothing to fear. At Strouse Orthodontics, we take extra steps to ensure your experience is comfortable, informative, and even fun. You’re in good hands—and we’re here every step of the way.
We are your orthodontist in Spring Hill, FL and Lecanto, FL for all of your orthodontic needs in Citrus County FL and Hernando County FL. Give us a call at 352-688-0331 or email us at hello@strouseorthodontics.com. Let’s get started on your smile transformation—minus the stress.