Getting braces is a big step toward a healthier, more confident smile. At Washington Orthodontics in Federal Way, a lot of our patients feel the most nervous about the first week. They wonder how much it will hurt, what they can eat, and whether what they are feeling is normal.
This guide walks you through your first week with braces in simple, honest language. You will learn what to expect day by day, what foods are safest, how to handle soreness, which red flags to watch for, and where braces can take your smile over time.
Why the First Week With Braces Feels So Different
Braces work by applying gentle, steady pressure on your teeth. That pressure is what guides the teeth into better positions over time. When your braces are first placed, your teeth, gums, and even the bone around your teeth are reacting to a new force. This is why the first week can feel so strange.
You may notice:
- Soreness or tenderness when you bite down
- A feeling that your bite is “off” or different
- Lips and cheeks rubbing against the brackets
- A slight lisp or extra saliva at first
All of this is expected. Students in Federal Way heading back to school and adults going back to work after their bonding appointment often tell us that things feel “big” or “bulky” at first. That feeling usually calms down as your cheeks, lips, and tongue get used to the new hardware.
Day-by-Day Timeline: Your First Week With Braces in Federal Way
Day 1: Getting Your Braces On
On the day you get your braces, the team at Washington Orthodontics will clean and dry your teeth, place the brackets, and connect them with the archwire. You may feel pressure on your teeth, but not sharp pain during the appointment.
Once you leave the office, your teeth may start to feel tight or “hugged.” For the rest of the day, stick to soft foods, sip cool water, and give your mouth time to adjust. This is a good time to test out orthodontic wax if any brackets or hooks feel rough.
Days 2–3: Peak Soreness and Tender Teeth
Most patients feel the most soreness on days two and three. Biting into firm foods can feel uncomfortable, and your front teeth may be especially sensitive. This is usually a dull, achy feeling rather than sharp pain, although it can still be annoying.
To get through these days more comfortably, you can:
- Stay on soft foods that do not require heavy chewing
- Use orthodontic wax on rough spots
- Rinse gently with warm salt water to soothe sore areas
- Talk with your dentist, physician, or pharmacist about over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
Once this first week is over, your regular adjustment visits are what keep your teeth moving in the right direction. If you are curious about the schedule for those visits, you can read more about how often braces are tightened and what to expect at each visit.
Days 4–7: Getting Used to Life With Braces
By days four through seven, soreness usually starts to fade. Your teeth may still feel tender when you chew, but it should be more manageable. You might notice a few new rubbing spots on the inside of your cheeks or lips as your mouth adjusts.
This is the time when braces start to feel more “normal.” You can slowly expand your menu of soft foods, practice talking clearly, and get into a good brushing and flossing routine. If pain is getting worse instead of better, or you feel something sharp or broken, call our Federal Way office so we can take a closer look.
What You Can Eat During the First Week With Braces
Soft foods are your best friend in the first week. They are easier to chew and less likely to irritate sore teeth and gums. Many Federal Way families like to plan a “soft food week” so they do not have to think too hard about meals while everyone is adjusting.
Good options include:
- Yogurt, smoothies, and milkshakes
- Mashed potatoes, rice, and soft noodles
- Scrambled eggs and soft cooked fish
- Soups that are not too hot
- Soft breads without hard crusts
- Applesauce, bananas, and ripe peaches
- Ice cream or frozen yogurt for a cool treat
Cut food into smaller pieces and chew slowly. Even soft foods can feel easier to manage when you are not asking your teeth to do too much at once.
Foods to Avoid to Protect Your Braces
Some foods can damage brackets and wires or get stuck in places that are hard to clean. Avoiding these foods in your first week, and really throughout treatment, will help you stay out of emergency appointments and protect your progress.
Try to steer clear of:
- Hard foods: ice, hard candies, nuts, thick pizza crust
- Sticky or chewy foods: caramel, taffy, very chewy candies, sticky rice that hardens
- Crunchy foods: popcorn, chips that shatter into sharp pieces, raw carrots
- Biting straight into things: whole apples, corn on the cob, big sandwiches
If you want foods like apples or raw veggies, cut them into thin slices and chew with your back teeth. The goal is to avoid putting a lot of force on the brackets, especially in your first week.
Managing Soreness and Irritation in the First Week
Soreness in the first week is normal. Your braces are new, and your teeth are reacting to gentle pressure. The good news is that there are simple ways to make this phase more comfortable.
Comfort tips include:
- Using orthodontic wax on any bracket or wire that feels rough
- Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water a few times a day
- Using a cold compress on the outside of your cheek for short periods
- Sticking with soft, cool foods until chewing feels easier
If you are thinking about pain relievers, follow the directions on the label and talk to your physician, dentist, or pharmacist if you have questions. If the pain is severe, keeps you awake, or does not improve after a few days, it is a sign to contact Washington Orthodontics.
Talking, Eating, and Daily Life With New Braces
Many Federal Way patients worry about how braces will affect school, sports, work, or social life. The first week can feel a little awkward, but you will be surprised how quickly your brain and mouth adapt.
You might notice a slight lisp when you talk, or you may feel shy about smiling at first. Practice reading out loud at home, smile in the mirror, and give yourself permission to feel a little goofy as you adjust. Most people around you are more focused on their own day and will not notice the small changes as much as you do.
Playing Sports? Why a Mouth Guard Still Matters
If you play sports, especially contact sports, a mouth guard becomes even more important with braces. It helps protect your lips, cheeks, teeth, and the braces themselves in case of impact. Just remember that a mouth guard is for protection, not for moving teeth.
If you are curious about the difference, you can check out this article that explains why a guard is not a replacement for orthodontic treatment: can a mouth guard straighten teeth.
Brushing and Flossing With Braces in the First Week
It might feel tempting to brush less when everything is sore, but good oral hygiene is more important than ever with braces. Plaque collects more easily around brackets and wires, and food can get trapped in new places.
Tips for brushing with braces:
- Use a soft toothbrush and brush for at least two minutes
- Angle the bristles above and below the brackets, not just straight on
- Gently brush along the gumline to keep gums healthy
For flossing, tools like floss threaders, orthodontic floss, or a water flosser can make things easier. At Washington Orthodontics, we are happy to demonstrate these techniques during your appointment so you feel confident at home.
Common First-Week Problems and How to Handle Them
Some small issues can show up in your first week. They can feel alarming in the moment, but most are easy to manage.
- Poking wire: Dry the area and cover the wire with orthodontic wax. If it keeps bothering you, call the office for guidance.
- Sore spots or ulcers: Rinse with warm salt water and use wax on the brackets touching that area.
- Loose bracket: If the bracket is still on the wire, leave it in place, avoid sticky foods, and call us to schedule a repair.
- Food stuck around brackets: Use an interdental brush, floss threader, or water flosser to gently remove it.
If you are ever unsure whether something is normal, it is always okay to call our Federal Way team and ask.
Red Flags: When to Call Your Federal Way Orthodontist
While most first-week issues are minor, there are times when you should reach out to Washington Orthodontics right away. Call us if you notice:
- A wire that is cutting your cheek or tongue and cannot be covered with wax
- Severe pain that does not improve over several days
- Swelling, pus, or signs of infection around a tooth or gums
- Injury from a fall, sports, or accident that hits your face or mouth
- Several broken brackets or a wire that has come out entirely
Our team can often fit in urgent visits or walk you through temporary fixes over the phone until you can come in.
How Braces Help Fix Bite Problems Over Time
During your first week with braces, your bite might feel strange. That is because braces are not only straightening teeth. They are also guiding how your upper and lower teeth fit together. Over time, this helps improve chewing, speech, and jaw comfort.
Deep Bite and “Too Much Overlap”
Some patients start treatment with a deep bite, where the upper front teeth cover too much of the lower teeth when biting down. Braces can help open the bite so the teeth meet in a healthier way. If you want to see what that process can look like, including the timeline, check out this article on deep bite correction with braces and what the timeline looks like.
Correcting a deep bite can protect your front teeth from excessive wear and can reduce stress on the jaw joint over the years.
Open Bite and Trouble Biting Into Food
Other patients have an open bite, where the front teeth do not touch when they close their mouth. This can make it hard to bite into foods like sandwiches or apples and can sometimes affect speech. Braces and elastics are often used together to help close that gap.
To see how this type of problem is treated in more detail, you can learn more about open bite correction with braces and what to expect from treatment.
Paying for Braces and Planning Your Budget
It is completely normal for Federal Way families to have questions about the cost of braces. The first week is usually when the financial side really starts to feel real. The good news is that many practices offer payment options to make treatment more manageable.
Flexible Braces Payment Options
Monthly payment plans, family discounts, and in-house financing can all help spread out the cost of treatment. Some locations even offer plans that do not require a credit check, which can be helpful for families building their credit or new to the area.
If you are exploring options like this, take a look at this article on braces payment plans with no credit check to see how those arrangements can work.
What an Orthodontic Consultation Typically Costs
Before braces are placed, a consultation and full exam are needed to understand your bite, tooth position, and treatment goals. Many patients are surprised at how affordable this first step can be, especially compared to the long-term benefits of treatment.
To get a better idea of what is usually included and what affects the price, you can read about orthodontist consultation costs and what is usually included.
Other Treatment Options for Kids and Teens
Traditional braces are very popular for kids and teens because they work well for a wide range of orthodontic problems. In some cases, especially for mild to moderate issues, clear aligners may be an option for older kids and teens who are responsible enough to wear them as directed.
Parents who are curious about aligners for their children often have questions about age, responsibility, and what results to expect. For a deeper look at these choices, you can read this guide on Invisalign for kids and how parents can decide if it is the right choice.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children see an orthodontist by age seven. At Washington Orthodontics, we follow this guideline so we can catch problems early and decide whether they need early treatment or just regular checkups over time. No referral is needed, so families can schedule directly with our Federal Way office.
First-Week Braces FAQ for Federal Way Patients
How long will my braces hurt after getting them on?
Most patients feel soreness for three to five days after getting braces. It should slowly improve. If pain is getting worse or is intense, call our office.
Can I go to school or work the day after getting braces?
Yes. Many people go right back to school or work. Plan soft foods, bring wax, and give yourself a little extra time to adjust.
Can I play sports during the first week with braces?
Yes, but a mouth guard is important for protection. We can help you choose one that works well with braces.
What should I do if I accidentally eat something hard or sticky?
Do not panic. Check for any loose or broken brackets, brush carefully, and call our office if you notice damage or feel something sharp.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist in Federal Way?
No referral is needed to see an orthodontist at Washington Orthodontics. You can contact us directly for a consultation.
When should my child have their first orthodontic checkup?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic checkup by age seven. We can help you decide if your child needs early treatment or just periodic monitoring.
Why Choose Washington Orthodontics in Federal Way for Your Braces
Your first week with braces is just the beginning of your smile journey. At Washington Orthodontics in Federal Way, Dr. Moon and our team focus on making that first week as smooth as possible. We treat kids, teens, and adults, offer clear aligner options for those who qualify, and provide early Phase I treatment when it is needed.
If you are thinking about braces or you have just started your first week and have questions, we are here to help. No referral is needed. Call our Federal Way office or request an appointment online to schedule a consultation and start your path toward a smile that is better than yesterday.
