If you are just starting braces or Invisalign, you have probably heard two truths. The first, your smile will change in a way that makes every photo easier. The second, some days your teeth will feel tender. As a Calgary orthodontist who has adjusted thousands of braces and guided just as many Invisalign patients, I can tell you pain is usually manageable, temporary, and predictable. A plan, not bravado, gets you through the rough patches.
What follows is a practical guide to what soreness feels like at different stages, what actually helps, and how to avoid the avoidable. I will also point out when discomfort veers into something you should call about, because stoicism does not straighten teeth faster. It only keeps you from eating dinner.
What pain feels like at each stage
Discomfort changes shape throughout treatment. Understanding the pattern helps you prepare your routine instead of guessing.
The first 24 to 72 hours after braces go on can feel like pressure that dulls into a deep ache. Teeth are adapting to force. Chewing may feel awkward, like biting into a ripe peach with loose front teeth. The cheeks and lips need time to toughen up around brackets. You may notice tiny sore spots where a bracket corner rubs or a wire end tickles the back of the mouth.
On week two, pressure typically fades to fleeting tenderness. Your bite is in flux, so a tooth that felt fine yesterday can feel sensitive today. This is normal. Most people go about their day without needing pain medication by this point. Irritation from rubbing is still common until the tissue builds resilience.
Every adjustment appointment resets the clock a little, but not as dramatically as the first week. Expect 24 to 48 hours of renewed pressure after each tightening or wire change. With Invisalign, think smaller but more frequent waves. Each new aligner brings a day or two of pressure, most noticeable when you first switch trays. By day three, your teeth usually adapt and the edge discomfort on the cheeks disappears.
When rubber bands enter the picture, especially if you are moving the bite front to back, you may feel tightness at the corners of your mouth and tenderness in the anchor teeth. Power chains apply continuous traction and can create a more persistent pull for several days. The upside is that these tools often speed up the most visible changes.
Late in treatment, when we refine small details, soreness becomes more pinpointed. It might be a single tooth complaining after we place a bend in the wire to tip a root a millimeter. These episodes are short and usually resolve within 48 hours.
If at any stage you feel a sharp, electric pain that does not settle with pressure relief measures, or if you cannot chew on one side at all after several days, call. That pattern does not fit the typical arc.
The biology behind the ache
Knowing why soreness happens makes it less alarming. When we apply force to teeth, they move through bone. On the side where the tooth is pushing, bone breaks down microscopically. On the opposite side, bone rebuilds to fill the space. This process, called bone remodeling, involves inflammation, which is your body’s version of a construction crew. Inflammation feels like pressure and tenderness because blood flow increases and chemical messengers sensitize nerve endings.
That is why cold helps, why time helps, and why a steady, gentle force is better than massive pressure. It is also why the first days with braces or a fresh Invisalign tray feel intense. The body notices the new force and kicks off the building project. By the end of the week, the crew has settled into a routine and the area calms down.
Calgary realities: cold, dry air, and comfort foods that actually help
Our climate shapes how people experience braces. Calgary’s dry air changes oral tissues. Cheeks and lips can crack and stick to brackets in winter, which makes rubbing worse. Dry mouth compounds soreness. A simple fix is hydration. Aim for regular sips of water during the day. Sugar-free lozenges or xylitol gum help stimulate saliva for those not in braces, but gum and fixed braces do not mix. For Invisalign wearers, remove trays to chew gum, then brush and reinsert to avoid trapping sugar or acid under the aligner.
Cold can be your ally. Keep a water bottle in the fridge and swish with cold water when soreness peaks. Some patients freeze damp washcloths and press them against the cheeks for ten minutes. Avoid sucking on ice cubes if your teeth feel sensitive to cold; the external cold pack delivers relief without provoking tooth sensitivity.
Comfort foods do not need to be bland. A bowl of noodle soup with soft vegetables and shredded chicken is safe and satisfying. Greek yogurt with honey or berries works well after adjustments. A mashed sweet potato with a pat of butter has enough substance to keep you full. Avoid hard crusts and nuts until tenderness subsides. Calgary invisalign patients have an easier time with diet flexibility, but if you remove trays for every snack you will miss wear time, so plan larger, softer meals in the adjustment window.
Braces, Invisalign, and the pain curve
Pain profiles differ between braces and aligners. With dental braces, you get a strong first wave and smaller aftershocks with each adjustment. Brackets and wires also add the component of cheek and lip irritation.
With Invisalign, think micro-waves. You change trays weekly or biweekly, so you feel shorter, milder pressure more often. There is very little soft-tissue irritation unless an edge is sharp. Invisalign attachments — small tooth-colored bumps — are smooth, but in dry winter months even aligner edges can feel rough until you polish them with an emery board. Ask us first, and we will show you how to smooth safely if needed.
Pain is not a scoreboard for effectiveness. Teeth can move efficiently with low discomfort if forces are planned well. Aggressive force risks root resorption and gum recession. Good orthodontists in Calgary, or anywhere, aim for steady progress, not heroics.
Building your personal pain plan
Here is how I coach patients to stay ahead of soreness. Think routine, not reaction.
Eat a soft, protein-rich meal before your braces go on or before an adjustment. Tender teeth plus an empty stomach equals cranky. I keep appointments earlier in the day for younger patients so they are not skipping meals while uncomfortable.
Have orthodontic wax at home and in your bag. The trick with wax is to dry the bracket with a tissue first, then warm the wax between fingers before pressing it over the edge. Replace it after meals. If wax solves a rubbing spot, great. If a wire end is actually poking the cheek, call. We can clip or tuck it in five minutes.
Cold therapy works. For braces, a cold silicone chew toy designed for orthodontic patients can be gently bit down on for a few minutes at a time. Cold water swish, ten seconds on each side, helps as well.
Pain relievers are fine if you do not have medical reasons to avoid them. Acetaminophen is orthodontist-friendly because it does not affect the inflammatory process as strongly. Ibuprofen or naproxen can reduce soreness well, especially on night one, but some evidence suggests heavy, prolonged NSAID use may slow tooth movement a bit. I typically suggest acetaminophen first, or a short course of NSAIDs for the first 24 to 48 hours if you know they work better for you. Check with your physician if you have any conditions or take anticoagulants.
Saltwater rinses calm irritated tissues. Mix half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water and swish for 30 seconds twice a day for two to three days when the cheeks feel raw. It is an old remedy that still earns its place.
Oral hygiene matters more when things feel tender, not less. Plaque inflames gums, which amplifies soreness. Use a soft-bristled brush, angle at 45 degrees to the gumline, and take your time. If the gums bleed, that is a sign to keep brushing gently, not to stop. A water flosser can help around brackets. For Invisalign, brush and floss before trays go back in. Trapping food debris under aligners is a recipe for tenderness and white spot lesions.
Timing small hacks that make a big difference
Switch Invisalign trays at night. You sleep through the peak of the new force. By morning, most of the sharpness has softened. Wear new trays for at least 12 hours straight before your first removal if you can. The initial lock-in helps the teeth seat into the aligner, which lowers daytime soreness.
If you wear elastics, start them immediately after the appointment or tray change to build the habit. Taking a “break” for a day does not spare you discomfort; it just delays progress and prolongs the adjustment period.
For braces, ask to schedule adjustments midweek if you have a weekend hockey tournament or a big presentation. A Tuesday appointment means by Friday you are usually back to normal. Students do better when they are not adjusting on the first day back to school after a long weekend.
When pain is not normal: red flags to act on
Some discomfort is part of the deal. Certain symptoms need attention.
Call if you have a wire poking that draws blood or prevents you from closing your mouth comfortably. We can clip, bend, or replace it quickly. Do not tough it out for days.
Call if an ulcer around a bracket does not improve within four to five days despite wax and salt rinses. We might need to reposition the bracket or smooth an edge. Over-the-counter numbing gels can help for a day, but chronic sores point to a mechanical issue we should fix.
Call if you have a tooth that feels high when you bite, like it is taking all the force, and that sensation persists beyond a few days. We may need to adjust the bite temporarily to prevent trauma.
Call if you notice swelling, pus, or a pimple on the gum near a tooth with a deep restoration or a history of trauma. That could be an endodontic issue unrelated to braces that needs a dentist’s evaluation.
For Invisalign, call if an aligner does not seat fully on one tooth after 48 hours despite using chewies. Persistent non-seating can create excessive pressure on neighboring teeth and extra soreness. We may need to file the aligner slightly, add a button, or plan a refinement.
The small details that prevent big headaches
Wax is not a sign of failure. It is a tool. I have patients who never need it and others who keep it on a few brackets for the first six weeks. The goal is comfort while the cheeks toughen.
Hydration plus lip balm goes a long way in Calgary. Put a tube in your pocket or purse. When the lips are dry, they catch on brackets and split at the corners. A thin layer of balm before bed prevents the recurring cut that so many winter patients battle.
Fluoride matters. With braces, use a toothpaste with 1,350 to 1,500 ppm fluoride and consider a weekly 5,000 ppm prescription paste if you are prone to decalcification. Less plaque means less gum inflammation, which means less soreness.
Orthodontic toothbrushes are nice but not required. What matters is technique. Focus on the gumline and bracket edges. A small-head manual brush or a soft electric brush both work. Replace brush heads more often during braces because they wear faster against metal.
Sports guards protect more than lips. If you play hockey or ringette, get an orthodontic-friendly mouthguard that fits over braces. It prevents impacts from turning a minor bump into a laceration. With Invisalign, trays are not mouthguards. Remove them and use a proper guard for contact sports, then reinsert after.
For parents: helping kids ride the first wave
The first week tests routines at home. I advise parents to plan a soft dinner the night braces go on. If your child likes smoothies, blend in Greek yogurt or nut-free protein powder for substance. Offer a cold dessert, not as a treat but as therapy. A popsicle eases the ache and brightens the mood.
Check wax use twice a day. Kids often forget they have it, then swallow it without realizing and wonder why the sore spot never improves. Show them how to dry the bracket with a tissue and reapply after meals.
A pain reliever at bedtime the first night helps sleep. Tired kids tolerate soreness poorly. Keep a water bottle by the bed so they can sip if their mouth feels dry.
Finally, celebrate small wins. The first week is the hardest. A shout-out for diligent brushing or for wearing elastics builds momentum.
Managing expectations with honesty
Some patients breeze through, others feel every nudge. Pain tolerance varies. Tooth anatomy varies. Complex movements can require more force and more patience. If you have a deep overbite or significant crowding, the first wire may feel like a fight between your bite and the braces. We sometimes place bite turbos or build small composite pads to keep you from biting off brackets. They can make chewing odd for a week and can create temporary jaw muscle fatigue. Knowing this helps. Your jaw muscles adapt just like your teeth do.
With Invisalign, attachments and elastics are not extras; they are the workhorses. Skipping aligner wear or rubber bands extends treatment and keeps you in that cycle of day-two tenderness longer. Aim for 20 to 22 hours of daily wear. If you know you have a special dinner, shift your tray change to the following night so you are not at peak tenderness at the restaurant.
Medication, supplements, and what to avoid
Most healthy teens and adults manage with over-the-counter acetaminophen or ibuprofen for a day or two. If you have stomach issues, kidney disease, or are on blood thinners, avoid NSAIDs unless cleared by your physician. Some people ask about topical anesthetic gels. They can numb a spot briefly, but the taste and drooling side effects make them less practical. Save them for an ulcer that needs help right before a meal.
Supplements like turmeric or omega-3s have mild anti-inflammatory effects. If you already take them, fine, but do not expect them to erase orthodontic soreness. Clove oil is sometimes suggested for toothaches. It is potent and can irritate soft tissue if used straight. I do not recommend it for braces-related discomfort.
Avoid chewing ice and hard candies. They do not help pain, and they break brackets. Popcorn is a risk for weeks after adjustments. A husk trapped under the gum feels like a knife and is the last thing you need when tender.
Sleep and posture: the overlooked pieces
People clench when they are stressed or tired. Clenching amplifies soreness. If you wake with tight jaw muscles the morning after an adjustment, try a short routine before bed. Place a warm cloth on the jaw muscles for five minutes, then do gentle side-to-side movements to relax. For Invisalign users, ensure the trays are fully seated before sleep, because partially seated trays can create uneven pressure that invites clenching.
Back sleeping helps keep cheeks off brackets in the early days. If you are a side sleeper and wake with a bracket imprint on the cheek, a small, soft pillow under the jaw can reduce pressure.
A Calgary orthodontist’s quick reference for rough days
- Keep it cold and soft for 48 hours: cold water swish, yogurt, soups, smoothies with a spoon, mashed vegetables, eggs. Use wax early, not late. Dry the bracket, warm the wax, and press firmly. Choose acetaminophen first. Save ibuprofen for night one or two if needed and if your doctor allows it. Switch Invisalign trays at night, and wear them continuously for the first 12 hours. Call early for poking wires, non-seating aligners, or sores that do not improve in four to five days.
How the right orthodontist helps you hurt less
Skill and planning reduce pain. A thoughtful Calgary orthodontist sequences wires from light to more rigid with intention. We place bends gradually. We use heat-activated nickel-titanium wires that deliver gentle force as they warm to body temperature. We adjust is not code for crank it tighter. It means we add precise force where biology says it will be effective.
We also build access and communication. If a wire is poking at 8 p.m., you need https://squareblogs.net/gettantlak/family-orthodontist-coordinating-treatment-for-parents-and-teens a same-day fix, not a pep talk. A practice that holds quick repair slots each day prevents avoidable pain. Photography and 3D scans let us track subtle issues like a stubborn canine that keeps getting hung up. Solving those hiccups early keeps discomfort from lingering.
For Invisalign, good planning means fewer sore surprises. If we know a rotation is steep, we pre-program overcorrection, add the right attachment, and coach you on chewies to seat the aligner. We avoid combining too many heavy moves in one stage, which keeps day-one soreness reasonable.
Real stories, real fixes
A university student came in after a weekend backpacking trip, cheeks raw from a wire that started poking on day two. He toughed it out and lived on granola bars and grit. We clipped the wire, smoothed the edge, and his pain was gone in five minutes. The lesson he offered the next patient was simple. Call. Hiking is hard enough without a wire trying to tattoo your cheek.
A 13-year-old hockey player kept cracking his lip at the same spot near a canine bracket. We added a small piece of smooth tubing over the wire in that area during practices, like a bumper. No more cuts, no more missed ice time. Sometimes the fix is a tiny tweak only an orthodontist thinks to try.
One Invisalign patient loved changing trays Monday morning. She powered through work with coffee and grit, but every Monday night she was miserable. We shifted her change to Friday night, and the problem vanished. The same trays felt easier because she slept through the worst hours and had casual weekend meals while adapting.
The mindset that makes treatment easier
Soreness has an endpoint. Teeth do not hurt randomly forever. You can track it like a curve. Day zero feels fine, day one peaks, day two improves, day three you forget about it except when you bite something firm. If you log your first three adjustment cycles or aligner changes, you will see the pattern. That knowledge calms the anxious part of the brain that whispers this will never end.
Stick to the basics: wear what you are prescribed, keep things clean, and ask for help when something feels off. Orthodontics is a partnership. We set the plan, you live it. The Calgary invisalign patients who breeze through are not tougher. They are consistent. The braces patients who have fewer sore spots tend to be the ones who call early about a rough edge and let us fix it.
Pain management is not a single trick. It is a set of small habits timed well. Cold water. Wax applied right. Smart meal planning. Reasonable medication use. Respect for your body’s adaptation curve. With those in place, discomfort becomes a footnote, not the headline, and you get to enjoy the steady, visible change that makes orthodontic treatment worth it.
6 Calgary Locations)
Business Name: Family Braces
Website: https://familybraces.ca
Email: [email protected]
Phone (Main): (403) 202-9220
Fax: (403) 202-9227
Hours (General Inquiries):
Monday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Wednesday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Thursday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am–5:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Locations (6 Clinics Across Calgary, AB):
NW Calgary (Beacon Hill): 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 — Tel: (403) 234-6006
NE Calgary (Deerfoot City): 901 64 Ave NE, Suite #4182, Calgary, AB T2E 7P4 — Tel: (403) 234-6008
SW Calgary (Shawnessy): 303 Shawville Blvd SE #500, Calgary, AB T2Y 3W6 — Tel: (403) 234-6007
SE Calgary (McKenzie): 89, 4307-130th Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 3V8 — Tel: (403) 234-6009
West Calgary (Westhills): 470B Stewart Green SW, Calgary, AB T3H 3C8 — Tel: (403) 234-6004
East Calgary (East Hills): 165 East Hills Boulevard SE, Calgary, AB T2A 6Z8 — Tel: (403) 234-6005
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Maps (6 Locations):
NW (Beacon Hill)
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SW (Shawnessy)
SE (McKenzie)
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Family Braces is a Calgary, Alberta orthodontic brand that provides braces and Invisalign through six clinics across the city and can be reached at (403) 202-9220.
Family Braces offers orthodontic services such as Invisalign, traditional braces, clear braces, retainers, and early phase one treatment options for kids and teens in Calgary.
Family Braces operates in multiple Calgary areas including NW (Beacon Hill), NE (Deerfoot City), SW (Shawnessy), SE (McKenzie), West (Westhills), and East (East Hills) to make orthodontic care more accessible across the city.
Family Braces has a primary clinic location at 11820 Sarcee Trail NW, Calgary, AB T3R 0A1 and also serves patients from additional Calgary shopping-centre-based clinics across other quadrants.
Family Braces provides free consultation appointments for patients who want to explore braces or Invisalign options before starting treatment.
Family Braces supports flexible payment approaches and financing options, and patients should confirm current pricing details directly with the clinic team.
Family Braces can be contacted by email at [email protected] for general questions and scheduling support.
Family Braces maintains six public clinic listings on Google Maps.
Popular Questions About Family Braces
What does Family Braces specialize in?
Family Braces focuses on orthodontic care in Calgary, including braces and Invisalign-style clear aligner treatment options. Treatment recommendations can vary based on an exam and records, so it’s best to book a consultation to confirm what’s right for your situation.
How many locations does Family Braces have in Calgary?
Family Braces has six clinic locations across Calgary (NW, NE, SW, SE, West, and East), designed to make appointments more convenient across different parts of the city.
Do I need a referral to see an orthodontist at Family Braces?
Family Braces generally promotes a no-referral-needed approach for getting started. If you have a dentist or healthcare provider, you can still share relevant records, but most people can begin by booking directly.
What orthodontic treatment options are available?
Depending on your needs, Family Braces may offer options like metal braces, clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, and early orthodontic treatment for children. Your consultation is typically the best way to compare options for comfort, timeline, and budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment usually take?
Orthodontic timelines vary by case complexity, bite correction needs, and how consistently appliances are worn (for aligners). Many treatments commonly take months to a couple of years, but your plan may be shorter or longer.
Does Family Braces offer financing or payment plans?
Family Braces markets payment plan options and financing approaches. Because terms can change, it’s smart to ask during your consultation for the most current monthly payment options and what’s included in the total fee.
Are there options for kids and teens?
Yes, Family Braces offers orthodontic care for children and teens, including early phase one treatment options (when appropriate) and full treatment planning once more permanent teeth are in.
How do I contact Family Braces to book an appointment?
Call +1 (403) 202-9220 or email [email protected] to ask about booking. Website: https://familybraces.ca
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Landmarks Near Calgary, Alberta
Family Braces is proud to serve the Beacon Hill (NW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for orthodontist services in Beacon Hill (NW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Beacon Hill Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NW Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign options for many ages. If you’re looking for braces in NW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (Beacon Hill area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Deerfoot City (NE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in Deerfoot City (NE Calgary), visit Family Braces near Deerfoot City Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the NE Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in NE Calgary, visit Family Braces near The Rec Room (Deerfoot City).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Shawnessy (SW Calgary) community and provides orthodontic services including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in Shawnessy (SW Calgary), visit Family Braces near Shawnessy Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SW Calgary community and offers Invisalign and braces consultations. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in SW Calgary, visit Family Braces near Shawnessy LRT Station.
Family Braces is proud to serve the McKenzie area (SE Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for braces in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near McKenzie Shopping Center.
Family Braces is proud to serve the SE Calgary community and offers orthodontic consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in SE Calgary, visit Family Braces near Staples (130th Ave SE area).
Family Braces is proud to serve the Westhills (West Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Westhills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the West Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for braces in West Calgary, visit Family Braces near Cineplex (Westhills).
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Hills (East Calgary) community and provides orthodontic care including braces and Invisalign. If you’re looking for an orthodontist in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near East Hills Shopping Centre.
Family Braces is proud to serve the East Calgary community and offers braces and Invisalign consultations. If you’re looking for Invisalign in East Calgary, visit Family Braces near Costco (East Hills).