Do Removable Braces Hurt? What to Expect During Your First Week

One of the most common questions people ask before starting treatment with removable braces is simple: will it hurt? It's a completely reasonable concern — you're about to put something unfamiliar in your mouth that's designed to move your teeth. The honest answer is that most patients experience some discomfort, particularly during the first few days, but it's rarely described as painful. In this guide, we explain what's normal, walk you through a realistic first-week timeline, and share practical aligner pain relief tips that are safe to use.

This guide is for anyone about to start treatment with removable braces (clear aligners), or anyone considering it and wondering what the experience is actually like. It's also useful if you've just received your first set of trays and want reassurance about what you're feeling. As always, if you experience anything that feels significantly painful or unusual, contact your treating clinician rather than relying on general advice.

Do Removable Braces Hurt? What Is Normal vs Not

Let's start with what the experience actually feels like — because "do braces hurt?" is a question that deserves a nuanced answer rather than a simple yes or no.

What's Normal

• Pressure and tightness: when you first put in a new set of aligners, you'll likely feel a snug, squeezing sensation. This is the aligner applying controlled force to move your teeth — it's a sign the trays are working
• Tenderness when biting: your teeth may feel tender when you bite down on food, especially in the first 24–48 hours. This is similar to the feeling after having braces tightened
• Mild aching: a general, low-level ache across the teeth that are being moved. It often feels worse at night or when you first wake up
• Temporary lisp: some patients notice a slight change in speech for the first day or two — this is normal and resolves quickly as your tongue adapts
• Slight edge irritation: the edges of the aligner may initially feel unfamiliar against your lips or tongue, though this is much less pronounced than with fixed braces

What's Not Normal

• Sharp, stabbing pain: a localised sharp pain in a specific tooth could indicate an issue with the tray fit or an underlying dental problem
• Pain that gets worse after 3–4 days rather than better: discomfort should be easing, not intensifying
• Significant gum pain or bleeding: while slight gum tenderness can occur, significant pain or bleeding suggests something isn't right
• Clicking jaw, headaches, or ear pain: these could indicate a bite issue and should be assessed
• A tray that doesn't fit or feels dramatically different from previous sets: this may mean the teeth aren't tracking as planned

First-Week Timeline: Day-by-Day Expectations

Here's a realistic breakdown of what most patients experience during their first week with removable braces. Keep in mind that everyone is different — some people feel very little, while others find the first few days quite noticeable.

Important note: this pattern repeats — to a lesser degree — each time you switch to a new set of aligners. Most patients find that the discomfort reduces with each successive tray change as they become accustomed to the sensation and as their teeth require smaller movements.

Comfort Tips That Are Safe — and What to Avoid

Here are practical, evidence-based approaches to managing discomfort during your first week with removable braces:

Safe Aligner Pain Relief

• Over-the-counter pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen (taken according to the manufacturer's instructions) can help manage initial soreness. Ibuprofen also has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce gum tenderness. Always follow dosage guidelines and check for contraindications
• Cold water or cold compresses: sipping cold water with your aligners in can help numb mild discomfort. A cold compress held against the outside of your cheek can also soothe soreness
• Switch trays before bed: many clinicians recommend putting in a new set of aligners just before going to sleep. This way, the tightest hours occur while you're sleeping, and the trays have loosened slightly by morning
• Chew exercises: some providers recommend using aligner chewies (small cylindrical devices) to help seat the trays properly and reduce pressure points. Chewing on them gently for a few minutes can help the aligner settle into place
• Soft foods for the first day or two: stick to softer foods like soup, pasta, yoghurt, and scrambled eggs while your teeth are at their most tender. You can return to your normal diet as the soreness eases
• Orthodontic wax (if needed): if a specific edge of the aligner is rubbing against your lip or cheek, a small amount of orthodontic wax applied to the area can provide temporary relief

What to Avoid

• Don't remove the aligners for extended periods to avoid discomfort: it may be tempting to leave them out, but this actually makes things worse — each time you put them back in, you'll feel the tightness again. Consistent wear (20–22 hours per day) means your teeth adapt faster
• Don't apply heat: hot compresses or very hot drinks with trays in can soften the aligner material and compromise the fit
• Don't skip trays: jumping ahead to the next set of aligners won't speed things up — it can cause excessive force and increase pain
• Don't use aspirin directly on gums: placing aspirin tablets against the gums can cause chemical burns to the tissue
• Don't file or trim the aligners yourself: if the edges are irritating, contact your clinician rather than modifying the trays, as this can alter the fit and affect treatment

Who Clear Aligners May Not Be Suitable For

While this guide focuses on comfort during treatment, it's worth noting that removable braces aren't suitable for every patient. Clear aligners may not be the right option if:

• Your case is clinically complex: severe crowding, significant bite issues, or cases requiring tooth extractions may be managed more predictably with fixed braces
• You have active gum disease or untreated decay: oral health must be stabilised before any orthodontic treatment
• Compliance is a concern: if wearing trays for 20–22 hours per day consistently isn't realistic, fixed braces remove the compliance variable
• You're a child with mixed dentition: removable braces are generally more appropriate once most or all permanent teeth have erupted
• You have very sensitive teeth or gums: while aligners are generally well-tolerated, patients with existing sensitivity conditions should discuss this with their clinician before starting

You can explore the aligner options we offer to understand how different treatment tiers suit different cases and budgets.

Safety and Compliance Notes for UK Patients

If you're considering removable braces, here are some important regulatory and safety points for UK patients:

GDC Standards

The General Dental Council requires that all orthodontic treatment is provided by, or under the supervision of, a GDC-registered dental professional. This includes a face-to-face clinical examination before treatment, a comprehensive oral health assessment, ongoing monitoring during treatment, and clear communication about risks and alternatives.

Direct-to-Consumer Services

The GDC has published specific guidance on aligners sent directly to your home. While some patients have positive experiences with remote services, the absence of in-person assessment and monitoring means complications — including excessive pain, poor tracking, and gum issues — may not be caught early. If you're experiencing unusual discomfort and don't have access to a clinician, this is a significant disadvantage.

What to Expect From a Good Provider

• A clear explanation of what discomfort to expect and when to get in touch
• Accessible contact details for questions or concerns between appointments
• Regular check-ups to monitor progress and address any issues
• Transparent pricing — you can review our costs and what's included as a reference

Frequently Asked Questions

Do removable braces hurt more than fixed braces?

Most patients find removable braces (clear aligners) more comfortable than fixed braces. There are no metal brackets or wires to irritate the cheeks and lips, and the forces are applied more gradually. Both types cause some discomfort when teeth are being actively moved, but the experience with aligners is generally described as pressure rather than pain.

How long does the pain from removable braces last?

The most noticeable discomfort typically lasts 2–3 days after putting in a new set of aligners. By days 4–5, most patients feel comfortable. The first set tends to cause the most awareness, and subsequent tray changes usually feel progressively easier.

Can I take painkillers for aligner discomfort?

Yes. Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen (used according to the manufacturer's instructions) is commonly recommended for managing initial soreness. If you find you're needing pain relief beyond the first few days of a new tray, contact your clinician.

Should I take my aligners out if they hurt?

No — removing them for long periods actually makes things worse because your teeth begin to shift back, and the tightness returns when you put the trays in again. The fastest way through the discomfort is to keep wearing the aligners consistently (20–22 hours per day). The sensation settles as your teeth adjust to the new position.

Why do some trays hurt more than others?

Each set of aligners targets different teeth and different movements. Some stages involve larger movements or more teeth simultaneously, which can feel more noticeable. Trays that introduce attachments (small composite bumps bonded to teeth) may also feel tighter initially. This is normal and expected.

Do aligners hurt when you take them out?

Removing aligners shouldn't be painful, but it can feel a little awkward in the first day or two — especially if the fit is snug. As the tray loosens over the wear period, removal becomes easier. Using the technique your clinician demonstrates (starting from the back teeth) helps avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Is it normal for aligners to make my teeth feel loose?

A slight feeling of looseness is normal during orthodontic treatment — it means the teeth are moving through the bone as planned. This is a temporary and expected part of the process. However, if a tooth feels significantly loose or wobbly, contact your clinician for an assessment.

Will every new set of aligners hurt?

Most patients notice some tightness with each new set, but it typically becomes less noticeable as treatment progresses. The first few sets tend to be the most noticeable. By mid-treatment, many patients describe the switch to new trays as mild tightness that settles within a few hours.

Can I use numbing gel for aligner pain?

Topical oral anaesthetic gels (available from pharmacies) can provide short-term relief if a specific area of the gum is sore. However, they're generally not needed — paracetamol, ibuprofen, and cold water are usually sufficient. If you're reaching for numbing gel regularly, it's worth speaking to your clinician to check everything is tracking correctly.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not constitute dental or medical advice. Every case is different, and treatment suitability can only be determined through an in-person clinical assessment by a GDC-registered dental professional. Timelines, costs, and outcomes described are estimates and may vary.