It is completely natural to fear pain before starting orthodontic treatment. It’s one of the questions I hear most often during the initial consultation — and the answer is reassuring.
What does it feel like?
It is normal to feel some pressure or sensitivity in your teeth in the hours following an activation appointment — it is a sign that the teeth are responding to the treatment. This discomfort is usually mild, occurs mostly in the initial stages, and resolves itself within two to three days.
Tolerance varies from person to person: some patients barely notice any change, while others experience greater sensitivity. For the latter, a simple painkiller like paracetamol is generally sufficient.
Braces versus aligners
With braces, there might be some initial irritation on the oral mucosa (lips and cheeks) while the mouth adapts to the appliance. With aligners, because the surface is smooth and edge-free, irritation to the soft tissues is rare.
Emergencies during treatment
Before starting the treatment, I provide practical guidelines on how to handle the most common situations — such as a bracket coming loose or a wire that might cause discomfort. In any case, the clinical team is always available to answer questions or resolve any unforeseen issues.
Conclusion
Discomfort is part of the process — it’s a sign that the teeth are moving. But it is temporary, manageable, and, for the vast majority of patients, much milder than they had anticipated.