The first few nights after getting braces can feel a little uncomfortable. Your teeth are adjusting, your gums may feel tender, and suddenly, even something as simple as sleeping feels like a challenge. Don’t worry this is completely normal, and the discomfort is temporary. With the right tips and remedies, you can get the rest you need while your braces start working toward that healthier, straighter smile.
At Smiles By Design Orthodontics, we want every step of your treatment to feel manageable. That includes those important hours of sleep. Here’s your complete guide to sleeping comfortably after getting braces.
Why Sleep Feels Different with Braces
Initial Pressure and Tenderness
Braces work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to guide your teeth into alignment. That pressure can cause soreness, especially in the first few days after adjustments.
New Sensations in Your Mouth
Wires and brackets are new to your lips, cheeks, and gums. While your mouth adjusts, you may notice sensitivity when lying down.
Anxiety About Sleeping Position
Some patients feel nervous about rolling onto their side or stomach, worried they might bump or irritate their braces while asleep.
Knowing these challenges helps you prepare and reassures you that with the right remedies, you’ll sleep soundly again.
Daily Habits That Improve Nighttime Comfort
Stick to Soft Foods Before Bed
Eating softer foods like yogurt, pasta, or smoothies before bedtime helps reduce soreness. Hard or crunchy foods can make teeth more sensitive just before you lie down.
Keep Up with Oral Hygiene
Brushing and flossing thoroughly before bed prevents food particles from irritating sore gums. A clean mouth always feels better and helps you sleep easier. Check out our life with braces guide for more cleaning tips.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water throughout the evening keeps your mouth fresh and helps reduce dryness, which can make braces feel more noticeable at night.
Remedies to Relieve Braces Discomfort at Night
Orthodontic Wax for Irritation
Apply orthodontic wax to brackets or wires that rub against your cheeks or lips. The wax creates a smooth barrier that prevents cuts or sores from forming while you sleep.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
If discomfort makes it hard to fall asleep, taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen as directed by your orthodontist can help reduce soreness.
Cold Compress Before Bed
Holding a cold compress against your jaw for 1015 minutes helps numb soreness and reduce inflammation, making it easier to drift off to sleep.
Sleeping Positions for Braces Comfort
Sleeping on Your Back
This is often the most comfortable position because it keeps pressure off your cheeks and braces. It also minimizes the chance of rolling onto your braces during the night.
Using Pillows for Support
If you naturally roll in your sleep, placing pillows on either side of your body can help keep you comfortably on your back.
Elevating Your Head Slightly
Using an extra pillow can reduce blood flow to sensitive areas, easing throbbing sensations that sometimes happen after new adjustments.
Nighttime Routines That Make a Difference
Warm Saltwater Rinse
Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater before bed soothes gums and helps prevent irritation from braces rubbing overnight.
Relaxation Techniques
Stress can make soreness feel worse. Deep breathing, stretching, or listening to calming music before bed helps your body relax and encourages better sleep.
Consistency Is Key
Over time, your body adapts to braces. Following a routine each night signals to your body that it’s time to wind down and makes sleeping more comfortable.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Wax – leads to unnecessary cuts and irritation.
- Eating Hard Foods at Night – can trigger soreness right before bed.
- Sleeping Face-Down – puts direct pressure on brackets and can worsen discomfort.
- Not Taking Mild Pain Relief When Needed – can leave you tossing and turning instead of resting.
By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll make the adjustment period shorter and easier.
Lifestyle Adjustments That Support Better Sleep
Stay Active During the Day
Exercise helps reduce stress and improves overall sleep quality. Patients often notice they sleep more deeply on active days.
Limit Sugary Drinks and Caffeine
Caffeine makes it harder to fall asleep, while sugary drinks can irritate braces and cause buildup that feels uncomfortable at night.
Track Progress with Positivity
Remind yourself that every night of wearing braces brings you closer to your dream smile. Staying positive can make discomfort easier to handle.
When to Contact Your Orthodontist
Most nighttime discomfort is normal in the first few days after getting braces or after an adjustment. But if you notice sharp wire pokes, severe pain, or broken brackets, reach out to your orthodontist for help. At Smiles By Design Orthodontics, we’re here to make sure your treatment stays smooth and comfortable.
Why Choose Smiles By Design Orthodontics?
At Smiles By Design Orthodontics, we go beyond simply placing braces we help you feel comfortable at every step. From your first consultation to regular adjustments, our team provides guidance on everything from daily care to sleeping comfortably.
Our personalized approach ensures you feel supported and confident while your smile transforms. With advanced technology, caring orthodontists, and a commitment to your comfort, we make your braces journey easier.
Adjusting to braces takes a little time, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a good night’s sleep. With soft foods, proper cleaning, orthodontic wax, and smart sleeping positions, you’ll ease discomfort and rest peacefully while your braces do their job.
Remember: the first few days may be the toughest, but the payoff is a confident, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. At Smiles By Design Orthodontics, we’ll be here every step of the way, helping you sleep comfortably and smile beautifully through your treatment.
Ready for Better Sleep and a Straighter Smile?
If you’ve just gotten braces or are thinking about starting orthodontic treatment, let Smiles By Design Orthodontics guide you. From pain-relief tips to lifestyle advice, we’ll make sure you feel confident and supported at every stage.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a healthier smile and a better night’s sleep.