My teeth and jaw were really sore and my tongue was thrashed up from the inside of the bands on my back teeth for about 4 days afterward. My teeth even hurt when I chewed, so I stuck to soup, smoothies (the cold really helps!) mushy food and pasta for a few days. I had a pretty bad headache from everything moving around. I wasn’t however, in actual pain – just serious soreness.
I powered through it with Ibuprofen and it does get a lot easier. You’ll definitely feel the soreness for about three days after you’ve had them tightened, too.
If you are experiencing any pain at all, let your orthodontist know immediately. You could have a wire poking out or one of those antennae sticking somewhere it shouldn’t. That can be easily fixed. Also, don’t underestimate the power of the wax to handle the points where your braces touch the inside of your cheeks and lips- it even comes in fun flavored dots these days.