The usual side effects of braces are typically temporary and may include some discomfort or soreness in the mouth after getting them or following adjustments. The brackets and wires can irritate the cheeks, lips, and tongue, causing mild sores. Eating soft foods and using orthodontic wax can help alleviate this discomfort. Additionally, they may temporarily affect speech, causing slight lisping or difficulty pronouncing certain words, but this usually improves with time as the mouth adjusts. In some cases, patients may experience a feeling of pressure on the teeth during the initial phases of treatment. Overall, these side effects are manageable and part of the adjustment process as they gradually work to align the teeth properly.