Braces work by gradually tightening the wires connecting the brackets and moving them into the correct position to create a straighter smile. Your orthodontist will attach the brackets to each tooth and connect them with a metal wire and rubber bands. The metal wire and rubber bands adjust to maintain the tightness necessary to align the teeth. Braces generally aren’t painful, but they can cause some discomfort after you first get them on and some adjustment appointments. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to alleviate discomfort. Thankfully, this discomfort should go away after a couple of days.