4 Helpful Tips For Adjusting To Braces At Work

Braces are an excellent solution for patients of all ages who want a straighter smile. If you’re just now having them placed as an adult, however, it’s a bit of an adjustment! In the first few days after they’re installed, your body must get used to the new metal brackets, wires, and plastic bands. Then you’ll have to learn how to successfully navigate daily life with them on. Some patients worry about how to cope with their new dental gear in a professional setting, like at the workplace. If this sounds familiar, keep reading for 4 tips that will help you learn to work with braces!

Tip #1: Watch What You Eat

You’re allowed to eat what you like once your braces are on, but in the first few days, it’s often helpful to stick with softer foods. You might try pasta, seedless bread, cooked vegetables, pudding, soup, and yogurt until the initial soreness passes. Then you can resume eating more solid foods. For work, that means packing something suitable to eat on your breaks or planning the menu for your lunch meeting in advance.

Keep in mind that gum with sugar in it is essentially off-limits, now, because it can damage both your teeth and your orthodontics.

Tip #2: Create A Care Kit

You’ll need to care for your new braces at work just the same as you would at home. Putting together a kit with all the tools you’ll need is a great way to be prepared! It should include:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Mouthwash
• Non-aspirin pain relievers
• Chapstick

These items can all fit into one small kit that can be carried and stored easily. It’s discreet enough that no one at work will notice or think anything of it.

Tip #3: Use Wax

The metal brackets on your braces are likely to cause some amount of irritation until you’re more accustomed to them against the insides of your lips and cheeks. In the meantime, you can use the special wax provided by your orthodontist. Simply place a tiny amount on top of the bracket that’s chaffing so that you only feel a smooth surface.

Tip #4: Keep A Water Bottle

Be sure to drink plenty of water! Not only will this keep you thoroughly hydrated throughout the day, but it also rinses unwanted food particles from your new dental gear. Often, it’s recommended that you avoid dark or sugary drinks like coffee, which can be a real challenge in the office. If you find that you’re habitually reaching for your coffee cup, replace it with a water bottle, instead.

Now you can put together the supplies you’ll need as you adjust to your braces in the workplace. Then before you know it, you’ll be wrapping up treatment and showing off a newly perfected smile!

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, our dedicated team wants to make sure every patient has a pleasant and rewarding experience. With a decade of advanced training and clinical experience, our orthodontists can take on even the most complex cases. We are happy to provide free consultations so that your budget doesn’t stop you from getting the care you need. You’re welcome to request an appointment on our website or by calling (678) 879-3006.