Sensible Smiles: 3 Tips for Working with Braces

When your teeth are improperly aligned, it can prematurely wear down your enamel and increase your vulnerability to tooth decay, gum disease, and other injuries. Plus, you’re more likely to feel self-conscious about your appearance or worry about being judged.

Thankfully, your orthodontist can use braces to pull everything back into its ideal position to boost your confidence and dental health. However, some adults hesitate to undergo treatment because they’re unsure how to function with traditional orthodontics in their daily lives. Continue reading to learn 3 tips for working with braces so you know what to expect!

Tip #1: Create a Kit

Whether you’re in the office or on-the-go, you never know when you might run into an issue, like getting food trapped in your orthodontics at lunch or accidentally breaking a bracket or wire. Having basic supplies nearby, like an interproximal toothbrush, toothpaste, and orthodontic wax, ensures that you can address any concerns before they progress into more serious problems. For example, stuck food attracts bacteria that contribute to cavities or gum disease, and broken braces can irritate the tender tissues inside your mouth until they’re covered.

Fortunately, it’s easy to find travel-sized items at your local store and assemble kits to store in an accessible place at work, in the car, or at home.

Tip #2: Watch What You Eat

The brittle metal brackets and wires are prone to breaking, so avoiding overly hard or sticky foods that can damage them is best. While most patients can stick to these dietary restrictions at home without too many issues, it can be much more challenging when you’re eating at a restaurant, cafeteria, or other public setting during the workday.

If you’re tired of seeking sustenance from the nearby vending machine, why not pack your lunch so that you always have a safe meal to provide all the energy you need to get through the day? Otherwise, you might try perusing menus online ahead of your lunch break, so you know where you can get orthodontics-friendly foods when in unfamiliar spaces.

Tip #3: Bring a Water Bottle

Sugary drinks attract bacteria that easily get caught in the spaces between your braces and your enamel, contributing to cavities and other oral issues. Drinking plenty of water can rinse away unwanted particles or leftover food and reduce potential acid damage that demineralizes your enamel.

However, you might be more tempted by the scent of coffee wafting from the break room throughout the day, which can stain your teeth and erode your enamel. If you struggle with choosing H2O over other options, keep a water bottle with you to stay hydrated and refreshed while avoiding the kitchen.

Now that you know how to navigate some common workday challenges with braces, there’s no reason to delay. Contact your orthodontist today to schedule your consultation!

About the Practice

At Serenity Orthodontics, people of all ages benefit from a team of experts who are eager to help them improve their lives by enhancing their dental condition. They strive to provide a stress-free experience and even offer free consultations if you’re unsure whether you need orthodontics. Their family-friendly offices are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to increase your comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (678) 879-3006.