Every year, countless thousands of adults make a commitment to their oral health and decide to get their teeth straightened. If you will soon be among them, you can look forward to many benefits, both for your oral wellness and your appearance. In the meantime, though, it is understandable if you are nervous about how your orthodontic treatment will affect your routine, especially if you have a busy work schedule. This blog post aims to help. Here are some practical tips for wearing braces to work:
Pack an Oral Hygiene Kit
Staying on top of your oral hygiene will help to keep your teeth healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. It would be wise to bring a few supplies with you to work so you can freshen up after meals. Be sure to pack a toothbrush, some toothpaste, and some floss. You will also need a floss threader so you can easily navigate the floss around your brackets and wires.
Bring Your Own Lunch and Snacks
When you first get your braces, you should stick to eating soft foods for a few days. Even after that, there will still be some items that you should avoid so you do not accidentally damage your brackets or wires. Packing your own lunch and snacks will ensure that you always have something to eat that will not adversely affect your orthodontic treatment.
Drink Plenty of Water
Sipping on water after a meal can help to keep your mouth relatively free of food particles that might otherwise get lodged in your braces.
Also, keep in mind that coffee could stain both your braces and your teeth. It is best to limit your intake of it, but if you cannot resist an occasional pick-me-up from the office cappuccino machine, be sure to follow it up with a few sips of water so your mouth can remain as fresh as possible.
Break Bad Habits
Do you have a lot of pens and pencils on your desk? Do some of them have bite marks? Many office workers tend to chew on their writing utensils as a way to cope with stress. That is bad for both your teeth and your braces. Do your best to break this habit so you do not have to make an emergency visit to your orthodontist’s office.
Smile and Be Confident
Orthodontic treatment is quite common among adults, so there is no reason to be nervous about letting other people see your braces. Let your smile shine so both your coworkers and clients can enjoy your wonderful personality.
Meet the Practice
Four Town Dental is home to an expert team of general dentists and specialists. If you are thinking about getting braces, we would be happy to answer all of your questions about the road in front of you. If you are nervous about the way your braces might look, we may even determine that you are a candidate for discreet clear aligners. To learn more about your orthodontic options, contact our Enfield office at 860-856-6928.