Getting braces can be a pretty big change—especially as an adult! It can be challenging to adjust to your braces and ensure that everything you’re now doing is in the best interest of your new headgear. One big adjustment that might be giving you a little extra trouble is returning to work and adapting to the usual flow of things. Here are a few useful tips from your trusted orthodontist to help you ease back into resuming work with your new braces.
Tip #1. Create a Braces Care Kit
One of the wisest things you can do to ensure that your braces remain clean and uncompromised while you’re at work is to put together a braces care kit. This doesn’t have to be anything fancy or complicated, but by at least including the essentials, you can ensure that nothing negatively affects your braces during the workday. Consider including the following items in this kit:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste
- Travel-sized mouthwash
- Dental floss
- Orthodontic wax
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Chapstick
- A small mirror
- A card with your orthodontist’s contact information
Tip #2. Bring a Water Bottle
Water is the absolute best beverage for your body and oral health, and it’s actually quite beneficial for your braces too. Water stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which helps to rinse away lingering food debris and bacteria in your mouth that might become caught in your braces. Bring a water bottle with you to work so that you’re constantly drinking water throughout the day, especially after meals and snacks or drinking a cup of coffee.
Tip #3. Mind Your Diet
Braces are notorious for being accompanied by dietary restrictions that you’ll have to follow all throughout treatment not to mention that in the days immediately after you get your braces, you’ll want to stick to soft foods. Being so particular about your diet can be tough when you’re away from home at work, meaning that it’s often helpful to bring your lunch with you so you have more control over what you eat. It might seem like extra work, but strictly adhering to your dietary guidelines during treatment will minimize complications.
It’s also worth mentioning that even though your smile isn’t perfect yet, you should still smile confidently—there’s no reason to hide your pearly whites, and you should feel proud that you’ve committed to a straighter and healthier smile! By following these tips, you can ensure that your return to work with braces isn’t a source of stress in your life at all.
About the Practice
Here at Simply Orthodontics Dayville, we’re excited to provide patients and families in the Dayville, CT community with an unmatched level of care! We’re pleased to offer a wide range of orthodontic services including braces for patients of all ages, so if you have any questions about the article or you’d like to get in touch with our team for additional information or assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us today! Telephone: (860) 590-8497.