If you’ve recently gotten traditional braces and are nervous about heading back to the workplace sporting wires and brackets, that feeling is totally valid. But the good news is that with a little preparation and courage, there’s no need to be afraid. Here are some useful tips to help you overcome those feelings of self-consciousness and make rocking your new orthodontic gear in the office as easy and stress-free as possible!
What to Bring
Braces are a safe, effective way to align your smile and correct a variety of serious bite issues. However, they do require some additional steps to your regular oral hygiene routine. The best way to handle this type of situation both at home and at work is to be prepared for both the expected and the unexpected. To that end, your dentist recommends packing a braces care kit and carrying it with you wherever you go, or if you can, create one to leave at your desk so you’ll always have it waiting for you while you’re at work! Your kit should include the following items:
- A soft-bristled toothbrush.
- Toothpaste.
- Dental floss.
- Floss threaders.
- Braces brushes.
- Dental wax.
- Pain reliever.
- A small mirror.
- A refillable water bottle, or bottled water.
What to Eat
If you’re used to grabbing a fast meal from a nearby restaurant or cafeteria on your lunch break, you may not have many braces-friendly options to choose from. If this sounds familiar, it may be helpful to start packing a lunch. While it certainly helps to have a well-stocked care kit on hand, some food may be better left for work at home days, evenings, and weekends, as it can be difficult to quickly remove from your wires and brackets. Thus, avoid anything your orthodontist has already mentioned in your care instructions, and save items like broccoli, beets, and spinach for when you have access to a water flosser or more time to thoroughly deep clean your equipment.
Using the Right Tools
Another issue many people face with braces is remembering that their precious pearly whites aren’t tools. While you should never open packaging, bite your fingernails, or gnaw on pen caps with bare teeth, it is especially important to avoid this when you wear braces, as it can damage them and your equipment. Thus, be sure to take a little extra time to find the right tool for the job and never use your mouth for something your hands should be, well, handling.
Show Your Mettle (and your Metal!)
Finally, while it’s understandable that debuting a mouth full of metal to your coworkers can be a little nerve-wracking, most fellow adults won’t make a big deal about it. In fact, after the first day, they’ll likely get used to your new equipment and never give it a second thought until it comes off!
Remember, while you may feel a little self-conscious wearing new braces to work for the first time, the important thing to remember is that your new look is only temporary, and soon you’ll have a gorgeous, evenly-spaced, healthy smile to show for all that effort!
About Dr. Greer
Dr. Dale Greer earned his dental degree at Baylor College of Dentistry in 1977 and has since gone on to have an impressive career in oral health ever since. In addition to regularly publishing articles and conducting lectures on smile design, he is passionate about continuing education, and has been voted a Texas Super Dentist, “One of the Best Dentists in Dallas” in D magazine, and even one of the Best Dentists in America! To schedule an appointment for adult orthodontics, visit our website today or call us at 972-233-4546.