Traditional braces are one of the most tried-and-true orthodontic solutions around, capable of wholly transforming a patient’s smile and radically boosting their dental health and self-esteem. That said, wearing braces can be a pretty big change, especially as an adult – you’ve lived your entire life without them, and it can be a bit difficult getting used to eating and brushing your teeth with them. However, one other challenge that adults with braces face is going back to work; though braces are doing an important job, some patients still feel a little self-conscious about their new look. Here are a few tips to help you adjust to daily life with braces so that your return to work brings you nothing but smiles!
1. Watch What You Eat
During the days immediately after you’ve received your braces, you’re going to want to stick to soft foods since your teeth will likely be extra sensitive. Foods like scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, smoothies, and other similar items are all recommended. You should also consider bringing your lunch from home, so that you have more control over what you eat, and you can also cut your food into manageable, bite-sized pieces that are easier on your sore teeth.
2. Bring a Water Bottle with You
Water is by far the best beverage for you, and it greatly benefits your dental health! Water stimulates your mouth’s flow of saliva, which helps to fight cavity-causing bacteria. Drinking water also rinses away lingering food debris that remains trapped under your brackets and wires after you’ve eaten. Simply having a refillable water bottle with you at the office will go a long way towards keeping you hydrated and keeping your pearly whites in top shape as they’re undergoing orthodontic treatment.
3. Put Together a Braces Care Kit
Bringing a braces care kit is one of the wisest things you can do to protect your smile throughout your treatment and ensure that things stay on track. Keep one at your home, in your car, and certainly at your place of work; you never know when a wire might break, when food might become trapped beneath a bracket, or when some other type of complication might arise. It’s much better to be prepared for these instances. A few things you can store in this kit include pain relievers, dental wax, dental floss, chapstick, a toothbrush, and a card with your orthodontist’s name and number.
4. Don’t Forget to Smile
Braces have an unfair stigma; some patients feel embarrassed by the metal in their mouths, but they shouldn’t at all – it’s there to help! You should feel proud that you’re finally undergoing orthodontic treatment and working towards a happier and healthier smile. Not to mention, adult orthodontics is becoming more and more popular these days; it’s estimated that around a quarter of all braces patients are adults.
It’s also possible to opt for colored brackets that offer added discretion when worn, including clear or light silver. In any case, practicing good oral hygiene will keep your braces and teeth clean, further allowing you to smile confidently during your braces journey.
About the Practice
Our team here at Ludlow Orthodontics has proudly served families in Ludlow and the surrounding community for several years, offering a wide range of premium orthodontic services for patients of all ages. If you have any questions about our blog or you’d like to request an appointment with our team, feel free to visit us online or call us today for further assistance! Telephone: (413) 547-0300.
