Five Tips for Going Back to Work with Braces

Braces can be a big change, especially as an adult. You've lived your entire life without them, creating daily habits that didn't include caring for something attached to your teeth. It can be a bit challenging getting used to them, as well as learning to care for your teeth while they're on. But it's also well worth it. One challenge adults with braces can face is going to work with them. Below you'll find five tips for going back to work with braces that will help you adjust to your new day-to-day schedule. (Luckily with Six Month Smiles, straight teeth takes less time!)

1. Create a Braces Care Kit

You can't stop caring for your braces just because you're at work. Bringing a braces care kit to work with you is a great way to ensure that you have everything you need to keep your teeth clean and healthy while you're at work. Braces can trap food, so bring a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental floss in order to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Use this kit to clean your teeth after your lunch break or snack. You may also want to pack some non-aspirin pain relievers for the first few days after you get your braces put on. Also remember to bring some dental wax to put on your braces and chapstick in case your lips get dry. This care kit is small, easy to pack and store, and it'll come in handy. 

2. Bring a Water Bottle

Either bring a water bottle or visit a vending machine for a few throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water is always a good idea for your overall health, but drinking water can also help rinse away food particles and keep you from reaching for drinks you should stay away from. It's important that you stay away from coffee and other dark or sugary drinks while wearing your braces. This can be extremely difficult for some people, especially at work. If you walk into the break room and smell that delicious aroma of coffee, you'll want to reach for a cup. Drinking water can help calm that impulse. It won't taste like coffee, but you'll be less inclined to reach for a cup if you're already sipping a beverage. 

3. Be Mindful of What You Eat

During the days immediately after getting your braces put on, you want to stick to soft foods like scrambled eggs, pasta, or smoothies. After that, you should still avoid hard foods, sticky foods, sugar, and foods you have to bite into. It's very helpful to bring lunch from home. This way you have more control over what you eat, and you can cut your food into more manageable sized pieces. It might not sound like fun, packing a lunch if you're not used to it, but it'll be worth it. However, if you don't want to do that, you should find a place that serves appropriate food and make it your new delicious go-to lunch spot until your braces are removed. 

4. Keep Things Away From Your Mouth

If you're a nervous chewer, you'll need to break the habit. If your job requires you to keep a lot of pens or pencils lying around, make sure they never enter your mouth. You must resist the urge to chew on them or your fingernails. Chewing on hard objects can potentially damage your braces, which may lead to repairs or extra visits. 

5. Smile, and be Confident

Sure, your smile isn't perfect yet, but that's no reason to hide your pearly whites. Don't be ashamed of your braces. You should be proud of them. You're making a change and bettering yourself, and there is absolutely no shame in that. Plus, one of the great things about Six Month Smiles is that the wire in your braces are the color of your teeth and brackets are clear, so they're barely visible. It's not like you're smiling with a bunch of shiny, silver metal brackets in your mouth. Six Month Smile braces are discreet and subtle, so don't be afraid to flash a smile and spread some cheer. 

Use these helpful tips to adjust to work-life with braces, and pretty soon it'll become second nature. And remember, with Six Month Smiles you won't have to wear them for long! For more information on adult braces visit www.6monthsmiles.com!