How To Feel Confident at Work with Braces

Orthodontics, specifically braces, is often associated with teens despite the fact that over a quarter of orthodontic patients in the U.S. are 18 years and older. Even with this statistic on your side, it’s normal to feel nervous about having braces as an adult, especially while at work. Concerns about looking “immature” or “unprofessional” are common, but thankfully, by following a few simple tips, you can ensure you feel confident and capable no matter what the day throws at you.

Remind Yourself of the Reality

The truth is that everyone you work with, whether it’s a person you see daily or a client you only meet every six months, will only notice your braces the very first time they see them, and then they likely won’t think about them after that. Even if you’re talking to someone for the first time, they will stop noticing your braces just minutes after the introduction. The point is that people have a lot going on in their lives, particularly during business hours, so they basically don’t care and will quickly overlook the fact that you have braces. Be sure to remind yourself of this whenever you start to feel self-conscious!

Make a To-Go Kit

With that being said, it’s true that it’s a little harder to keep your teeth clean with braces, so it’s a great idea to put together an office hygiene kit. This way, you don’t have to worry about a piece of lunch being stuck in your wires and affecting your breath! Something as simple as a travel-sized toothbrush, fluoridated toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash is all you need. Just brush, floss, and rinse after every meal and snack, and your smile and breath will probably be more pleasant than everyone else in the office!

Water is Your Friend

On top of cleaning your teeth more often, a great thing that all orthodontic patients should do is drink water and swish it around their mouth throughout the day. This will dislodge even more food particles to keep the mouth looking and feeling fresh.

Be Mindful of What You Eat

This is a general tip that applies whether you’re working or not, but try to avoid eating any particularly hard, sticky, or chewy foods. These kinds of items are notorious for damaging brackets and wires, and while an orthodontic emergency is stressful, having one at work is even worse! You might also want to avoid very spicy or fragrant dishes while at work because there is a higher chance of pieces becoming stuck in your braces, which can make your breath less than ideal.

The truth is that these adjustments are relatively small, very effective, and shouldn’t stick out to your co-workers in the slightest. It will allow you to stay on the road toward your new, beautifully straight smile while maintaining peace of mind as well as the professional image you’ve worked so hard to achieve.

About the Author

Dr. Patricia A. Simon’s experience as an orthodontist spans over 25 years, and she’s helped countless patients of all ages achieve their healthiest, most beautiful smiles in that time. She earned her DDS at the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine before completing her orthodontic residency at Boston University. Passionate about always honing her skills and providing her patients in Dallas with the best care, she maintains active memberships with the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Board of Orthodontics, the American Dental Association, and several other professional organizations. If you’re interested in getting orthodontic treatment as an adult, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment via her website or by phone at (214) 826-9000.