Braces in the Workplace: 5 Tips for Smiling with Confidence

Starting orthodontic treatment as an adult can feel like a big adjustment, especially when you’re balancing a busy work schedule. From meetings to client calls and networking lunches, you might wonder how to navigate braces at the office without missing a beat. Luckily, with these five simple strategies, you can keep your smile looking and feeling great while staying professional.

1. Build a Braces Care Kit for the Office

Keep a small kit at your desk, in your bag, or even in your car so you can keep your appliance clean at all times. Be sure to include:

• A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss or floss picks
• Orthodontic wax (for wire pokes)
• Lip balm (braces can cause dry lips)
• A small mirror for quick checks

Having your supplies close by makes it easier to freshen up after lunch or handle any minor discomfort without drawing unwanted attention.

2. Be Strategic with Your Meals

Planning a lunch that will fill you up without clogging your braces can be tricky. Try to stick with foods that are easy to chew and won’t get stuck in your brackets or bend your wires. Soft wraps, pasta, soups, yogurt, steamed veggies, and eggs are all fantastic, nutritious foods you can eat that are soft on braces.

3. Stay on Top of Your Oral Care

Workdays can get hectic, but try not to skip cleaning your teeth after lunch. Even a quick swish with some water can help get rid of food particles and keep your smile looking fresh for the rest of the day. If you can brush and floss in the restroom using the care kit you made earlier, that’s even better.

4. Protect Your Braces

If your job is active or involves manual labor, you might want to wear a mouthguard to protect your braces and teeth. However, a regular guard you pick up at the store won’t do the job well, so be sure to invest in a specialized orthodontic mouthguard that will fit comfortably over your braces.

5. Be Confident

It’s important to realize that, at most, someone might ask about your braces out of curiosity, but the conversation will quickly move on. No one is going to judge you for taking care of your smile, especially not in a professional setting. So, hold your head up high and speak with confidence no matter what.

Wearing braces to work doesn’t have to feel awkward or overwhelming. With a little preparation and a positive attitude, you can keep your treatment on track and keep shining at the office. Before you know it, you’ll be flashing a straighter, healthier smile at everyone you meet every day.

About the Author

Dr. Patricia A. Simon earned her dental degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine and completed her orthodontic residency at Boston University. With over 25 years of experience, she views each smile as a unique work of art. She blends aesthetics and function to help patients feel confident no matter where they find themselves. Call (214) 826-9000 to schedule a consultation at Lakewood Orthodontics or visit our website to see a full menu of our services.