Dealing With Braces As An Adult

Braces can be a pretty frustrating thing to deal with at any time in your life, but as an adult, it can sometimes be worse. A lot of the time, the thought of them being there is enough to drive down self-esteem. Some adults can feel that they’re unable to act professionally if they have braces on. However, this can definitely be overcome over time. If you have to get braces in Berwick, then here are some top tips on how to deal with them as an adult.

Be confident

It can be hard to be confident when you have braces on. You may feel like it makes you look less professional in a workplace and it can be a bit of an adjustment to talk with them. The key is to not go too fast with anything initially.

Talk at an even pace to avoid tripping up on words and remind yourself that even if you do trip up, it isn’t a big deal in the long run. Remember that many people don’t really care that you have braces – often, it’s all just in your head.

 

Carry a toothbrush

Yes, even when you go out. It can be a hassle, but you’ve got braces on for a reason and by not taking care of them as best you can means you won’t get the most out of them. Whilst brushing twice a day is the recommendation for everyone, if you have braces you should brush after every time you eat. That includes those small snacks you have at your desk.

This is good for your teeth and will keep your braces in the best working order possible. Not only that, but it will also work towards taking bits of food out of your teeth and braces, because now that you have braces, food is going to get stuck in them more regularly. The longer food particles stay stuck there, the greater the risk of a dental problem developing. Rinse your mouth before you brush to loosen any bits of food and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush gently at the gum line as well as below and above the brackets.

 

Adjust your eating habits

One of the more frustrating things about having braces as an adult is having already experienced so many wonderful foods and not being able to eat a lot of them anymore. The biggest no-go zone when it comes to food is sticky and chewy foods. You should stay away from caramel and dried fruit. Lots of sugar and starch can also cause build-ups that will stain your teeth, cause cavities or even lead to gum disease.

The rule applies for some healthy foods as well. If they have a hard exterior – like apples or nuts – then you shouldn’t bite into them. If you must eat foods like these, then cut them up into small pieces. Pizza and hamburgers are fine to eat as long as they’re cut up into small, easy to eat pieces and chewed slowly and steadily.

 

 

Final tips

You should be flossing at least once a day with braces – this includes between the braces and under the wires. A floss threader can be purchased to help make flossing under the wires easier.

It’s important to note that the wires may cut the inside of your mouth. This can occur if the teeth shift and the wire pokes out into the cheeks. This sort of thing is normal and if it occurs then you should apply orthodontic wax. Orthodontic wax is a special substance that will become malleable and eases the pain by acting as a barrier between the braces and the inside of your mouth.

 

Do you need braces in Berwick?

If you think you might need braces in Berwick, then Eden Rise Dental is the perfect clinic for you. Our highly qualified and experienced staff will be able to identify and handle your unique dental needs at our family-friendly clinic. We also offer a variety of other dental services and will be able to help you with anything from a routine check-up to dental implants.

If you would like to know more about getting braces in Berwick, then please give us a call on (03) 9702 6111 or send us a message through our website here.