Going through orthodontic treatment does not have to affect your career. Here are some practical tips for managing aligners or braces as a working professional.

About 30% of orthodontic patients in the US are adults, and that number keeps climbing. Which means orthodontic treatment needs to be more than just one option. That is why at Mint Orthodontics, we have all the options. We listen to your wants, needs, and concerns to create the perfect treatment plan, custom-tailored to you. 

Choosing the Right Orthodontic Treatment for Your Career

Not all orthodontic treatments are going to be the perfect fit for you, especially when you’re juggling Zoom calls, client dinners, and the occasional freak out on whether or not you replied to that email you need to. Here are your options: 

Invisalign

The treatment that will give you the flexibility you need. They are virtually invisible aligners that straighten your teeth discreetly. With the flexibility to remove them, you are able to enjoy whatever food you want!  Invisalign allows you to not miss a beat.

Best for people who want maximum flexibility and minimum visibility. Also great for anyone who’s mastered the art of not losing their AirPods. 

LightForce Braces

Custom 3D-printed braces designed specifically for your unique smile. These braces, tailored to you, offer precision, faster results, and a comfortable fit. Modern braces are sleeker and way less metal than you remember from 2003.

Best for people who want the freedom to stand out when they want with color, or those who have a more complex case that needs more hands-on treatment. 

NightTime Treatment

For the busy bees, we know you’re out there. Straighten your teeth while you sleep, and spend zero mental energy on orthodontics during your workday. 

Best for adults who want completely invisible treatment and don’t mind a potentially longer timeline. Great for people with small corrections. 

 

When choosing the right treatment with Dr. Sudit, everything you want, is considered. From look, to feel, to commitment. If you have any questions, we are here to help and support you through all of it!

Managing Your Treatment Timeline Around Work

Depending on what treatment route you decide to go down, timelines can vary, but we will walk you through the timeline depending on your specific needs. 

Dental Monitoring 

For many treatments, we use Dental Monitoring, which allows you to scan your teeth at home, and Dr. Sudit monitors your progress remotely. No office visits just to have someone say “yep, everything’s looking good!” That means fewer interruptions to your packed schedule and more flexibility to work (and play!).  

When you do need to come in, we are open bright and early at 8am and have lunch hour appointments. We understand you are busy and have a schedule to stick to. 

Strategic Timing

If you have a big presentation, wedding, or company event coming up and are thinking about treatment, we will create the best plan for you. Quick camoflauge to straighten the front 6 teeth first? No problem! Come in for your complimentary consultation. We’ll create the perfect treatment plan with you. 

Day to Day Tips for the Workplace

For Clear Aligners a.k.a. Invisalign

The Desk Essentials:

• Aligner case (do NOT wrap them in a napkin or put them in your pants pocket)
• Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small mirror for quick checks

The Rules:

• On average, 22 hours of wear per day.
• Quick rinse after eating and before putting your aligners back in.
• Clean your aligners when you brush your teeth

The first week may feel a little odd while your mouth gets used to them. Practice your most-used work phrases at home, and by the end of the week you won’t even notice they are there. 

For LightForce Braces

Your Braces Kit; keep this stash in your desk:

• Orthodontic wax (for any irritation)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss threaders or interdental brushes
• Small mirror for post-lunch checks
• Lip balm

Your mouth needs about 3-5 days to adjust to braces. If you have a big presentation during week one, practice beforehand. Your brain will adapt to the change in speech faster than you think. 

For Nighttime Treatment

All you have to do is wear them while you sleep. Your only job is consistency; don’t skip nights because you were traveling for work. They are a necessity, so pack them like you pack your phone charger.

Dietary Considerations for Busy Professionals

For Clear Aligners

On the food side, you’ve got nothing to worry about. You can eat whatever your heart desires as long as you take your trays out, of course. 

Once you are done eating, swish some water around your mouth to remove as many remaining particles as possible and maybe even give your aligners a quick rinse if you don’t have the time to do a quick brush.

If you are a coffee or red wine lover, we do want to warn you that drinking dark liquids could stain your aligners so pop them out while you enjoy the dark roast.

For LightForce Braces

If you are one for many business lunches or client dinners, preview the menu before you arrive. You’re not being high maintenance, don’t worry, you’re being prepared (very professional of you, actually).  

Foods to Avoid:

• Sticky stuff
• Hard stuff
• Crunchy stuff

Safe Foods:

• Pasta
• Rice and grain bowls
• Most proteins
• Soups and stews
• Risotto
• Most Asian cuisine

Order something that requires a fork and a knife. That way, you’re cutting food into smaller pieces instead of biting into something that could get stuck in your braces. 

Professional Benefits of Getting Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment may boost your confidence! When you’re feeling good about your smile, you will smile more. When you smile more, you seem more approachable, confident, and successful.

The Actual Health Benefits:

• Better bite alignment
• Easier to clean teeth
• Reduced wear on teeth from grinding
• Improved overall health
• Potential decrease in TMJ issues

You invest in professional development, quality work clothes, and gym memberships. Your smile is a part of your professional presence; treat it like an asset, too. 

Ready To Be More Confident at Work AND in Your Smile?

You’ve got an assortment of orthodontic treatment options that could be good for you and your daily work life. We’ve got the modern treatment options and technology that will make your treatment as seamless as possible. Temporary adjustments to your smile are oh so worth the long-term results. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our reviews. 

Schedule your free consultation to discuss which treatment options would be best for you!