Our Best Tips For Going Back to School with Braces

Back to school is here. It’s a time that can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. If your child is returning to school with a new set of braces, it can be more stressful than usual. We’re here to share some good news! You can set your child up for success all school year long with these tips.

Put Together a Braces Care Kit

Your child will be prepared for anything with a basic kit to take care of their braces. It’s easy to put together and should include:
• A toothbrush, preferably soft-bristled
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Dental wax
• Lip balm
• A mirror

Your child can keep the kit in their backpack or locker, so it’s on-hand whenever they need it. If your child has metal braces, it can spare them an embarrassing moment by making sure the brackets and wires don’t have any food caught in them after eating. The wax and lip balm will also help soothe any irritation their braces might cause. Even if your child wears Invisalign and removes the aligners to eat, it’s important that they keep up with their oral hygiene before putting the plastic trays back in.

Remind Them That They’re Not Alone

It’s very common for kids with new braces to feel self-conscious when returning to school. However, remind them that they aren’t alone in feeling this way. In fact, 75% of people wearing braces in the United States are under the age of 18! So, there are more than likely many other kids at their school who are seeing orthodontic specialists and going through the same treatments. If they’re embarrassed about their braces, point out that the treatment is only temporary, and when it’s finished, they’ll have a beautiful, straight, and healthy smile for life!

Wear Mouthguards

If your child is involved with sports or takes any kind of physical education class, we recommend investing in an orthodontic mouthguard. This will protect their braces from getting damaged and also keep your child’s cheeks, gums, and mouth from getting injured while they’re active.

Keep Up with Appointments

Part of any braces treatment is regular visits to the orthodontic practice. This allows your orthodontist to make any necessary adjustments and make sure the treatment is progressing as it should. Once school starts, your schedule starts to fill up with different activities, but it’s vital to not skip any of the appointments with your orthodontist.

Give Your Child a Straight-A Smile with TruSmile Orthodontics

At TruSmile Orthodontics, we want to make your child’s experience with braces as positive and stress-free as possible! That’s why we use the latest technology and offer a range of treatments, including metal braces and more discreet options like Invisalign and InBrace. If you have questions about your child’s braces treatment, or you want to schedule a consultation with our friendly, caring team, contact us today!