If your teenager began their braces treatment with Smiles Orthodontics over the summer and is now heading back to school, you may be wondering how your teen’s braces will affect their typical day-to-day as they transition back. We would love to walk you through how to be best prepared. Your teen will have the smoothest transition possible from summertime braces to school year braces. Be prepared. It’s key! It’s important that your student is prepared to go back to school and back to their extracurricular activities with their new braces.
Back To School: Pack a Braces Kit
A braces kit should include anything you would need to keep your braces clean and comfortable throughout the day. Your kit should contain a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss or floss picks or water floss, a small mirror, rubber bands, and orthodontic wax. If your student is prepared, they will be able to deal with an issue quickly and not be distracted by a potential irritant.
Lunch
Have your teen pack a lunch full of braces-friendly foods. If they buy their lunch at school, then remind them to make good food choices. Teens will need to set aside time after lunch to brush their teeth, and they may need to set a reminder on their phones to do this each day.
Mouth-Guards
Braces-friendly mouthguards specially made for braces wearers offer excellent protection for whatever sports your teen participates in, or even just gym class. A mouthguard is always an essential piece of gear for your teen’s practices and games, and it will be even more critical for preventing damage to braces and injury during sporting events now that they have braces.
Back To School: Contact Us
For more information on being prepared for the school year with braces, please contact me, Dr. Gorantla, and our friendly staff at SMILES ORTHODONTICS! Have a great start to your semester!