Heading back to school is always an exciting time, but for many of our Charlottesville orthodontic patients, it also comes with some uncertainty. For many of our patients, this is the first time heading back to school with braces. While the transition is perfectly manageable, there are some things about life with braces that are just easier at home – so going back to school with braces will require a few adjustments. As your Charlottesville braces expert, we at Charlottesville Orthodontics wanted to offer some guidance on how to start the new school year off right if you’re wearing braces.
Tips for going to school with braces
Backpack? Check. Textbook? Check. Braces? Yep, you got it – check. If you’re starting the new school year with braces for the first time, it may take some getting used to, but it shouldn’t pose any problem. Follow these tips to make the transition easier and ensure your treatment stays right on track:
Get an athletic mouthguard
For many kids, starting the school year also means restarting their favorite sports and physical activities. Unfortunately, though, many sports pose a risk to braces, as one wrong step can result in broken braces and very costly repairs. That’s why we strongly encourage all of our athletic patients to get a custom-made athletic mouthguard. This will comfortably protect your teeth and braces, reducing your risk of dental injury by 60-fold.
Plan ahead with food
One of the biggest changes in life with braces is dietary modification. While wearing braces, you’ll need to avoid any foods that are hard, crunchy, sticky, gooey, or chock full of sugar. Unfortunately, not all school cafeterias cooperate with these guidelines. We recommend finding out what will be available at your school cafeteria ahead of time so you know there’s something there that’s safe for braces. If you don’t see anything appealing, simply make a braces-friendly lunch at home and bring it with you to school.
Make a travel care kit
Finally, oral hygiene is vital during orthodontic treatment, as braces put your teeth at higher risk for dental decay. You’ll need to brush your teeth after every meal and snack while wearing braces, and yes, that includes while at school! We recommend making a travel-sized braces care kit and keeping it in your locker. Pack it with a travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, floss threaders, mouthwash, an interdental brush, elastics, and anything else you might need to keep your mouth clean and healthy.
Contact your Charlottesville orthodontist
Follow these tips, and you should handle the transition to school with braces without a problem. However, if you still have questions or concerns, we’re always here to help. Contact us today with any questions on heading back to school with braces or to schedule a checkup before going back. We look forward to hearing from you, and we wish you luck in starting the new school year off right with braces!