A new school year means new classes, new routines, sports, activities, and plenty of busy mornings. For students wearing braces or aligners, back-to-school season is also the perfect time to build a few simple habits that help keep orthodontic treatment moving in the right direction.
At SmileOn Orthodontics, we want students to feel confident about their smiles while enjoying everything the school year has to offer.
Pack a Smile Kit for School
A small orthodontic care kit can make a big difference during the school day. Consider keeping these items in a backpack or locker:
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Platypus flossers
- Orthodontic wax (for braces)
- A small mirror
- An aligner case for clear aligner patients
After lunch, taking just a few minutes to clean around braces or brush before putting your aligners back in can help keep teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Don’t Forget Your Aligners
For students using aligners, consistency matters. Since aligners are removable, school lunches can be one of the easiest times to accidentally leave them wrapped in a napkin or sitting on a lunch tray.
Always place aligners in their case when eating. And remember—aligners need to be worn 22 hours per day to keep treatment progressing as planned.
Choose Braces-Friendly Lunches and Snacks
Students with braces can still enjoy plenty of their favorite foods, but it’s smart to avoid foods that are extremely hard, sticky, or chewy. Instead of hard candies, popcorn, sticky caramel, or fruit snacks look for options like yogurt, cheese, soft fruit, sandwiches, pasta, or other foods that are easier on brackets and wires.
Playing Sports? Protect Your Smile
Fall sports season is here, and protecting your teeth and orthodontic appliances is important. Students participating in contact sports should talk with the SmileOntourage about an appropriate mouthguard.
A little protection can help prevent an unexpected orthodontic problem from becoming the most memorable play of the game!
Make Orthodontic Appointments Part of Your School Routine
School calendars fill up quickly. Keeping regularly scheduled orthodontic visits helps us monitor progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.
If your family has been considering orthodontic treatment, the beginning of the school year can also be a great time to schedule an evaluation and create a treatment plan that works with your family’s schedule.
Start the School Year with Something to Smile About
Whether your child already has braces, wears aligners, or you’re wondering whether orthodontic treatment may be needed, SmileOn Orthodontics is here to help.
A healthy, confident smile belongs in every school picture.
Ready to learn more? Contact SmileOn Orthodontics to schedule your complimentary Smile Assessment and discover the treatment options available for your family.
Call SmileOn Orthodontics: 512-337-2325
Schedule Online: https://smileonortho.com/consult/
Virtual Consultation: https://smileonortho.com/virtual-consult/
Visit: https://smileonortho.com/