Students and braces often go hand in hand, but we offer orthodontic care for patients of all ages! With school back in session, it can present some unique challenges for maintaining your braces or helping your child with theirs. Today, Sturbridge Orthodontics will give you some tips for going back to school with braces.
Going By the Book
Here at Sturbridge Orthodontics, we offer both metal braces and clear braces. Let’s go over a few tips that can help you if you’re attending school with braces!
- Pack a Dental Kit: Dr. Sabelis recommends carrying essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, orthodontic wax, and a compact mirror with you wherever you go. This kit will help you maintain oral hygiene and manage any discomfort during school.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and avoid dry mouth, a common issue with braces. This is especially important for student-athletes who need to hydrate frequently.
- Communicate with Teachers: Inform your teachers about your braces routine, especially if you need to go out for dental care or orthodontic appointments.
- Reach Out for Help: If you encounter any issues with your braces at school, visit the school nurse or contact Sturbridge Orthodontics for advice.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth after meals to prevent food from getting stuck in your braces. If brushing isn’t possible, rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Apply wax to any brackets or wires causing irritation to reduce discomfort throughout the day.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Protect your braces and teeth during sports or physical activities by using a suitable mouthguard.
- Be Mindful of What You Eat: Choose braces-friendly foods for lunch and snacks. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy items that can damage your braces. Opt for soft fruits, yogurt, sandwiches with soft bread, and other gentle options. Parents of younger children should also consider this when packing lunch.
- Chew Carefully: Take small bites and chew slowly during meals to avoid putting excessive pressure on your braces.
- Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Steer clear of foods like gum, candy, and nuts that can damage your braces.
- Keep Up with Regular Checkups: Don’t skip your orthodontic appointments, even during the school year. Regular checkups are crucial for making adjustments and monitoring progress.
- Stay Positive: Remember, braces are a temporary step toward achieving your ideal smile. Keep your end goal in mind and try to stay positive, even when challenges arise.
Growing and Evolving
In addition to all of this, Dr. Sabelis knows that our patients experience unique challenges in this stage of life. These are a few additional tips for students with braces:
- Peer Support: Join in-person or online groups where you can share experiences and receive support from others undergoing similar orthodontic treatments.
- Buddy System: If you have a friend undergoing clear aligner treatment, support each other and stay accountable. You might also have a sibling or parent with current or prior orthodontic experience; lean on them for additional support.
- Encouragement and Motivation: Monitor changes in your smile by taking progress photos every few weeks. This visual evidence can be a strong motivator to stay on track.
- Track Your Progress: Take regular photos of your smile to document its evolution. Seeing your progress can be incredibly rewarding. Sturbridge Orthodontics will also help keep a visual record of your treatment, which we’ll reference along the way.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about how and why aligners work. Explore modern resources such as YouTube channels and blogs where people share their orthodontic journeys, offering valuable real-life insights.
- Reward System: You can enforce a small reward system for sticking to your treatment schedule and maintaining good hygiene. Consider saving small amounts of money for a special purchase or treating yourself to a favorite meal or snack.
Earning Your Gold Stars!
Remember, you’re never alone on your treatment journey with Dr. Sabelis and our team. We love seeing our patients make progress and achieve their amazing new smiles. At Sturbridge Orthodontics, we’re here to support you from day one to the finish line, no matter where you are on your journey! Our Sturbridge office is happy to serve local students—we can’t wait to meet you.