As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it's the perfect time to make sure your smile is ready for a successful school year. Whether you're wearing braces or Invisalign clear aligners, a little preparation now can help keep your treatment on track all year long.
1. Schedule Your Orthodontic Appointment
The back-to-school season gets busy quickly! Regular appointments help ensure your treatment stays on schedule.
2. Pack an Orthodontic Care Kit
A small kit in your backpack can make all the difference. Include:
- Toothbrush
- Travel-sized toothpaste
- Floss or floss threaders
- Orthodontic wax
- Extra elastics (if you wear them)
- Your Invisalign case (never wrap aligners in a napkin!)
3. Choose Smile-Friendly School Snacks
Healthy snacks are good for your teeth—and your braces! Great options include:
- Yogurt
- Cheese
- Apples (cut into slices)
- Bananas
- Soft berries
- Hummus
- Cottage cheese
- Smoothies
Avoid sticky candies, hard candies, popcorn kernels, and chewing ice, as they can damage braces.
4. Don't Forget Your Retainer or Aligners
If you're wearing Invisalign, remember to wear your aligners for the recommended number of hours each day. Always store them in their case when eating. If you've completed treatment, wearing your retainer exactly as instructed is the best way to protect your new smile.
5. Protect Your Smile During Sports
Fall sports are just around the corner. If you're playing soccer, football, hockey, basketball, or any contact sport, wear a properly fitted mouthguard to help protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances.
6. Keep Brushing and Flossing a Priority
Busy school schedules can make routines easy to forget. Aim to:
- Brush after meals whenever possible.
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day.
- Floss daily to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment.
Healthy teeth move more efficiently during orthodontic treatment.
7. Start the School Year with Confidence
A confident smile can make the first day of school even brighter. Whether you're just beginning treatment or you're nearing the finish line, every appointment brings you one step closer to your best smile
We're Here to Help!
Our team is excited to help you keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track throughout the school year. If you have questions about braces, Invisalign, retainers, or mouthguards, don't hesitate to reach out.
We wish all of our patients and their families a happy, healthy, and successful school year!