Students and braces often go hand in hand, but we provide orthodontic care for patients of all ages! Being in school can present unique challenges for maintaining your braces or helping a child maintain theirs. So today, Icon Orthodontics will tell you how to take care of your braces at school.
Braces by the Book
In our office at Icon Orthodontics, we offer Damon metal braces and LightForce custom clear braces. Here are a few ideas to help you navigate wearing your braces while you’re at school:
- Pack a Dental Kit: Include items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, orthodontic wax, and a compact mirror. This kit helps you maintain oral hygiene and manage any discomfort during the school day.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated and prevent dry mouth, a common issue with braces. This is especially crucial for student-athletes who need to hydrate more frequently.
- 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 be aware of the lunch items they pack.
- Use Orthodontic Wax: Apply wax to any brackets or wires that cause irritation to minimize discomfort throughout the day.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth after meals to prevent food from getting stuck in your braces. If brushing isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Wear a Mouthguard: Protect your braces and teeth during sports or physical activities by wearing a suitable mouthguard.
- Communicate with Teachers: Inform your teachers about your braces routine, especially if you need to excuse yourself for dental care or orthodontic appointments.
- Chew Carefully: During meals, take small bites and chew slowly to avoid putting excessive pressure on your braces.
- Reach Out for Help: If you experience any issues with your braces at school, visit the school nurse or contact Icon Orthodontics for advice.
- Avoid Sticky and Hard Foods: Try to avoid foods like gum, candy, and nuts, which can damage your braces.
- 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 it’s challenging.
- Keep Up with Regular Checkups: Don’t skip your orthodontic appointments, even during the school year. Regular checkups are essential for making adjustments and monitoring progress.
Growing and Evolving
In addition to all of this, Dr. Sun and Dr. Sarpotdar fully understand that this period of life poses unique challenges to our patients.
- Peer Support: Join in-person or online groups where you can share experiences and get 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 orthodontic experience; lean on them for additional support.
- 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.
- Track Your Progress: Take regular photos of your smile to document its evolution. Seeing your progress can be incredibly rewarding. Icon Orthodontics will also help keep a visual record of your treatment.
- 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.
- Reward System: Set up a small reward system for sticking to your treatment schedule and maintaining good hygiene. Consider saving small amounts of money for a future purchase or treating yourself to a special meal or snack that you haven’t had in a while.
An A+ for Effort!
Remember, you’re never alone on your treatment journey. We love seeing our patients make progress and achieve their amazing new smiles. At Icon Orthodontics, we’re here to support you from day one all the way to the finish line, no matter where you are on your journey! Our Surprise and Glendale offices are very thrilled to serve local students—we can’t wait to meet you!