Summer break on the Space Coast has come to an end! School is back in session, the weather is starting to cool down (kind of), and we’re ready to make this school year the best one yet.
If you’re starting off the school year with a fresh metal grill, you may have mixed feelings about going back to school. It’s only natural! Your friends at Caudill & McNeight Orthodontics are here to help.
We have 5 pro tips to help you go back to school with confidence and set yourself up for a radical year. (You may be surprised how quickly you adapt to braces treatment!)
1. Be selfie-ready with a braces care kit.
Don’t let your breakfast linger into lunch with you! Carrying a braces care kit is ideal for keeping your smile clean and avoiding the embarrassing realization that you had a piece of lettuce stuck in your teeth the whole time.
Consider any of these items for your handy kit:
- Mini toothbrush
- Mini toothpaste
- Floss
- Interproximal brush
- Pocket mirror
- Orthodontic wax
You don’t have to carry many items or spend more than $5! As long as you have a travel-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, you’re good to go. Keeping your teeth clean will help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and create a beautiful end result.
After breakfast, lunch and snacks, bring your braces care kit to the bathroom for a quick cleansing. Clean teeth = healthy gums + exceptional treatment results!
2. Keep it cool with a refillable water bottle.
Bring your raddest water bottle to school and refill it a few times each day. You’ll see the benefits pretty quickly! Water plays an important role in your orthodontic treatment journey, from your dental health to your mental health.
- Drinking water strengthens your teeth and helps keep your braces clean! If you want a beautiful set of pearly whites (and good breath), it’s a good idea to keep water on hand.
- Drinking water is great for your mental health. Studies show that it reduces the risk of anxiety and depression!
- Water is your skin’s best friend; it’s proven to have a positive effect on skin appearance and can even prevent acne!
Plus, drinking more water means more bathroom breaks – which means more chances to use your braces care kit.
3. Don’t take risks with your precious smile!
Life is all about taking risks – safe risks, that is. Ask that girl or guy out. Learn how to play the drums. Try out for the main role in the next play! Why not? Live a little!
However, one risk you don’t want to take this school year (or ever) is stepping onto the field or court without your mouthguard. Leaving your teeth exposed to a ball spiraling toward your face or another player’s elbow is a dangerous, painful, and expensive risk.
According to studies published by the American Dental Association, “individuals who do not use mouthguards have more than twice the increased risk of orofacial injury.” Wearing a mouthguard reduces the chances of dentofacial injuries in collision sports by 27.6%!
Your mouthguard protects you from a potential braces emergency, or worse – a cut lip or a missing tooth. If you don’t have a mouthguard yet, please let Dr. Caudill or Dr. McNeight know at your next appointment, and we’ll help you choose the right one!
4. Pack some braces-friendly snacks – just in case.
Who doesn’t appreciate back-up snacks? Whether you prefer eating school lunches or packing lunches from home, it’s a good idea to keep some braces-friendly snacks in your locker.
During the first week with braces, your teeth and gums may be a bit sore, and you may feel discouraged from eating some of your usual foods. (Don’t worry, this is temporary!) While your mouth is still adjusting to braces treatment, you may want to pack some soft snacks, like:
- Pasta salad
- Oatmeal
- Apple sauce
- Yogurt
- Soft chocolate
- Chicken soup
After the first week or so with braces, you may be able to reintroduce the full braces-approved menu. Try any of these snacks:
- String cheese
- Muffins
- Shredded chicken
- Spaghetti and meatballs
- Fruit salad
- Grilled cheese
With braces-friendly snacks by your side, you won’t have to face lunch on your own or feel that your options are limited. (And you won’t be hangry by the end of the day.)
5. Smile as much as possible!
Take every chance to smile with friends – and in the mirror! Watch your smile transform over the months and start tapping into the confidence you’re gaining.
We provide different types of braces, including traditional metal braces and clear ceramic, so you can choose the one that makes you feel the most confident throughout treatment.
We are also proud to be the very first and ONLY orthodontist in Brevard County, Florida to earn the Invisalign Blue Diamond provider designation! This means that our orthodontists can treat complex cases that other providers may not be equipped to treat.
You can guarantee that you’re in some of the most experienced hands (and at one of the coolest practices) when you choose Caudill & McNeight Orthodontics. Who else has a mini aquarium in their office?!
Remember, all of your hard work will pay off soon. Enjoy this school year – and prepare to catch a life-changing wave of confidence!
Need more back-to-school tips?
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’ll give you all of the tips and advice you need for a comfortable transition back to school – with braces, but without the awkwardness.
Like your child’s annual physical exam, his or her orthodontic evaluation is fundamental for treating or preventing problematic conditions that can impact their quality of life. Has your child received his or her first orthodontic exam yet?
We are a leading orthodontist in Melbourne, Merritt Island and Viera, FL and we offer free first visits. Your first visit includes a one-on-one consultation with a highly experienced doctor, Dr. Caudill or Dr. McNeight, and a thorough orthodontic exam with x-rays and photos!
Request your complimentary Back-to-School Orthodontic Exam today!
