If your child answers “I got my braces” or “I got Invisalign” to the question, “What did you do over the Summer?” then this blog is for you!
Our team has some advice on making a smooth transition into the school year with braces:
Braces Kit
Some of our advice adds to your back-to-school shopping list, but it’s best to be prepared. Those with traditional braces should build and bring a “braces kit” to school. These are the basics that can be added to a bag or pouch.
• Wax: A little piece of the wax we provide with treatment can be placed over any protruding wires or brackets to provide relief for any discomfort until our team can fix the problem.
• Extra Rubber Bands: As bands can break or get lost, bringing some extras to school is a best practice.
• Invisalign Case: If your child wears Invisalign, bringing the case to school can keep the aligners safe and clean. Wrapping an Invisalign aligner in a napkin during lunch is a common way that these items get lost.
Any students – whether they have traditional braces, Invisalign Teen, or no braces – would benefit from bringing a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss to school. But remember, they don’t work unless they actually use them!
Mouth Guard
If your child plays any contact sports during PE or after school, wearing a mouth guard may even be required for play, as they protect teeth and smiles. Any mouth guard that your child had before getting braces will probably need to be remade to allow for proper fit. Make an appointment with our office and we’ll get one made right away or tell you where to buy the best mouth guards.
Lunch
Our office provides details on safe and unsafe foods for our patients with traditional braces. Invisalign patients have the advantage of eating whatever they want, as their aligners are removed prior to eating.
For patients with traditional braces, the items that should be avoided are basically anything very sticky or hard. So popcorn, peanuts, hard candy, taffy, caramel for example are on the bad list. Crusty bread, nachos, chicken wings, corn on the cob, hard fruit, raw vegetables also are to be avoided with traditional braces. So how about the good list? Here are a few options of good foods to eat during lunch.
• Pasta
• Steamed Vegetables
• Mashed Potatoes
• Sandwiches
• Cheese
• Eggs
• French Fries
• Ice Cream
• Pudding
• Yogurt
• Soup
Get the idea?
The above foods won’t get stuck in braces and won’t damage teeth.
Our last piece of advice is to use the remaining summer days to get your child into good oral habits like brushing and flossing, eating the right foods, drinking more water, and getting used to life with braces or Invisalign. It’s a relatively short time in treatment that results in a lifetime of beautiful smiles.
