A new school year brings new schedules, activities, and routines. For children and teens with braces, Invisalign clear aligners, retainers, or other orthodontic appliances, it’s a good time to reset their orthodontic care habits.
A little preparation can make it easier for your child to keep their teeth clean, protect their appliances, and stay consistent with treatment throughout the busy school year.
Keep Teeth Clean During the School Day
Brackets, wires, and other orthodontic appliances create additional areas where food and plaque can collect. Regular cleaning helps protect teeth and gums while keeping orthodontic treatment on track.
Ideally, students should brush after eating. When that is not practical, they can rinse thoroughly with water to help remove food particles until they are able to brush later in the day.
Students can use an interdental brush to remove food caught around brackets and wires, and drinking water throughout the day can help rinse away food particles and residue.
Once your child is home, they should complete a thorough brushing and flossing routine.
Choose Braces-Friendly Lunches
Hard, sticky, crunchy, or chewy foods are more likely to damage the brackets and wires of braces. Students should avoid chewing on ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, sticky snacks, or other foods restricted by their orthodontist.
Foods such as apples, carrots, or firm bread may still be enjoyed when cut into small, bite-sized pieces rather than bitten into directly.
Create a Plan for Retainers and Invisalign at School
Retainers and Invisalign aligners should always be placed in their case when they are removed. Wrapping them in a napkin or placing them loose on a lunch tray makes them much easier to lose or accidentally throw away.
Students wearing Invisalign should follow their orthodontists’ instructions for daily wear. In most cases, Invisalign aligners should be removed before eating and placed back in after brushing.
Your child may find it helpful to keep a labeled appliance case in their backpack and a second case at home. Remind them not to place retainers or Invisalign aligners in a pocket, where they may become bent or damaged.
Prepare for School Sports
Students with braces can still participate in sports, but protecting the teeth, lips, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances is important.
A mouthguard helps reduce the risk of injury during contact sports and other activities where a collision or fall could occur. Students with braces should use a mouthguard designed to fit comfortably over orthodontic appliances and allow room for tooth movement.
Stay Consistent with Orthodontic Appointments
School schedules can fill quickly with classes, homework, practices, clubs, and other activities. However, regular orthodontic check-ins remain an important part of treatment.
These visits allow your orthodontist to monitor progress, adjust appliances, and address small concerns before they affect the treatment timeline.
Scheduling upcoming visits in advance can make it easier to plan around school and extracurricular activities.
Have a Plan for Orthodontic Problems
Even with preparation, orthodontic issues like loose brackets, poking wires, or lost Invisalign aligners can happen. Make sure your child knows that they should not attempt to pull, cut, or repair an appliance using sharp objects. Orthodontic wax may help cover an irritating area until you can contact the office.
Pack an Orthodontic Care Kit
Students with braces may not always have time for a complete brushing routine after lunch, but keeping a few supplies in their backpack or locker can make caring for their smile at school easier.
Consider packing:
- A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Orthodontic flossers or floss threaders
- An interdental brush
- Orthodontic wax
- A retainer or aligner case
- A reusable water bottle
Keeping these supplies together in a small pouch can make them easier to find when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should my child do if they lose an Invisalign aligner at school?
Depending on the treatment plan, your child may be instructed to wear a previous Invisalign aligner, move to the next one, or schedule an appointment. Contact L&M Orthodontics as soon as possible for guidance.
Can my child keep orthodontic wax with the school nurse?
It can be helpful to keep orthodontic wax with the school nurse, especially if your child is younger or likely to misplace supplies. You may also want to keep some in their backpack so it is easy to access if a wire or bracket becomes irritating during the day.
Can my child use a regular sports mouthguard with braces?
A standard mouthguard may not fit properly over brackets and wires. Children with braces should use an orthodontic mouthguard designed to allow room for the appliances and ongoing tooth movement. L&M Orthodontics can help recommend the right type.
Can braces or Invisalign aligners affect playing a musical instrument?
Some students may need a short adjustment period when playing wind or brass instruments with braces. Orthodontic wax can help reduce irritation, and regular practice usually makes playing more comfortable over time.
Start the School Year with a Healthy Smile
Before school begins, help your child restock their orthodontic care kit, check that appliances and mouthguards still fit properly, and add upcoming appointments to the family calendar.
These small steps can make orthodontic care easier to manage once school schedules get busy. Contact L&M Orthodontics with questions or to schedule an orthodontic check-in.