Getting braces is an exciting step toward a dazzling smile, but it also comes with some new responsibilities, especially when you’re at school. But with these simple tips and tricks from Saddle Creek Orthodontics, you can take care of your braces and keep them clean, comfortable, and in great shape while focusing on your classes and hanging out with friends.
Bring A Braces Care Kit
First things first, let’s talk about your braces kit. This handy-dandy kit is your secret weapon for keeping your braces in tip-top shape while you’re at school. Here’s what you need to pack:
- Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste: Perfect for a quick clean after lunch or snack time. They’re small enough to fit in your locker or backpack.
- Waxed Floss & Floss Threaders: These little lifesavers help you easily get food out from behind the brackets and between the teeth.
- Orthodontic Bands: If you’re instructed to wear these to correct jaw or tooth misalignment, you should bring extras everywhere you go, including school!
- Orthodontic Wax: Got a pokey wire or an annoying bracket? Slap some braces wax on it for instant relief.
- Mirror: A compact mirror lets you check out your braces situation anytime, anywhere. No more worrying if you’ve got food stuck in there before a big presentation or group project!
- Small Bottle of Mouthwash: Keep your breath fresh and your mouth clean with a quick swish between classes.
- Interdental Brushes/Interproximal Brushes: If you want something a little easier than thread dental floss, check out interdental brushes. These are small radial brushes that fit between the teeth and between the brackets.
- Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated and decrease your risk of mouth sores, dry mouth, and food stuck in your braces with a cute, refillable water bottle.
Keeping your braces kit stocked and ready means you’ll be prepared for any braces-related hiccups, ensuring a confident smile and comfortable braces all day!
Handling Lunch & Snack Time Like A Pro
Navigating lunch and snack time with braces might seem tricky at first, but eating with braces isn’t as challenging as it looks.
- Choosing the Right Foods: Avoid crunchy, sticky, or hard foods like nuts, popcorn, and chewing gum. These can wreak havoc on your brackets, wires, and oral health. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew options that won’t damage your braces or complicate your oral hygiene routine, like pasta or boneless, tender meats.
- Bite-Sized Tips: Cut your food into smaller pieces to make chewing easier and avoid putting too much pressure on your braces. For example, slice apples thinly instead of biting into the whole fruit and cut sandwiches into manageable pieces. This practice also gives you a second to double-check that nothing is hiding in your food that can send your braces to the orthodontic “emergency room.”
- Post-Lunch Cleanup: After you eat, take a few minutes to freshen up. Brush and floss to remove any food that got trapped in your brackets while you were eating. If you have clear braces, you should also rinse your mouth with water to prevent discoloration of your discreet ligatures.
- Post-Lunch Reset: And lastly, before returning to class, replace the orthodontic bands or wax you removed to eat.
By following these tips, you’ll keep your braces and oral health in great shape—all while enjoying your meals at school!
Be Your Own Orthodontic EMT
Emergencies can happen with braces, but you won’t need an ambulance—you can be your own EMT! If you experience a broken braces bracket or a loose wire, stay calm and act quickly to avoid discomfort or worsening the situation.
If a wire is poking you, grab some orthodontic wax from your braces kit and cover the sharp end to prevent any more irritation. For a broken bracket, try to gently move it back into place using clean fingers or tweezers, then secure it with wax. This, and maybe some ice, Orajel, or over-the-counter painkiller, should be enough to help you survive the whole school day. If not, talk to a teacher or school nurse about the next steps.
After school, contact your orthodontist at Saddle Creek Orthodontics to schedule a repair appointment. Do not try to make any serious repairs or remove any part of your braces yourself. Leave the fixing to Dr. Kyle or Dr. John!
Mouthguards Protect Smiles
Planning on joining a sports team this year, or already have a big game coming up? Make sure to bring along your braces’ best buddy—the mouthguard!
Whether you’re scoring touchdowns, shooting hoops, or diving for soccer goals, a mouthguard is your go-to gear for keeping your braces and teeth safe from those unexpected hits.
If you think you’re too cool for this smile shield, think again! Olympians at the 2024 Paris Olympics wear theirs without fail every match. Plus, they’re easy to clean and fit snugly so that you can focus on your game, not your gear.
So, next time you hit the field or court, remember to put on your trusty mouthguard. Play hard, stay safe, and let your mouthguard take the hits so your smile doesn’t have to!
A+ Smiles Happen Here
Saddle Creek Orthodontics in Germantown and Collierville, TN, believes your orthodontic experience should be smooth and enjoyable and have little to no negative impact on your daily routine, lifestyle, and goals. Through our state-of-the-art technology, modern treatment options, and board-certified expertise, we have helped countless children, teens, and adults achieve happy, healthy smiles.
Schedule an appointment today to experience the fun, family-friendly atmosphere at Saddle Creek Orthodontics and let’s make your smile as bright as you!