The new school year is here—and for some students, it brings more than just new classes and backpacks. If your child has new braces, you may be wondering how to help them navigate the school day with confidence and comfort.
Whether they are starting their orthodontic journey or continuing orthodontic treatment, adjusting to braces at school takes a little preparation. Here are 5 tips to help your child succeed this school year while protecting their teeth, smile, and confidence.
1. Pack a Braces-Friendly Lunch
School lunches can be tricky for braces patients, especially when they include crunchy, sticky, or hard items. These types of snacks can break a bracket, loosen a wire, or even lead to longer treatment times.
Instead, aim for braces-friendly snacks like:
- Soft fruits (bananas, seedless grapes, applesauce)
- Yogurt or smoothies
- Pasta salad or soft sandwiches (cut into smaller bites)
- Cheese sticks and scrambled eggs
Avoid chips, popcorn, hard veggies, and chewy candy. Choosing braces-friendly options not only protects their appliance but also promotes a healthier mouth and reduces the risk of plaque buildup and tooth decay.
2. Create a Braces Care Kit for the Backpack
A personalized braces care kit is a must-have for any school day. Keep it simple and discreet by storing essentials in a pencil case or cosmetic bag.
What to include:
- Travel-size toothpaste and toothbrush
- Flossing picks, dental floss, or a floss threader
- Orthodontic wax for sore spots
- Compact mirror
- Extra rubber bands (if your child wears them)
- Lip balm to prevent dry lips from brackets
- Orthodontic mouth guard if your child plays sports
This “dental kit” ensures your child can handle anything that comes up during the school year—whether it’s food stuck in braces or a sore spot from a shifting wire.
3. Set a Routine for Orthodontic Appliances
If your child wears clear aligners or a removable orthodontic appliance, consistency is key. Encourage them to:
- Remove aligners before lunch
- Rinse and store aligners in their case
- Put them back in immediately after eating
- Use their phone or planner for reminders
Failing to wear aligners or retainers consistently during the school day can lead to longer treatment times, so building these habits early is crucial.
4. Talk to Teachers and Staff
Especially in the first few weeks with braces, it is helpful to inform a few adults at school—like teachers, lunch staff, or the school nurse. They can provide a little support if:
- Your child needs a quick brushing break
- A bracket breaks
- A wire pokes out
- Oral discomfort becomes distracting
Pro tip: If your child is active in sports or physical activity, check with your orthodontist about orthodontic mouthguards to protect their teeth and braces during games.
5. Keep Up with Orthodontic Appointments
Back-to-school routines can get hectic, but do not fall behind on your child’s scheduled orthodontic appointments. Regular visits ensure that their braces treatment is progressing as planned and allow us to address any concerns early.
Scheduling appointments after school or during early-release hours can help minimize disruptions while still keeping treatment on track.
Start the School Year with Confidence
At Bean Orthodontics, we are here to help your child feel confident, comfortable, and cared for—at school and beyond. If you have questions about managing orthodontic treatment during the school year, or want to schedule a free consultation, we are happy to help.
Let’s make this new school year a smile-worthy one!
Ready to schedule your next visit or start treatment?
Contact Bean Orthodontics today to support your child’s smile all year long.
