A fresh start to a new school year is always filled with excitement & nervousness, encompassing new things to learn, new stationery to use, and lots of friends to meet. But this time, if you’re starting school with braces, a little extra effort is required.
That’s when concern will kick in: “how to prepare for braces before school starts?” The solution lies in a positive attitude, appropriate planning and a little assistance for braces before school from your trusted orthodontist.
We have compiled a guide to assist you with professional tips on how to prepare yourself for braces before school. This will ensure that you begin the term feeling comfortable and prepared.
Why Plan Braces Before School Starts?
It is going to take sufficient time to acclimatise to wearing braces because you will be acquiring new habits when it comes to eating, brushing, and speech.
Starting the process of braces before school can be helpful in various ways:
- Time to Get Used to: You will have a few weeks or even days to get used to your braces, away from the stresses of schoolwork and homework.
- Minimum Interruption: All of the initial fittings and adjustments will be done prior to the opening of the school, hence minimal or no interruption during school hours.
- Confidence Boost: You can go to school confident that you are accustomed to the braces, so you can worry about friends, school, and fun.
Step-wise Guide to Getting Braces Before Term Begins
Here we provide you with a step-by-step guide to start the process of braces treatment ahead of your children going back to school.
Step 1: Schedule Your Orthodontist Visit
If you’re certain that you’re in need of braces, you should schedule an appointment with your orthodontist weeks before. This will give you adequate time to fulfil your needs, undergo X-rays, and devise a well-thought-out treatment plan.
Step 2: Select the best type of braces
Your orthodontist will give you personalised guidance about your teeth, but it is well worth it to know the options so that you can decide for yourself.
Step 3: Prepare for the First Few Days
After you obtain your braces, the first 3–5 days will not be fun. You will get dull toothache, and you will have to make changes in your diet. But being prepared will certainly make this process much easier.
Step 4: Pack a Braces-Friendly School Kit
When you’re at school, it’s helpful to have some things saved in your locker: a travel toothbrush, floss or floss picks, orthodontic wax, and a small mirror. These will be handy to use to maintain your braces in peak condition during the day.
Step 5: Make a Brushing and Flossing Daily Routine
Braces require more brushing than ever before. Chances are that food will get stuck in the brackets very easily, and if not brushed away right away, it will lead to cavities or stains.
Dietary Precautions with Braces Treatment
Below, we have listed some dietary precautions you might bear in mind during treatment and follow for a while even after treatment:
- Hard candy
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Sticky toffees
Enjoy instead:
- Sandwiches with soft bread
- Pasta dishes
- Sliced fruits (like bananas or strawberries)
- Cheese cubes
- Yogurt cups
05 Tips to Maintain a Healthy Braces Routine
To keep your braces and the outcome you get after successful treatment, it is important that you follow tips to maintain healthy braces. Here, we have included a few suggestions which can easily be made by your children to keep their braces.
- Brush After Meals: Food can be wedged behind wires and brackets, so brush briefly for 2 minutes after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Bring a travel toothbrush in your school backpack for speedy cleanings.
- Floss Once Daily: Flossing will take a bit longer with braces, but it’s worth it. Thread around teeth and behind wires with orthodontic floss or floss threaders.
- Rinse If You Can’t Brush: If you cannot brush right away, a quick water rinse will dislodge food and leave your mouth feeling revived until you get home.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Pencil chewing, nail biting, or using your teeth to open snack packets will ruin your braces. Be on the lookout for safe habits to keep them safe.
- Maintain Orthodontist Appointments: Maintain orthodontic care, book routine check-ups to make sure your braces are working as required. Skipping appointments may slow your progress and prolong the treatment time.
Final Thoughts
Having braces during the summer can be a snap. You’ll have a chance to get settled in, adjust to a new routine, and arrive at school ready to roll. With a bit of simple planning on your part, you can maintain your clean, comfy, and hassle-free braces, allowing you to be free to enjoy homework, friends, and create fantastic memories.
So, before your child joins school reopening, take a step forward, plan your dental visit today. Plan your braces, settle in, and smile big with Dr. Kanchi Shah (BDS, DDS), who can assess your needs and design a personalised treatment plan suited to your unique needs.
FAQs:
How early should I get braces before school resumes?
It is usually advised that you start treatment 2–3 weeks before the beginning of school so you can get acclimated to any discomfort and the new habit of cleaning around your braces.
Is it possible for me to begin wearing braces during the school year?
Yes, but beginning in school can involve adjusting to braces while juggling classes, activities, and social events. Forethought makes it easier.
What should I do if my braces are bothering my mouth at school?
Put orthodontic wax on the rough spots to make it smoother and to reduce pain; also schedule an appointment with your orthodontist if the pain persists.
Do I need to inform my school nurse and teachers that I wear braces?
It’s a great idea, especially for the nurse, so that they can help in case of discomfort, losing a bracket, or if you need additional time after lunch to brush.
Why would you feel okay wearing braces on the first day of school?
Practice smiling and speaking at home, select groovy colors for your braces that you prefer, and remember that all your friends might already have braces, so you will not be different.
