Back to School with Braces in Gurnee – Advice for Students and Parents

Are you and your child prepared for a new academic year? As the back-to-school season rolls around in Gurnee, is your child with braces prepared to face the challenges and opportunities? Using traditional metal or clear braces in Gurnee can make school life easier and more enjoyable with a few helpful tips.

Let us discuss the practical tips for students and parents to ensure a seamless back-to-school experience while managing braces, maintaining good oral health, and confidently embracing a journey toward a perfect smile.

Understanding Braces: A Step Toward a Healthy Smile

Braces are more than an aesthetic correction, as they are crucial in correcting issues like misaligned bites, overcrowding, and crooked teeth in Gurnee. Starting school with braces is a step toward improved oral health and a confident smile. Students should learn to care for their braces in school to avoid discomfort and keep treatment on track.

Tips to Students with Braces

Be Prepared with a Braces-Friendly Kit

A small braces care kit can help during the school day.

• A toothbrush and toothpaste for oral hygiene following lunch.
• Dental floss or interdental brushes to clear out food bits.
• Orthodontic wax is used to cover brackets or wires that are irritating the mouth.
• Small mirror to check for food stuck.

Keeping the kit in their backpack or locker ensures students are prepared to handle braces-related issues.

Choose Braces-Friendly Snacks and Lunches

Some food items can damage braces. It may require superfluous visits to the orthodontist. Advise your child to avoid consuming sticky or chewy foods- caramel and popcorn. Pack their lunches with the following braces-friendly options:

• Soft sandwiches or wraps.
• Sliced fruits like bananas or apples (cut into small pieces).
• Yogurt or pudding cups.
• Cooked vegetables.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Braces add extra areas for food and plaque to build up, making it essential to uphold proper oral hygiene. Students should brush after meals to prevent cavities and discoloration around the brackets. Regular cleaning ensures their treatment progresses smoothly and keeps their teeth healthy.

Protect Braces During Sports

Your child should wear a mouthguard during sports activities to safeguard their teeth and braces from possible injuries. Ask your orthodontist for a custom-fitted mouthguard, as it offers better protection and comfort than over-the-counter options.

Communicate with Teachers and Coaches

Let teachers, school nurses, and coaches know your child has braces. It can offer support if your child experiences discomfort or needs assistance during school hours.

Tips for Parents

Schedule Orthodontic Appointments Strategically

Coordinate regular orthodontic visits outside school hours to avoid disrupting your child’s classes. The appointments help track progress and make required modifications to the braces.

Stay Involved in Their Care

Encourage your child to follow their orthodontist’s instruction, such as wearing rubber bands or aligners at all times if they have invisible braces in Gurnee. Reinforce good oral hygiene habits at home.

Offer Encouragement

Students find wearing braces quite overwhelming at times. Let your child know that all their effort and patience will pay off to give them an attractive smile.

Benefits of Clear or Invisible Braces in Gurnee

For students who feel self-conscious about wearing braces, clear braces in Gurnee are a great option. These modern orthodontic solutions are less visible and offer a discreet means of correcting crooked teeth in Gurnee. Invisible braces, such as Invisalign, offer added flexibility, as they are removable during meals or occasions, making them appealing for students.

A Self-Assured Smile for the Upcoming Academic Year

Starting the school year with braces is a step toward improved oral health and a confident smile. The correct preparation and support will allow students to adjust to life with braces while succeeding academically and socially. The following tips can help make orthodontic treatment a rewarding experience for students and parents.

Greenleaf Orthodontics led by Dr. Brian LaBlonde is committed to helping families in Gurnee achieve beautiful and healthy smiles. We help our patients find the perfect smile with our customized orthodontic care. If your child needs traditional or clear braces in Gurnee, our team will guide you. Call Greenleaf Orthodontics today to schedule your consultation and make this school year the start of a brighter smile!