Get Braces Before Going Back to School

If your child is about to return to school, now is the time to get them fitted for orthodontics. Getting braces before returning to school can help your child feel more comfortable and confident. It also gives them time to adjust to any discomfort and familiarize themselves with having braces.

Let’s go over some advantages of getting braces before returning to school. We’ll also provide ways to help your child adapt to this new change.

What to Expect During the Adjustment Period

The first few weeks of having braces may be uncomfortable as your child’s mouth adjusts to the new hardware. This is normal and will decrease within a few weeks. To help ease any discomfort, we recommend that patients:

• Eat soft foods
• Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods
• Use orthodontic wax to cover sharp edges
• Rinse with salt water
• Take over-the-counter pain medication if needed

By getting your child braces early, you give your child a chance to acclimate to having braces in a low-stress environment. They’ll also have time to experiment with different foods and learn which ones are safe to eat with braces.

In addition, it’s a chance to learn how to clean their teeth and develop a good oral hygiene routine. This can help immensely since the first few weeks after getting braces are typically the hardest.

In addition, they may experience some discomfort and soreness. Therefore, having a comfortable setting at home can help them feel more at ease.

Tips for Taking Care of Braces While at School

If your child is worried about taking care of their braces, you can do a few things to help.

Firstly, a braces kit will give your kid everything needed to care for their teeth throughout the day.

This can include items such as:

• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• Orthodontic wax
• Dental floss
• Chapstick

They must also drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help keep their mouth clean.

Remember, this can be a challenging time for your child, so be sure to offer support and encouragement. With a little time and effort, they’ll be adjusting to their new braces in no time.

Eating Soft Foods

In addition, make sure that your child is eating soft foods and knows which foods to avoid.

This includes foods like:

• Hard candy
• Chewing gum
• Nuts and seeds
• Popcorn
• Crunchy fruits and vegetables
• Chewy bread

Although this seems like a lot, having braces doesn’t mean your child must miss out on their favorite foods. There are still plenty of delicious options that are safe for them to eat.

Some soft food ideas include:

• Yogurt
• Soups
• Pasta
• Apple sauce
• Soft fruits
• String cheese

You may want to pack extra snacks and lunch items that are safe for them to eat.

Get Braces Before Going Back to School. The Bottom Line:

Overall, getting braces before returning to school can be beneficial for your child. It provides an opportunity to adjust to the new hardware and develop a good oral hygiene routine. Plus, it gives you time to figure out which soft food options work best for them.

Book your complimentary braces consultation here.