School is not just a place for learning science and other academic subjects; it is also a place where you can grow and develop new habits like time management and one of our favorite things, proper braces care. However, taking care of your braces at school is a whole new playing field. You’ll need to follow your daily class schedule while minding your diet and setting ample time for cleaning braces.
With helpful tips from our experienced team at Timock Family Orthodontics and Northern Colorado Orthodontics (NOCO), taking care of your braces will be a breeze.
Prepare Your Braces Essentials
Whether you’ve just got your braces or have had them in for a while, nothing beats coming to school prepared with your very own braces survival kit. To make shopping for braces essentials easier, here are some things you need to look out for at your local supermarket:
- Travel-Size Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: A soft-bristled toothbrush is less likely to damage your braces. As much as possible, aim for a collapsible or travel-sized toothbrush so it fits right into your carrying case. Take care to clean above and below the brackets as well as the surface and inner part of your teeth.
- Interdental Brush: An interdental toothbrush features an ergonomic handle and fine bristles attached to a wire. This tool easily removes stuck food scraps between your teeth. There are plenty of sizes to choose from, so try to find one that best fits your needs.
- Travel-Size Mouthwash: Mouthwash is the solution for freshening your breath after lunch.Â
- Travel-Size Fluoride Toothpaste: Fluoride keeps your teeth strong in school and beyond.
- Orthodontic/Dental Wax: Dr. Timock and Dr. Mioduski will give you orthodontic wax upon request, though it’s also available in pharmacies. Orthodontic wax is manufactured from natural waxes, including beeswax and carnauba wax, so there’s no need to worry about its safety.
It also keeps loose brackets in place and protects your gums and inner mouth from friction from broken wires. We suggest keeping dental wax in your kit for the whole duration of your treatment, not just after having your braces adjusted. You’ll never know when you need to do braces first-aid.
- Lip Balm: This essential prevents chapped lips, giving them a more hydrated look.
- Compact Mirror: Easy to store and carry, a compact mirror is a must for doing last-minute mouth checks before your next class. Â
- OTC Relievers: Braces deliver pressure on your teeth. Though this is normal, you can take OTC relievers to ease the sensation while you’re working on a mind-boggling math problem or delivering a presentation.Â
Note Down Your Orthodontist’s Contact Details
Our expert team recommends saving the contact numbers of Timock Family Orthodontics at Fort Collins and NOCO at Windsor in your device in case of emergencies. Emergencies encompass not only pain, discomfort, and irritation but also serious damage to the braces.
For example, if you can’t secure a loose bracket or broken wire while at school, contact Dr. Timock or Dr. Mioduski for an appointment. This way, they can repair or replace damaged components and prevent delays in your treatment.
Don’t Get Tempted Easily
Is your classmate offering chips and crunchy food? It’s tempting, but learning to say no saves you from an emergency visit to the orthodontist’s office.
Thankfully, there are plenty of braces-friendly foods. We recommend the following foods to our patients in Fort Collins and Windsor:
- Mash potatoes
- Ground beef
- Pasta and noodles
- Shredded chicken
- Soft bread, fruits, and vegetables
- Sandwich with soft fillings
- Fish
- Scrambled eggs and other egg-based dishes
- Pancakes
- Soups
- Baked tofu
We understand you don’t have control over the school cafeteria’s menu. To be safe, the Timock Family Orthodontics and NOCO team recommends preparing the foods mentioned above at home. This removes the guesswork of checking the cafeteria for potentially braces-friendly meals. You could even try to get a lunch schedule to help you prepare your meals for the week.
Don’t forget to cut your food into smaller bits. This will also make chewing easy on your teeth, especially if you’ve just had your braces adjusted.
Protect Your Braces From Impact
Our metal braces, LightForce clear braces, and InBrace lingual braces are known not only for their strength and effectiveness in correcting malocclusion but also for their unparalleled durability. Still, they deserve protection from impact.
In school, sports can get messy, intense, and high-octane. A ball can come your way and hit you right in the face or your braces if you’re unlucky. This is where a mouthguard comes in handy. A mouthguard is like a shield, protecting your smile from injuries and your braces from damage. They’re safe and don’t compromise your ability to give instructions to your teammates or talk with your coach.
While there are commercial mouthguards, opting for a custom-made mouthguard reduces the risk of safety or fitting issues.
An A+ In Braces Care
We hope our tips will help you learn to take care of your braces and oral hygiene at school. As always, if you have issues with your braces, contact our office, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
If you want to start your orthodontic journey this school year, schedule your free consultation today to get started!