*School bells ring in the distance* It’s that time again! Summer break has come to an end in Johnson City, and school is back in session. If you’re starting off the school year with a fresh metal grill, you may have mixed feelings. It’s only natural!

Your experience with braces doesn’t have to be awkward, like it is in the movies. Your friends at Local Orthodontics are here to help!

We have 5 pro tips to help you go back to school with confidence and have your best year yet.  (You may be surprised how quickly you adapt to braces treatment!)

1. Be selfie-ready with a braces care kit.

Don’t let your breakfast linger into lunch with you! Carrying a braces care kit is ideal for keeping your smile clean and avoiding the embarrassing realization that you had a piece of lettuce stuck in your teeth the whole time. 

If you have InBrace truly invisible braces, you won’t get any visible food particles stuck in your braces (since InBrace is attached to the back surfaces of your teeth), but you still want to keep your teeth and gums as clean as possible to achieve the best results!

Consider any of these items for your handy kit:

• Mini toothbrush
• Mini toothpaste
• Floss
• Interproximal brush
• Pocket mirror
• Orthodontic wax

You don’t have to carry many items or spend more than $5! As long as you have a travel-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste, you’re good to go. Keeping your teeth clean will help you maintain excellent oral hygiene and create a beautiful end result.

Plus, with InBrace braces, you can brush and floss your teeth without having to navigate around brackets or wires. InBrace uses unique Smartwire loops custom-designed for your smile using AI technology; these braces make it even easier to floss between each tooth.

After breakfast, lunch and snacks, bring your braces care kit to the bathroom for a quick cleansing. Clean teeth = healthy gums + exceptional treatment results!

2. Keep it cool with a refillable water bottle.

Bring your coolest water bottle to school and refill it a few times each day. You’ll see the benefits pretty quickly! Water plays an important role in your orthodontic treatment journey, from your dental health to your mental health.

• Drinking water strengthens your teeth and helps keep your braces clean! If you want a beautiful set of pearly whites (and good breath), it’s a good idea to keep water on hand.
• Drinking water is great for your mental health. Studies show that it reduces the risk of anxiety and depression!  
• Water is your skin’s best friend; it’s proven to have a positive effect on skin appearance and can even prevent acne!

Plus, drinking more water means more bathroom breaks – which means more chances to use your braces care kit.

3. Don’t take risks with your precious smile!

Life is all about taking risks – safe risks, that is. Ask that girl or guy out. Learn how to play the drums. Try out for the main role in the next play! Why not? Live a little!

However, one risk you don’t want to take this school year (or ever) is stepping onto the field or court without your mouthguard. Leaving your teeth exposed to a ball spiraling toward your face or another player’s elbow is a dangerous, painful, and expensive risk.

According to studies published by the American Dental Association, “individuals who do not use mouthguards have more than twice the increased risk of orofacial injury.” Wearing a mouthguard reduces the chances of dentofacial injuries in collision sports by 27.6%!

Your mouthguard protects you from a potential braces emergency, or worse – a cut lip or a missing tooth. If you don’t have a mouthguard yet, please let Dr. Jewett know at your next appointment. We’ll help you choose the best mouthguard!

4. Pack some braces-friendly snacks – just in case.

Who doesn’t appreciate back-up snacks? Whether you prefer eating school lunches or packing lunches from home, it’s a good idea to keep some braces-friendly snacks in your locker.

During the first week with braces, your teeth and gums may be a bit sore, and you may feel discouraged from eating some of your usual foods. (Don’t worry, this is temporary!) While your mouth is still adjusting to braces treatment, you may want to pack some soft snacks, like:

• Pasta salad
• Oatmeal
• Apple sauce
• Yogurt
• Soft chocolate
• Chicken soup

After the first week or so with braces, you may be able to reintroduce the full braces-approved menu. Try any of these snacks:

• String cheese
• Muffins
• Shredded chicken
• Spaghetti and meatballs
• Fruit salad
• Grilled cheese

With braces-friendly snacks by your side, you won’t have to face lunch on your own or feel that your options are limited. (And you won’t be hangry by the end of the day.)

5. Smile as much as possible!

Take every chance to smile with friends – and in the mirror! Watch your smile transform over the months and start tapping into the confidence you’re gaining.

We provide different types of braces, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, innovative InBrace truly invisible braces and 3D printed LightForce custom brackets, so you can choose the one that makes you feel the most confident throughout treatment.

We are also proud to be an expert Invisalign provider! Dr. Jewett offers quality Invisalign treatment for all ages.

You can guarantee that you’re in experienced hands (and at one of the coolest practices) when you choose Local Orthodontics. 

Remember, all of your hard work will pay off soon. Enjoy this school year – and prepare for a life-changing smile!

Need more back-to-school tips?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us! We’ll give you all of the tips and advice you need for a comfortable transition back to school in Johnson City – with braces, but without the awkwardness. 

Like your child’s annual physical exam, his or her orthodontic evaluation is fundamental for treating or preventing problematic conditions that can impact their quality of life. Has your child received his or her first orthodontic exam yet? 

We are a leading orthodontist in Johnson City, and we’re proud to support our local schools! Your first visit to us is 100% complimentary. It includes a one-on-one consultation with a highly experienced doctor, Dr. Jewett, and a thorough orthodontic exam with x-rays and photos!

Request your complimentary Back-to-School Orthodontic Exam today!