As the summer months are dwindling down, our patients are ready to head back to school, where they once again will move forward with a new year of higher learning. Wright Orthodontics’ staff wishes each of our school-aged patients the best of luck in their upcoming school year, and would like to offer some helpful back-to-school tips for those wearing braces.
Perfect Your Oral Hygiene Routine
The school year provides a structured routine that can benefit your oral hygiene. This is the perfect time to take it up a notch. Prepare to brush your teeth after each meal, and carry a small pouch to school that contains a toothbrush, a compact tube of toothpaste and floss. Quickly head to the bathroom to brush and floss your teeth after finishing your lunch. Adding this step into your school day will prevent tooth decay and other possible dental issues that could delay your orthodontic treatment or threaten your dental health.
Take Good Care of Your Retainer
If you are in your final stages of orthodontic treatment, and you are wearing a retainer, there are some considerations that we would like you to understand. This is the retention stage, and using the retainer is an important part of your treatment plan. A common mistake is losing your retainer at school or throwing it into the trash receptacle. Rather than placing your retainer into a napkin while you eat, place it into the retainer case. This one step could save you the expense of having to pay for a newly made retainer. If you place your removed retainer into its case, it will not be easily lost or discarded.
Visit Dr. Marc S. Wright, Your Atlanta Orthodontist, on a Regular Basis
You will need to continue to regularly see Dr. Marc S. Wright, your Atlanta orthodontist, every 4 to 12 weeks for continued treatment. Each of your monthly appointments is an important aspect of your orthodontic progress. Conventional braces have been permanently affixed to your teeth, and routine adjustments must be completed. Keeping each appointment is an essential part of your successful orthodontic treatment. Using a smartphone or a small calendar to log and track your appointments is a helpful option.
Stay Away from Those Food Items that Can Damage or Break Your Braces
When you wear conventional braces, you must stay away from crunchy, hard and sticky, chewy and gooey snacks and foods. Eating these types of snacks and foods could result in damaging or breaking your braces. Pack lunches for school that contain items such as soft fruits and sandwiches that can be easily cut into smaller sized pieces for safe orthodontic eating.
Returning to school wearing braces will prove to be easier and more pleasant if you follow these tips. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any questions. It is always our pleasure to speak with you!
