It is common for children to have their braces put on during summer vacation when they are away from school. This means they are returning to school in the fall with a new look. Your child’s first day at school with braces doesn’t have to be a stressful or sad one. Dr. Marc Wright shares his tips for taking on braces in the classroom.
Keep a braces care kit in your locker or back pack.
Keeping a braces care kit in your child’s locker or backpack is a great way to make sure they’ll have what they need for their braces at all times. Your braces emergency kit should include:
- Dental wax for any sharp wires
- Lip balm for chapped lips
- Small mirror to make sure everything is looking good
- Full-sized toothbrush and toothpaste for midday cleaning
Even if your child doesn’t play sports, you should pack a mouth guard in case they need it during their physical activity class. An emergency braces kit ensures your child will be prepared for whatever happens during the school day.
Don’t be afraid to smile!
Some students can be shy or nervous about their classmates seeing them with braces for the first time. We recommend that you share with your child that there is no need to worry – mostly everyone has had or will have braces at some point, so no one will think it’s strange that they are wearing braces. Braces are just a stepping stone to give your child an even more beautiful smile, and the results will be worth it!
Don’t forget to watch what you eat.
We all know what foods to stay away from when wearing braces – gum, sticky candy, popcorn, etc. – but it can easy to grab a handful of something yummy when it is being passed around. It is okay to inform your children that they might have to say “no” to a Snickers bar from time to time. It is also helpful to pack your own snacks or keep something you know your child can eat in their locker, so they don’t go hungry during the day (especially if they have to skip the classroom snack).
Dr. Marc S. Wright of Wright Orthodontics serves the Atlanta, Marietta, and the surrounding areas of Georgia. Call (404)-507-2078 to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help improve the smile of your child.
