Summer break in Wilmington has come to an end and school is back in session! We’re ready to make this school year the best one yet – are you?
If you’re starting off the school year with a fresh metal grill, you may have mixed feelings about going back to school. It’s only natural, but we’re here to help! Your orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to put a damper on your experience.
Your friends at Matsumoto Orthodontics & Periodontics have 5 pro tips you need to go back to school with confidence. (Adjusting to braces treatment or BRIUS treatment will be a lot easier than you may think!)
1. Be selfie-ready at all times 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 BRIUS hidden braces, you won’t get any visible food particles stuck in your braces (since BRIUS 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 BRIUS braces, you can brush and floss your teeth without having to navigate around brackets or wires. BRIUS uses patented individualized arms instead of traditional brackets and they don’t use traditional archwires, making it easy to floss between each tooth.
After breakfast, lunch and snacks, bring your braces care kit to the bathroom for a quick cleanse. 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. Matsumoto know at your next appointment and we can help you choose the best one.
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 so you can choose the one that makes you feel the most confident. Choose from BRIUS truly invisible braces, advanced self-ligating metal braces or self-ligating clear ceramic braces. (Dr. Matsumoto is also an expert provider for Invisalign treatment!)
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 – with braces, but without the awkwardness.
Has your child received his or her first orthodontic exam yet? We are a leading orthodontist at Porters Neck in Wilmington, NC, and we offer free first visits. Your first visit includes a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Matsumoto and a thorough orthodontic exam with x-rays and photos!
Like your child’s annual physical exam, their orthodontic evaluation is fundamental for treating or preventing problematic conditions that can impact their quality of life. Dr. Matsumoto is proud to be the only dual-trained specialist in orthodontics and periodontics in the area, and one of only a few providers in the entire country!
You can trust that Dr. Matsumoto has the skill and experience you or your child needs to achieve a stunning, healthy smile and navigate life with confidence.
Request your complimentary back-to-school orthodontic exam today!
