Summer is over, and it’s time to head back to school! Did you get your braces on over the summer, or have you already become a braces pro? No matter how long you’ve been in braces, a little preparation can make going back to school easier—and help keep your treatment on track.

Keep a Braces Essentials Kit in Your Backpack

A small orthodontic essentials kit can be a lifesaver during the school day. Pack:

• A toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste – Brush after lunch whenever possible to help keep your teeth and braces clean.
• Floss picks – Perfect for removing food that may get stuck in your braces after lunch or a snack.
• Orthodontic wax – Keep some handy in case a bracket or wire starts poking or feels uncomfortable.
• Extra elastics – If you wear elastics, keep an extra bag in your backpack or lunch box so you’re never caught without them.

Choose Braces-Friendly Foods

One of the best ways to avoid broken brackets or damaged wires at school is to stick with braces-friendly foods. As always, avoid anything hard, chewy, or sticky, and be mindful of foods that could damage your braces.

Make Water Your Go-To Drink

Drinking plenty of water is a great habit for your teeth and your overall health. Choosing water instead of sugary drinks can help reduce your risk of cavities, and water can also help rinse away food particles left behind after eating.

Protect Your Braces During Sports

Whether you’re playing on a school team or participating in gym class, protecting your braces is important. Always wear a mouthguard when participating in sports to help protect your teeth, gums, and braces.

Finishing Braces? Don’t Forget Your Retainer!

Is your time in braces coming to an end? Congratulations! That means it’s time for the next important phase of treatment: retainers. The number-one rule of retainers is simple: If they’re not in your mouth, they should be in their case. Make sure you always have your retainer case with you in your backpack or lunch box. Keeping your retainer safe and protected will help prevent it from getting lost, damaged, or accidentally thrown away.

Keep Your Smile on Track

You’ve put a lot of time and effort into your orthodontic treatment, so don’t let busy school days get in the way of taking care of your smile. With a few simple habits and a little preparation, you can keep your braces—and your teeth—looking their best throughout the school year.

If you or your child play contact sports, wearing a mouth guard is essential. It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your teeth and prevent injuries on the field or court. But if you’re currently in braces, not just any mouth guard will do.

What Is a Standard Mouth Guard?

A traditional mouth guard—often called a “boil-and-bite” guard—is designed to mold to your teeth for a snug fit. You typically soften it in hot water and then bite down to shape it around your teeth.

While this works well for people without braces, it can cause problems for those in orthodontic treatment. The molding process can put pressure on your brackets and wires, potentially loosening or damaging them.

Why Braces Require a Different Solution

When you’re wearing braces, your teeth are constantly shifting as part of your treatment. A tightly molded mouth guard won’t adapt to those changes and may not fit properly for long. More importantly, attempting to mold a standard guard around brackets can interfere with your orthodontic appliances.

What Is an Orthodontic Mouth Guard?

An orthodontic mouth guard is specifically designed for patients with braces. Instead of being molded tightly to your teeth, it’s made to fit comfortably over brackets and wires while still offering protection.

These guards are flexible, easy to wear, and allow room for tooth movement throughout your treatment—making them a much safer option.

Why Wearing a Mouth Guard Matters

Whether you have braces or not, a mouth guard plays a critical role in protecting your smile. Without one, a hit to the mouth during sports could result in:

• Broken or damaged brackets
• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Cuts and injuries inside the mouth caused by braces

An orthodontic mouth guard acts as a cushion, absorbing impact and reducing the risk of serious injury.

Protect Your Smile

Orthodontic treatment is a commitment of both time and effort. Wearing the right mouth guard ensures that your progress stays on track and your smile stays protected.

If you’re going through treatment, don’t overlook this simple step—protect your smile every time you play.