Braces, Invisalign and Back to School: How to Simplify Your Daily Routine

Back-to-school season often means busier days: school, work, lunches away from home, sports activities and commuting.

When wearing braces, Invisalign aligners or a retainer, a little preparation can make all the difference in maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding forgotten steps.

Here are a few ways to make your routine easier once summer vacation is over.

Prepare a Small Kit for the Day

A compact toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss or an interdental brush, and a case for your aligners can easily be kept in a school or work bag.

This makes it easier to clean your teeth after lunch when needed and helps prevent putting aligners back over teeth that still have food residue on them.

With Invisalign: Plan Where to Store Your Aligners

One of the most common mishaps happens at mealtime.

Aligners that are removed and wrapped in a napkin can easily be thrown away by mistake. Consistently using their case significantly reduces this risk.

With a more structured schedule, it may also be easier to return to a consistent aligner-wearing routine.

With Braces: Adapt Meals and Snacks

Certain very hard or sticky foods can damage brackets or orthodontic wires.

Preparing lunches is therefore a good opportunity to choose foods that are easy to eat and easier to clean from your teeth afterward.

After eating, a quick check in the mirror can also help prevent food from remaining around the braces for several hours.

Don’t Forget Your Retainer

After orthodontic treatment, a retainer helps maintain the position of your teeth.

Back-to-school season can serve as a reminder to return to the recommended wearing schedule if your routine was less consistent during the summer.

If the retainer becomes uncomfortable or no longer fits as well as it used to, it is best to have it checked.

Sports Activities: Remember Your Orthodontic Appliances

Going back to school often also means returning to sports.

If you or your child wears an orthodontic appliance and participates in a sport where there is a risk of impact to the face, speak with your dental professional about the appropriate type of mouthguard.

A Routine That’s Easier to Maintain

Orthodontic treatments require consistency, but they should not make your day unnecessarily complicated.

Preparing a dental care kit, planning meals and always keeping your aligner case within reach can help reduce forgotten steps and protect your teeth throughout the day.

At Santé Dentaire VMR in Ville Mont-Royal, our team is here to advise you on good oral hygiene habits during orthodontic treatment and the proper care of your appliances.