Back to School with Braces: 10 Tips Every Parent Should Know

By Dr. Kim Smith | Smile Suite Orthodontics, Evanston IL

The start of a new school year brings excitement — new teachers, new supplies, new routines. But for students heading back with new braces (or aligners), it can also bring a few extra challenges. At Smile Suite Orthodontics, we want every child in Evanston to feel confident and prepared walking into school — brackets, wires, and all.

Whether your child goes to Evanston Township High School, Chute Middle School, or one of our local elementary schools, these tips will help make the transition back to school with braces smoother and stress-free.

🎒 1. Pack a Braces Care Kit for Their Backpack

Just like pencils and notebooks, a mini braces kit should be part of your child’s daily school gear. Include:

  • A travel toothbrush
  • Fluoride toothpaste
  • Orthodontic wax
  • Extra elastics (if they wear them)
  • A compact mirror
  • Floss threaders or interdental brushes
  • A case for removable aligners

This helps your child handle any mid-day food stuck in brackets, poking wires, or aligner removals after lunch — all on their own.

🥪 2. Choose Braces-Friendly Lunches

Crunchy apples, hard chips, and sticky candy bars are off-limits — but there are still tons of delicious lunch options. Pack:

  • Soft wraps, pasta, rice dishes, or deli sandwiches (cut into small bites)
  • Yogurt, cheese cubes, or mashed fruit
  • Banana bread, muffins, or soft cookies
  • Water (always better than sugary juice boxes)

If your child buys lunch, help them review the menu in advance and spot safe options.

🗓️ 3. Schedule Appointments Around School Hours

At Smile Suite, we offer before-school and after-school appointments to help minimize missed class time. If your child needs to leave during the day, we’ll always provide an excuse note — and keep visits quick and efficient so they’re back in class in no time.

Pro tip: Book ahead for busy testing weeks or after-school sports seasons.

🧒 4. Normalize the Experience for Younger Kids

If your child is in elementary or middle school, they might feel a little shy about their new braces. Help them feel more at ease by:

  • Reminding them how common braces are
  • Celebrating their new smile milestone
  • Letting them pick fun colored rubber bands
  • Practicing positive affirmations at home

At Smile Suite, we also love cheering them on and celebrating with photos, giveaways, and encouragement every step of the way.

📚 5. Help Teens Stay Aligner-Accountable

For teens using Invisalign or clear aligners, school can be a tough place to stay consistent. We recommend:

  • Wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day
  • Removing them for lunch, snacks, and drinks other than water
  • Brushing and rinsing before putting them back in
  • Using a dedicated aligner case (not a napkin — that’s how aligners get thrown out!)

Need help getting your teen back on track? We’re happy to talk directly with them and offer gentle reminders and tips.

🍫 6. Know What Treats to Avoid — Especially at School Parties

As the year kicks off with birthday celebrations, Halloween, and class parties, remind your child to skip:

  • Caramel and taffy
  • Hard candy
  • Popcorn
  • Gum
  • Anything super sticky or chewy

Encourage safe alternatives like soft baked goods, fruit cups, pudding, or even chocolate (without nuts or crunch).

🧼 7. Stick to a Brushing Routine

With early mornings and homework-filled nights, it’s easy to forget dental care. Keep your child’s routine strong by:

  • Brushing twice a day for 2 minutes
  • Flossing or using a water flosser daily
  • Rinsing after lunch if they can’t brush at school
  • Booking regular check-ups and cleanings

We’ll reinforce good hygiene habits at each ortho visit, too!

💬 8. Talk to Teachers If Needed

Most kids adjust to braces quickly, but it’s okay to let teachers or coaches know about:

  • Initial soreness after adjustments
  • Speech differences in the first few days
  • The need for wax or aligner breaks
  • Pain that could distract from learning

Teachers appreciate the heads-up — and may even share helpful tips from other students’ experiences.

🧃 9. Skip the Sugary Sports & Lunch Drinks

Sports drinks, flavored waters, and juice boxes might seem harmless, but their sugar can linger around brackets and lead to white spots or decay.

Encourage your child to drink:

  • Plain water
  • Sugar-free flavored water
  • Milk (in moderation)

If they do drink a sweet beverage, they should rinse with water right after — and brush as soon as they can.

👩‍⚕️ 10. Reach Out Anytime — We’re Here to Help!

At Smile Suite Orthodontics, we’re more than just your orthodontist — we’re a support system for your child’s entire smile journey. If something breaks during school, if you’re unsure about lunch options, or if your child is feeling nervous about their new look — call us. Email us. Send us a photo.

We’re located at 2422 Main Street, Evanston, IL 60202, and we love working with local families and schools to make sure every student feels confident and supported throughout treatment.

Back to School with Braces: 10 Tips Every Parent Should Know

🎉 Bonus: Celebrate Progress

Don’t forget to celebrate progress along the way — like their first week with braces, getting a good report from Dr. Kim, or finishing aligner set #10. A small treat, a shout-out at dinner, or a “you’ve got this” note in their lunch can go a long way.

Ready to start your child’s school year off strong?

Book their next appointment or consultation today, and let’s get them smiling confidently all the way to summer break!