For the school year 2025-26, Queen Anne and Anne Arundel County schools open on August 25 (grades 1–5, 6, and 9) and August 26 for all students. Your student may be feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. New teachers, school supplies, and a chance to reconnect with friends can make late August feel like a fresh chapter. But for students who are starting the year with braces, there's extra preparation to think about. The good news? With a little planning, you can feel confident, stay comfortable, and keep your smile on track while juggling the demands of going back to school.
Get Organized Before Going Back to School
If you already have braces, consider scheduling a check-up to ensure your wires and brackets are secure, and you're stocked up on orthodontic wax, elastics, and any other supplies you might need. If you're getting braces right after school starts, try to book an appointment for a day when you won't have too many academic or extracurricular commitments.
Put together a small braces kit in your backpack. A compact case with a toothbrush, travel-sized toothpaste, floss picks, orthodontic wax, and a mirror can save the day if you get food stuck in your brackets or experience irritation. Keeping this kit handy also helps you stick to your cleaning routine, especially after lunch.
Plan for Good Foods to Eat with Braces for Lunch
School cafeterias aren't always braces-friendly zones. Hard, crunchy, or sticky foods can bend wires or pop off brackets. Think about good foods to eat with braces. Softer options like yogurt, pasta, sandwiches with soft bread, soft fruits, and steamed vegetables are safe bets. If your school offers hot lunches, check the menu ahead of time to see what days you might want to bring lunch from home.
Stay on Top of Your Oral Hygiene
With classes, homework, and activities, it's easy to forget to brush. But with braces, plaque and food particles can hide in places your toothbrush might miss. Brushing right after lunch helps keep your teeth healthy and your smile fresh. If you can't brush, rinsing your mouth with water and using a floss pick can be a good solution until you get home.
Manage Discomfort
Tightening appointments can make your teeth sore, which isn't ideal when you've got quizzes, projects, or sports practice. Planning ahead can help. Stick to softer foods for a day or two after adjustments, and use orthodontic wax to prevent irritation from brackets. Over-the-counter pain relief can also help if needed.
Feel Confident
For many students, braces can feel like a big change in appearance. It's normal to be self-conscious at first, but keep in mind that millions of students are going through the same thing. Choosing colorful elastics or clear bands can make your braces feel more like a personal style choice. The more you focus on your friends, activities, and classes, the less you'll think about your braces.
Keep Your Eyes on the Goal
Braces are temporary and have a long-lasting payoff - a healthier, more confident smile. By staying prepared, developing good habits, and giving yourself time to adjust, you can navigate the school year no matter what's on your schedule.
