It’s back-to-school season, and for some students, that means starting the year with something new: braces. Whether it’s your first week with braces or you’ve already had them for a while, returning to school while adjusting to orthodontic treatment can feel overwhelming.
The good news? With a few simple strategies, you can take care of your braces and stay on track with treatment all year long. At Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics, we’ve helped hundreds of students successfully balance school, sports, and life with braces. Below are our top five tips to help you manage braces during the school day and stay confident along the way.
Quick Tips for Braces at School
- Choose soft, braces-friendly lunches and snacks
- Practice speaking with braces before school starts
- Bring a travel care kit with essentials like wax and toothbrushes
- Wear a mouthguard during gym or sports
- Remember that most teens wear braces — you’re not alone
1. Smart Eating Tips for School with Braces
School lunches and after-school snacks can affect your braces — and your comfort. Choose soft, safe foods to avoid damaging your brackets or wires.
When your braces are new or recently adjusted, your teeth might be sore. Combine that with unpredictable school menus, and mealtime can be a challenge.
Start with soft foods that are gentle on your teeth and brackets. Try items like:
- Yogurt
- Mashed potatoes
- Applesauce or soft, cut-up fruit
- Cooked vegetables
- Soft pasta
- Scrambled eggs
Avoid sticky, chewy, or crunchy foods that can loosen wires or brackets. Tortilla chips, chewy granola bars, caramel, and hard candies should be left off your plate. If snacks are offered after sports or clubs, stick to braces-safe options like fruit cups or cheese cubes.
Still not sure what to eat? Check out our guide on foods to avoid with braces.
2. How to Speak Comfortably with Braces at School
Braces might affect how you speak at first, but your mouth will adjust quickly with a little practice.
Your lips, cheeks, and tongue need a bit of time to get used to the new hardware. If you feel self-conscious or have a slight lisp in the beginning, don’t worry — it’s completely normal.
To help your tongue adapt more quickly:
- Read aloud from a book or textbook
- Practice tongue twisters
- Sing along to music
Most students find that their speech improves within a week or two. Be patient with yourself. The more you speak with your braces, the faster your comfort and clarity will return.
3. Pack a Practical Braces Care Kit
A braces care kit gives you all the essentials to handle daily hygiene and minor braces issues at school.
Keep your kit in a small pouch or case that fits in your backpack. Some schools may require clear pouches, so check your school’s rules first.
Here’s what to include in your on-the-go braces supplies:
- Toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste: Great for brushing after lunch
- Floss and floss threaders: Helps remove food stuck around brackets
- Interdental brushes: Small brushes for cleaning between teeth and wires
- Orthodontic wax: Covers sharp edges or poking wires
- Extra rubber bands (if prescribed): Keep spares in case you remove them to eat
- Small mirror: Helps you check your braces after meals
- Pain reliever (if allowed): Some schools allow students to carry this with parent and nurse permission
Sometimes accidents happen — like when a wire breaks or becomes loose. If you’re wondering what to do if you swallow a wire, this guide can help.
4. Protect Your Braces During Sports and PE
Whether you’re in gym class or after-school athletics, a mouthguard protects both your braces and your mouth during physical activity.
Wearing braces makes your teeth and gums more vulnerable to injury. A sudden impact could break a bracket or injure the inside of your cheeks or lips.
There are two main types of mouthguards:
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Affordable and available at most drugstores
- Custom-fitted mouthguards: Made by your orthodontist for a precise, comfortable fit
Keep your mouthguard clean by rinsing it before and after each use. Use cool water and store it in a ventilated case to prevent bacteria buildup.
If you’re unsure which type of mouthguard is best for your sport, just ask us. We’ll help you choose a safe, effective option that works with your braces.
5. Wear Braces with Confidence at School
Braces are incredibly common. About 70% of U.S. teenagers will wear them before adulthood. You are not alone, even if it feels that way at times.
Some students feel nervous about how braces will affect their appearance. If you’re worried about getting teased, remember this: braces are helping you build a healthier, more confident smile. That’s something to be proud of.
Think of braces as armor for your smile. They’re straightening your teeth, improving your bite, and protecting your long-term oral health. If classmates ask what the rubber bands are for, you can confidently explain how they’re improving your bite. Here’s more on how rubber bands can help align your smile.
Embrace your orthodontic journey with confidence. Your future smile is worth it.
6. What to Do If You Need Help During School
Sometimes, things happen. A wire may poke your cheek, a bracket might come loose, or your teeth could feel sore after an adjustment.
If you’re at school and something feels off, start by visiting the school nurse. They may be able to help with immediate discomfort. From there, a parent or guardian can contact us to determine whether you need an earlier appointment or if it can wait until your next visit.
You can also schedule an appointment directly with our team in Topeka. We’re always here to support you — whether it’s your first week with braces or your final adjustment.
How do I keep my braces clean at school?
Carry a travel toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and an interdental brush to clean your teeth after meals. If you can’t brush, rinse your mouth with water.
Can I eat school lunch with braces?
Yes, but avoid crunchy or sticky items. Look for softer options like pasta, cooked veggies, mashed potatoes, or yogurt.
What should be in my braces care kit?
Include a travel toothbrush, floss, interdental brush, orthodontic wax, extra rubber bands, a small mirror, and (if allowed) pain relievers.
What if my braces hurt during the school day?
Speak to the school nurse and use orthodontic wax if a wire is poking you. With permission, a pain reliever may help relieve soreness.
Final Thoughts
Braces are a big part of your health journey, and going back to school with them doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can take care of your smile, stay comfortable, and feel confident — whether you’re in class, at lunch, or on the field.
If you or your parents have questions about managing braces during the school year, our team at Wilson & Hendrickson Orthodontics is always here to help. Let’s make this year your healthiest, happiest school year yet.
