As the new school year kicks off in Santa Cruz, Capitola, and Scotts Valley, families are busy gathering supplies, organizing schedules, and getting back into routine. If your child wears braces or Invisalign, now’s the perfect time to make sure their smile is school-ready too!

At North Coast Orthodontics, we’re here to help your child stay on track with their orthodontic care — even during busy school days. Here are our top back-to-school orthodontic tips to keep their treatment smooth and stress-free all year long.

1. Pack an Orthodontic Care Kit

Every student with braces or Invisalign should carry a small care kit in their backpack. Stock it with essentials like:

• Orthodontic wax (for poking wires)
• A travel toothbrush and toothpaste
• Floss threaders or floss picks
• Extra elastics (if prescribed)
• A mirror
• Invisalign case (for aligners)
• Mouthwash or breath-freshening spray

Having these items on hand makes it easy to handle discomfort, clean up after lunch, or protect aligners during activities.

2. Plan Braces-Friendly Lunches

School lunches can be tricky with braces, especially if they involve sticky, hard, or crunchy foods. Avoid things like:

• Chips
• Hard granola bars
• Nuts
• Sticky candy
• Whole apples or raw carrots (unless cut into small pieces)

Instead, pack soft, braces-friendly options like yogurt, pasta, sandwiches on soft bread, steamed veggies, or cut fruit. If your child wears Invisalign, remind them to remove aligners before eating, and always brush before putting them back in!

3. Stick to the Schedule

Between homework, sports, and after-school activities, it’s easy to forget about aligner wear time or elastic use. But consistency is key to staying on track!

• Invisalign wearers should aim for 20–22 hours per day
• Braces patients need to wear elastics as directed
• Avoid skipping appointments — we’ll help schedule around school breaks when possible

Tip: Set phone reminders or use orthodontic apps like MyInvisalign to help kids stay accountable.

4. Protect That Smile During Sports

If your child plays sports, a custom mouthguard is a must. Braces increase the risk of oral injury during contact sports, and a properly fitted mouthguard offers protection for both the teeth and orthodontic appliances.

We can help fit your child with a braces-safe mouthguard that’s comfortable and durable.

5. Encourage Good Oral Hygiene Habits

School days can be busy, but brushing and flossing shouldn’t fall by the wayside. Encourage your child to:

• Brush after lunch or rinse with water if brushing isn’t possible
• Floss at least once a day (with tools that work around braces)
• Keep their retainer or aligners clean with daily rinsing and brushing

At North Coast Orthodontics, we can recommend age-appropriate tools and techniques to make oral hygiene easier for students of all ages.

A Confident Smile for the School Year Ahead

Starting the school year with a plan for orthodontic success can make all the difference in your child’s confidence and comfort. At North Coast Orthodontics, we’re proud to support Santa Cruz families with expert care, flexible scheduling, and a friendly team that’s always here to help.

Ready to schedule a check-up or have questions before classes begin? Contact us today and let’s make this school year a great one — smiles included!