A Parent’s Guide to Orthodontic Treatment: Back-to-School Edition

With the school year underway, families are settling into fresh routines. It’s also a season of new beginnings—making it a great time to think about your child’s smile. The orthodontic treatment journey often starts during the elementary and middle school years, where an orthodontist is actively monitoring the growth and development of your child. The treatment phase of orthodontics can begin at any age, but if you’ve been considering braces or Invisalign for your child, back-to-school season is the perfect time to begin the conversation.

Why Now Is the Right Time

The school year brings structure and routine, which makes orthodontic care easier to manage. Once kids are back on a consistent schedule, it’s simple to build in the habits they’ll need to succeed with treatment. From brushing and flossing after meals to wearing aligners or remembering orthodontic appointments, a routine helps your child stay on track and achieve the best results.

Starting treatment in the fall also has long-term benefits. Kids who begin treatment now will often see noticeable improvements by next summer, making it easier to enjoy family vacations, sports, and other seasonal activities with their brand new smile. Additionally, early treatment allows orthodontists to address issues like crowding, bite alignment, or jaw development before they become more complicated in later years. By taking action now, you’re not only investing in your child’s oral health, but also their confidence! 

Treatment Options for Every Smile

Every child’s smile is unique, and so are the treatment options we have available. During an orthodontic consultation, Dr. Willett will evaluate your child’s bite, jaw alignment, and overall dental health to recommend the best fit. 

• Metal Braces: Traditional metal braces remain one of the most reliable solutions for complex dental issues, including misaligned bites and crowded teeth. Today’s braces come with smaller, more comfortable brackets and colorful bands that let your kiddos personalize their look. Many children enjoy choosing colors to match their favorite sports teams, holidays, or even their mood, making orthodontic treatment fun.
• Clear Ceramic Braces: For patients seeking a more subtle appearance, clear ceramic braces are a great alternative. The brackets blend in with natural tooth color, making them less noticeable while still delivering excellent results. These braces are ideal for children and teens who want effective treatment without the appearance of full metal brackets.
• Invisalign: Removable and nearly invisible, Invisalign aligners offer a discreet option for responsible teens. They are perfect for kids who prefer flexibility and convenience, as aligners can be removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions. Consistent wear is key to success, so this option works best for children who are committed to following instructions carefully.

Dr. Willett will help you weigh the benefits of each option, considering your child’s needs, lifestyle, and personality. Together, you’ll choose a plan that supports both treatment success and self-confidence!

Making Treatment Affordable

We know orthodontic care is an investment—and one that can feel overwhelming at first glance. We understand that every family has a unique budget, which is why we offer flexible payment plans to spread out expenses over time. Some families use insurance benefits or health savings accounts (HSAs/FSAs) to offset costs, while others take advantage of adjustable monthly payments tailored to their financial situation.

Planning ahead can also make treatment more manageable. Kicking off treatment in the fall makes it simple to align payment plans with the school year and take advantage of scheduling that minimizes time out of class or the office. Many parents find that breaking payments into smaller, predictable amounts makes orthodontic care much easier to budget, allowing kids to receive the treatment they need without unnecessary stress.

Back-to-School Tips for Orthodontic Success

We’ve developed several helpful strategies to help you manage orthodontic treatment during the school year, as starting with a solid plan makes everything easier.

1. Pack a “Smile Kit” for School: Include a travel toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, and orthodontic wax in your child’s backpack. This way, they can maintain oral hygiene after lunch or snacks even if they’re away from home. Dr. Willett and her expert team at Lincoln Orthodontics makes it simple by providing this to every patient!
   
2. Plan Meals and Snacks Wisely: For kids with braces, sticky or hard foods can cause brackets to loosen or wires to bend. Encourage softer options like fruit slices, yogurt, cheese, and sandwiches. For Invisalign wearers, snacks are less restricted, but it’s still important to brush before putting the aligners back in.
   
3. Set Reminders for Aligners: Patients using Invisalign may need gentle reminders to wear their trays consistently. We encourage phone alarms or calendar alerts to remind them to wear aligners for the recommended 20–22 hours per day and to change on a weekly basis.
   
4. Keep Appointments Consistent: Orthodontic adjustments are crucial for progress. Try to schedule appointments during less busy times of the school year, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, to minimize disruption to classes and extracurricular activities.
   
5. Celebrate Milestones: Small rewards for consistent care—like new braces’ colors or our patient reward program—can motivate children to follow instructions and take pride in their smile.

The Payoff

Orthodontic treatment often builds confidence, promotes lifelong oral health, and gives your child the tools they need to feel proud of their smile. Correcting bite alignment can also improve chewing, speaking, and overall dental function, while straightening teeth reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven wear over time.

Beyond health benefits, the emotional impact of a confident smile cannot be overstated. Children who feel good about their teeth are more likely to engage socially, participate in school activities, and smile freely in photos and everyday life! Starting treatment during the school years ensures that by the time they reach major milestones—sports events, school dances, or summer adventures—they’re showing off a smile they can be proud of.

Getting Started

If you’ve been thinking about orthodontic treatment for your child, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Willett allows you to explore all available options, ask questions, and create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s unique needs. The back-to-school season offers the perfect combination of routine, structure, and timing to ensure a smooth start to treatment.

With professional guidance, affordable payment options, and personalized care, your child’s journey to a healthy, confident smile can begin this fall. Don’t wait—help your child embrace the school year with both a healthy bite and the self-assurance that comes from a smile they love. Schedule a consultation today, and let’s create a treatment plan that fits your family’s lifestyle and goals.