As summer winds down and the new school year approaches, parents around Hinsdale start prepping backpacks, buying school supplies, and checking off their back-to-school to-do lists. One thing you might not have considered? How orthodontic care fits into that plan.
Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry is here to make back-to-school season a breeze by helping you manage everything from school forms and exams to braces checkups in one friendly, efficient office. That means less stress for you and a better smile for your child or teen.
Why Combine School Readiness with Orthodontic Care?
Orthodontic care is often overlooked during back-to-school season, but it can play a big role in your child’s confidence and overall health. Getting ahead of orthodontic needs means:
- Fewer absences from school later in the year
- Less discomfort from untreated bite or alignment issues
- A great-looking school photo with a smile they’re proud of
- School forms and dental health documentation done in one place
Dr. Blair and Dr. Riccio are proud to support our patients both in and out of the classroom. We know life gets busy, especially once the school year is in full swing. That’s why we work with you to schedule appointments around school hours, provide documentation for school physicals and sports forms, and offer flexible options for families juggling multiple kids.
A Back-to-School Smile Plan: What to Schedule
Here’s a quick checklist of what you can take care of with us as school begins:
- Orthodontic Evaluation (especially if your child is age seven or older)
- Braces or Aligner Checkups
- Early Treatment Assessment for bite or jaw issues
- Dental Health Forms are needed for school enrollment or sports participation
We make it easy to check off multiple boxes at once. Our office is designed with families in mind, so siblings can be seen at the same time, and our friendly team keeps visits efficient and fun.
Early Evaluations: Give Your Child a Head Start
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Early checkups can catch issues like:
- Jaw growth concerns
- Crowded or missing teeth
- Misalignment that might lead to speech or chewing problems
With early treatment, we can often shorten later treatment time or even avoid more complex procedures down the road.
Our Orthodontic Supervisory Program is free and helps us monitor your child’s growth until the perfect time for treatment.
Supporting Kids In and Out of the Office
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t stop when your child walks out the door. At Hinsdale Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry, we’re committed to making sure your child feels supported and confident both in the office and at school.
Here’s how we help kids thrive throughout treatment:
- Discreet Options: With Damon Clear Braces and Invisalign, students can feel more confident in social situations.
- Flexible Appointments: We accommodate school and extracurricular schedules.
- School-Friendly Supplies: We can provide ortho kits for lockers or backpacks with wax, flossers, and instructions.
- Educational Support: We educate kids about how to care for their braces at school, from what snacks to avoid to how to brush after lunch.
What About Teens?
Teens are at a perfect stage for orthodontic treatment, and we specialize in helping them through it with confidence.
Whether your teen is prepping for homecoming, sports season, or senior portraits, our Hinsdale orthodontics team can:
- Align treatment to their life schedule
- Offer nearly invisible options like Invisalign or Spark Aligners
- Provide guidance for eating and hygiene during lunch breaks
- Offer reminders and app-based tools to keep them on track with aligners
FAQ: Braces for Students
Q: Will braces affect my child’s school life?
Not too significantly! After the first few days of adjustment, most students go about their usual school routines with ease. Braces may cause slight discomfort initially, but this fades quickly. Activities like class participation, lunch, and school events remain totally doable, just with a little more awareness of oral hygiene and food choices.
Q: Can my child still play sports with braces?
Absolutely, with proper precautions taken. We recommend wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and orthodontic appliances. These are especially important during contact sports like football, basketball, or soccer. Let us know what sport your child plays, and we’ll help them stay safe while staying active.
Q: How can students keep their braces clean during school hours?
A small dental kit with a toothbrush, floss picks, and orthodontic wax can be a game-changer. Encourage brushing after lunch and rinsing with water when brushing isn’t an option. Staying on top of oral hygiene helps prevent cavities and keeps treatment on track.
A Higher Standard in Hinsdale
Our patients are the heart of what we do, but especially our youngest patients. We love to partner with them and watch them grow throughout their treatment! If you think this might be the year for your child to start orthodontic treatment, reach out to us for a free consultation!