In Jackson and Charlotte, the return of early mornings and after-school activities means orthodontic care needs to keep pace. Dr. Backinger and the Summit Orthodontics team make it easy for students to stay on track while still focusing on sports, lunch lines, and locker chats. With two convenient locations and plenty of experience helping kids and teens balance treatment with their schedules, school-year success starts with smart daily habits. First up: what to do before your student even walks out the door.
Start the Day Right (Even When You’re Running Late)
Mornings move fast, especially when you’re packing lunches and locating missing sneakers at the same time. But a solid start makes a big difference for braces wearers. Before your child heads out the door, help them check these off:
- Brush and floss after breakfast, not just before bed
- Pack orthodontic tools like wax, a travel toothbrush, and an extra case if they wear clear aligners
- Stick with braces-friendly breakfast options, like yogurt, scrambled eggs, or soft pancakes
- Refill water bottles: staying hydrated helps keep teeth clean between brushing
If things are hectic, Dr. Backinger at Summit Orthodontics recommends keeping a “grab-and-go” pouch in your entryway or backpack, filled with extras so you’re never caught off guard.
Up next: how to keep braces happy in the middle of the school day.
School Day Survival Kit: Braces Edition
Once that first bell rings, it helps to have a few orthodontic essentials tucked into a backpack or locker. A mini kit can keep things feeling normal, even when lunch gets stuck or wires shift. Here’s what to pack:
- Orthodontic wax for any pokey spots
- A compact mirror for quick checks after meals
- A toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
- Floss picks or a reusable flosser
- A spare aligner case if your child uses Invisalign
Having these tools on hand gives students more confidence to handle anything that comes up without having to visit the nurse’s office. Next, we’ll take a look at what lunchtime choices make the grade when you have braces.
Smart Lunchroom Picks (and What to Skip)
When lunchtime rolls around, the wrong bite can throw off your whole afternoon. That’s why knowing which foods play nice with braces can save time, trouble, and maybe even a trip back to the Summit Orthodontics.
Braces-Safe Favorites
Soft foods are the go-to. Think pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, grilled chicken, steamed veggies, and fruit without a tough skin. These options are easier to chew and gentler on wires and brackets.
Sticky, Crunchy, and Risky
Some cafeteria staples are better left untouched. Skip chips, popcorn, chewy granola bars, nuts, hard candies, and sticky sweets like caramel or taffy. Even healthy snacks like raw carrots or whole apples can be a hazard unless cut into bite-sized pieces.
Don’t Forget to Remove Aligners
If your child wears Invisalign, remind them to take them out before eating and store them safely in their case—not wrapped in a napkin that might end up in the trash.
Up next: what to do when your child runs into an orthodontic snag between classes.
Bumps in the Road? Don’t Panic.
Even with the best planning, school days come with surprises. Maybe a wire starts poking mid-math class, or an aligner ends up left behind in the locker room. Whatever the scenario, Dr. Backinger and the Summit Orthodontics team have plenty of student-tested solutions.
For Braces Wearers
If something starts to feel off, a little orthodontic wax can go a long way. If the issue doesn’t go away, your child can swing by the school office to call home and schedule a quick check-in at Summit Orthodontics.
For Aligner Users
Lost trays happen. The key is not to skip wear time. Students should always keep their most recent set of aligners (or the next ones) in a labeled case at school, just in case. Let the team know what’s missing, and they’ll guide you on whether to move forward or hold steady.
Coming up next: tips for staying consistent with appointments and oral hygiene when after-school calendars get hectic.
After-School Routines That Work
The afternoon rush may be filled with sports practices, homework marathons, and snack requests, but it’s also a golden window for orthodontic upkeep. Once your child is home and settled, a few quick habits can help everything stay on track.
Start with a post-snack brush, especially if your child reaches for crackers or anything sticky. For braces wearers, take a moment to check for loose brackets or wires before heading off to evening activities. If your child wears Invisalign, this is a great time to soak their aligners and give them a gentle brush before slipping them back in for the evening.
You don’t need a rigid routine. Even a five-minute check-in can help catch small issues before they become bigger ones.
Up next: how Summit Orthodontics keeps things simple for families juggling school calendars, dental visits, and everything in between.
School-Year Support That Fits Right In
It’s easy for orthodontic care to get overlooked, but Summit Orthodontics makes it simple and tailored to your student’s life.
What They Offer:
- Metal Braces: Comfortable and modernized for every age group
- Invisalign: Clear and removable aligners that keep teens in motion
- Clear Braces: Subtle ceramic options for a more discreet look
Both the Jackson and Charlotte offices provide:
- Same-day treatment starts to jump right into braces or aligners
- On-time visits so appointments don’t slow down your schedule
- Flexible payment plans designed with families in mind
Dr. Backinger brings years of local roots, teaching experience, and community involvement. She’s created a practice that genuinely feels like home!
With care that fits around school calendars and treats your child as part of the family, you can trust that their orthodontic path stays smooth and steady.
Hall Pass to a Healthy Smile
School days move fast, but with a little help from Dr. Backinger and the team at Summit Orthodontics, braces care won’t fall behind. From packed lunches to practice time, their advice fits right into your family’s routine. With offices in Jackson and Charlotte, flexible scheduling, and expert support, it’s easy to keep things running smoothly. Book your free consultation today and let Summit Orthodontics make this school year your student’s best smile semester yet!