Back to School: Your Family's Orthodontic Checklist
It's that time of year again. Backpacks are getting packed, school supply lists are getting checked off, and schedules are starting to fill up fast. Between finding the right notebooks and getting back into a morning routine, your child's smile might not be top of mind. But late summer is actually one of the best times to think about orthodontics, whether your child has never been to an orthodontist or they're already a few months into treatment.
Here's what to know, whether you're just starting to think about braces or your kid already has them.
If your child is heading back to school and you've been wondering whether they need braces or Invisalign, back to school season is a great natural checkpoint. Teachers, coaches, and pediatricians tend to notice things over the summer that prompt parents to ask questions, like crowding, a bite that doesn't quite line up, or a habit like thumb sucking that's lasted longer than expected.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. That doesn't mean treatment starts right away. It just means an orthodontist can keep an eye on how their teeth and jaw are developing and step in at the right moment if needed.
A few signs it might be worth scheduling a consultation this fall:
At Bankhead & Firth, consultations are always free, so there's no pressure and no cost to just get a professional opinion. If treatment does make sense, we'll walk you through the options and the timeline together.
If a consultation does turn into a treatment plan, starting now has some real advantages:
Schedules are still a little flexible. Once fall sports, clubs, and homework routines are in full swing, it gets harder to carve out appointment time. Getting the first few visits done now means your child can settle into treatment before the busiest part of the school year hits.
FSA dollars can go further. If your family has a Flexible Spending Account, starting treatment before the end of the year is a smart way to put those funds to use. We accept HSA and FSA accounts, and we offer 0% in-house financing, so starting doesn't have to mean paying everything upfront.
Every treatment plan is priced the same way. Whether your child ends up with traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, our pricing is based on the complexity and length of treatment, not which option you choose. That means you can pick what actually fits your child's needs and lifestyle without worrying about one option costing more just because of what it's made of.
If your child started treatment earlier this year, back to school brings its own set of questions. A few reminders to help the transition go smoothly:
Lunchtime matters. Sticky, hard, or crunchy foods are still off the table with braces. Think caramel, popcorn, hard pretzels, and whole apples or carrots (cut them up instead). Packing braces-friendly lunches now saves a lot of “can I eat this?” texts later.
Sports need a mouthguard. If your child plays a fall sport, they'll need a mouthguard designed to fit over braces. Standard boil-and-bite guards can be uncomfortable or even damage brackets, so ask us about options made specifically for orthodontic patients.
Pack an emergency kit. A small pouch with orthodontic wax, a spare toothbrush, and floss threaders can be a lifesaver if a wire starts poking or something feels off between classes. It's an easy thing to toss in a backpack and forget about until it's needed.
Stay on top of hygiene. Busy mornings make it tempting to rush through brushing, but food and plaque build up faster around brackets. A quick reminder to brush after lunch, even just with water if a toothbrush isn't handy, can make a big difference.
Don't skip appointments. It's easy for orthodontic visits to get lost in a packed fall calendar, but staying consistent with adjustments keeps treatment on track and can actually shorten the overall timeline.
Whether you're weighing a first consultation or just trying to keep an in-progress treatment plan on track once the school year picks up, our team is happy to help. We work with every major insurance provider, offer free consultations, and will match pricing on comparable orthodontic quotes.
Ready to get your family's fall off to a good start? Give us a call at 314-843-5553 or visit bankheadandfirthortho.com to schedule.
You can also find us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook @bankfirthortho for more tips throughout the school year.
