Orthodontic Summer Checklist: What to Do Before School Starts Back

Use summer break to get ahead on appointments, supplies, and treatment milestones.

Summer is the perfect time to relax, but it’s also a smart window to stay on top of your orthodontic treatment. Whether you’re starting braces, wearing aligners, or checking off Phase 1 milestones, summer break gives families the flexibility to schedule key appointments without disrupting school or sports.

At Toothman Orthodontics, we want to make sure you head into the new school year with your smile—and your supplies—fully on track. Use our orthodontic summer checklist to prepare before the back-to-school rush begins!

1. Schedule Your Adjustment or Check-In Appointment

Summer is one of our busiest times at Toothman Orthodontics, and for good reason—it’s the ideal time for checkups and adjustments. Whether you're in braces or clear aligners, keeping your treatment on schedule is key to staying on track.

Tip: If your child is due for a Phase 1 evaluation, summer is a stress-free time to schedule that initial consultation.

2. Reorder Orthodontic Supplies

Running low on wax, rubber bands, or aligner cases? Now’s the time to stock up before your school schedule fills up. Be sure to grab:

• Orthodontic wax
  
  
• Extra elastics
  
  
• Retainer or aligner cases
  
  
• Travel toothbrush and flossers
  
  
• Mouthguard for sports
  
  
• Interdental brushes or water flosser
  
  

Having these on hand helps prevent emergencies and ensures you’re always ready on the go.

3. Check Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Between summer snacks, pool parties, and late nights, oral hygiene can slip. Make sure you're brushing after every meal and flossing daily. If you're wearing aligners, be sure to clean them thoroughly and avoid sugary drinks while wearing them.

Back-to-school tip: Get a new electric toothbrush and keep a travel kit in your backpack or locker.

4. Hit a Treatment Milestone

Starting braces? Finishing Phase 1? Switching to a new aligner stage? Summer is a great time to tackle big treatment moments when you don’t have to worry about homework, sports, or missing class.

If you're wrapping up treatment, now is also a good time to schedule your retainer fitting and learn how to care for it properly.

5. Prepare for School with Confidence

Getting braces before school starts can ease the adjustment period. By the time class is back in session, any initial discomfort will have faded, and brushing, eating, and speaking with braces will feel more natural.

Bonus: You’ll be on your way to a great smile in all your yearbook photos.

6. Pack a Smile-Friendly Lunch Plan

Start planning braces-friendly school lunches and snacks now. Some great options include:

• Soft fruits like bananas and applesauce
  
  
• Yogurt, cheese sticks, and protein-packed sandwiches
  
  
• Cut veggies with hummus
  
  
• Avoid: sticky candy, popcorn, hard chips, and anything too crunchy

7. Don’t Forget to Smile

Orthodontic treatment is a journey—and summer is a great time to reflect on how far you’ve come. Take a selfie, celebrate progress, and get excited about what’s ahead.

Get Back-to-School Ready with Toothman Orthodontics

Dr. Toothman, Dr. Powers, and the entire team at Toothman Orthodontics are here to help you make the most of your summer. With two convenient locations in Frederick and Hagerstown, we make it easy to stay on track before the school year begins.

Call today to schedule your summer appointment and check off your smile goals before the bell rings!