Why Summer Break Time is the Best Time to Start Braces
POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics
When the final school bell signals the start of summer break, the last thing on your kidβs mind is braces. While your teenager is ready to relax by the pool, summer is actually the best time to kick off their alignment adventure. (Donβt worry, thereβs still plenty of fun on the agenda!) Beginning braces or Invisalign in the summer is the pro move for parents and kids. It keeps things completely low-stress and makes the transition a total breeze for everyone in the family!
There are a ton of reasons why the sunny months set middle and high schoolers up for absolute success with their orthodontic gear, initial appointments, and new routine. Check it out!
TLDR AI Summary: The best time to get braces, Invisalign, or any other orthodontic treatment is summer. Summertime appointments help kids miss less school and give them more time to adjust to their new hygiene routine and diet. They can also gain more confidence with their braces or clear aligners.
Clear Schedules = Fewer Absences
Whether your kiddo is starting ceramic braces or Invisalign clear aligners, the beginning of any orthodontic journey involves extra visits. The early appointments are often longer and more frequent, since they monitor early progress. When you start treatment in the middle of the semester, it can be a big pain to find time for check-ins around tests and sports practice.
Starting in June or July means you avoid pulling your child out of important classes or events (except for short check-ups and occasional adjustments). The last thing we want is for kids to fall behind in school because of their orthodontic treatment!
Tackle Sore Teeth with Ice Cream Season
We wonβt lie to you β there are some downer days with braces and Invisalign. Sore teeth are a common side effect of extra adjustments during the early months of treatment. While later months are easier to manage, itβs nice not to have to tackle sore teeth and exams on the same day.
Plus, summertime is ice cream season, and cold treats are our #1 favorite way to soothe the soreness and inflammation that come with adjustment days and tray swaps!
Taking the Pressure Off the Menu
Whether theyβre rocking traditional metal brackets or sleek clear trays, there is always a slight adjustment period at mealtimes. Getting used to softer foods or remembering to replace trays after a quick snack is much easier at your own kitchen table than a cafeteria. Summer break allows students to adjust to changes at their own pace and without feeling awkward around their peers.
Start With a Serious Confidence Buffer
It is completely normal for teens to feel self-conscious when they first get their new orthodontic gear. It always takes a second to get used to how you look and feel with braces or clear aligners.
A summer start gives school kids a couple of months to get comfortable speaking, laughing, and smiling with their new hardware. This seasonal downtime acts as a massive confidence buffer. By the time the back-to-school season hits and they are walking the halls again, theyβll wear their new look like a superstar.
Master the New Bathroom Sink Routine
Brackets, wires, attachments, and trays mean spending a lot more time in front of the bathroom mirror brushing and flossing. The relaxed summer mornings and evenings let teenagers practice new dental hygiene habits without worrying about catching the early-morning bus. But once the school year starts, itβs much harder to start a new brushing and flossing routine, especially when away from home.
Ready to Tackle Braces and Invisalign This Summer?
By the time school starts, your student will be ready to tackle the new school year like a pro. Take advantage of the open summer calendar and set them up for a POsitively awesome experience! Reach out to the Pachter crew at our Paramus, NJ, or Middletown, NY, office to schedule a complimentary consultation today and determine the best time for your kid to start orthodontic treatment.