With a face mask, your braces are truly invisible!
Yass, summer is here! Popsicles, slip’n slides, children’s laughter, and warm sunny weather. You are counting down those laaaaast days of school and looking forward to no more early bus rides, no more homework, no more tests, and not more after-school extracurriculars. At last an open schedule – sweet freedom.
School is out!
The end of the academic year brings lightness back into the schedule as homework, test, extracurricular activities, and sporting events are winding down. The light summer calendar allows for you and your child to schedule appointments with less hassle and interference. We do not like it when your kids miss time from school, thus, summer is a great time to get these initial lengthy appointments checked off the To-Do list. By the time “It’s back to school”, they will only need to come in for quick and easy checkups.
Getting Adjusted
New orthodontic technologies have minimized most of the discomfort of getting braces, yet it is still a process that is about moving teeth – and that can take some getting used to, especially in the beginning. This is why we also suggest starting braces in the summer, so kids and teens can get used to some new hygiene and nutrition changes. They have to practice their new oral hygiene routine, which can easily get lost in the shuffle with school and sports. Summer is the easiest time for these transitions!
Growth Spurts
Finally, there is science. Aside from convenient scheduling and wanting your child or teen to feel as comfortable and confident as possible, there is also some science involved in our reasoning for starting orthodontic treatment in the summer. Kids generally go through growth spurts and then go into a lag period until the next spurt, and studies show that growth spurts tend to happen most during the long days of summer. While researchers are still studying the exact cause of this phenomenon, the most likely factor involves the pituitary gland as it relates to the length of the days and increased heat. Whatever the cause, it’s just one more reason to get those braces on before the heat of the summer so the teeth will move as easily and effectively as possible.
Ice Cream!
Being that we are oral healthcare providers, we can not officially “endorse” a diet that is ice cream, however, its summer after all! Ice cream IS on the list of ortho-friendly soft foods. Bingo! Also, a soft, cool treat can not only bring happy smiles, it can work wonders to soothe sore teeth and gums. Consider healthier and equally delicious ice cream alternatives, including frozen yogurt and fresh fruit smoothies.
Just be sure to keep up a great oral hygiene routine and floss like a boss. Eating sugary foods while in braces can be tricky to keep teeth clean, so ensure your kids rinse them frequently with water especially after something sugary, and brush and floss more regularly to clean between the teeth and around the gums to prevent cavities and gingivitis.
Is it ever “the right time”?
There is no such thing as a “wrong” time to get braces or get started with orthodontics, as we understand that there are many personal factors, such as scheduling and finances that are a part of your decision-making process. However, there is a season of the year that is proven to be better than the rest for starting orthodontic treatment – summertime!
You may foresee some opposition from the peanut gallery such as, “But it’s summer! I don’t want to spend the summer with braces!” So this is why we at Roland Park Orthodontics are here to give you some ammo when having this conversation with your child.
We are here to help you get started with your child’s or teens orthodontic journey.
Schedule an appointment at 410-296-4400
