Getting braces or Invisalign is a big deal, no matter what age a person is, no matter what time of year it is. Tweens and teens, though, may especially benefit from starting the orthodontic journey in summer. Here are just some of the reasons it’s worth dedicating some of your time to teeth and braces during the laziest days.
1. Room to Plan
Braces begin with a consultation. X-rays and other 3D images are taken, an exam is completed, and your orthodontist makes a diagnosis about what’s happening and what needs to happen to get teeth in alignment. After this appointment, parents and teens have room to consider what direction they want to take and if conventional braces or Invisalign is the right choice.
2. Time and Space to Adjust
Adjusting to orthodontics takes a week or two but, very quickly, they become part of daily life. School is out and there is space and time to get used to brackets and wires or aligners on the teeth or manage any pressure or temporary discomfort. It’s also easier to schedule appointments for check-ups and questions when there isn’t class or afterschool activities to miss.
3. Get the First Phase Well Underway
Any younger kids who need phase one orthodontics including an expander benefit from doing the bulk of this work in the summer months. The turning of the key in an expander needs to happen for several weeks and there are multiple appointments during this portion of early braces that are easier to manage when school is out.
4. Mentally and Emotionally Transition
Braces change a teen’s look while wearing the hardware and when the braces are finally removed. Some teens embrace the transformation, experiment with colors of rubber bands, and smile big no matter what. Others are a little more self-conscious about the changes to their appearance because of brackets and wires. Teens will get used to the new normal, it just might take a little time.
5. Master Teeth Cleaning
Braces and Invisalign Teen require TLC for the teeth underneath. Brushing and flossing is not the same anymore. People who wear metal or ceramic braces benefit from water flossers and must brush thoroughly to keep enamel free of plaque and build-up. Invisalign aligners must be cleaned to ensure they stay clear and fresh. Mastering this routine takes time and summer allows room.
6. Edit What You Eat
Teens enjoy gum, fruit snacks, pizza crust, popcorn, and anything crunchy, chewy, or crispy, but these can be problematic for braces-wearers. Kids with Invisalign aligners just remove the trays for meals and snacks. It takes a little diet editing to make sure your teen isn’t threatening the integrity of their braces. Thankfully, summer ice creams, smoothies, pasta, shakes, and other soft stuff helps.
7. Appreciate the Journey
The orthodontic journey is brief. It’s a matter of sticking with it to get results and summer is an excellent way to kickstart the experience. Schedule a consultation this summer at Lawrenceville Orthodontists and find out if your child is ready for any phase of orthodontics. Get them on the road to beautiful teeth before the school year starts in the fall and help them adjust to this new, temporary accessory.