As the sun shines brighter and school schedules fade into summer break, families often find themselves enjoying a more relaxed pace of life. This natural slowdown makes summer the perfect season to start orthodontic treatment—especially for children and teens.
At Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics, we believe that timing can make all the difference in the success and comfort of a patient’s smile journey. Here’s why summer is ideal for beginning treatment:
- Flexible Schedules Mean Less Stress
One of the biggest barriers to starting orthodontic treatment during the school year is scheduling. Summer allows families to avoid juggling school hours, sports, and after-school activities. With more open availability, we can conduct:
- Digital x-rays
- Comprehensive exams and diagnosis
- Customized treatment plans
- Detailed financial and insurance discussions
- Initial braces or Invisalign® fittings
Our board-certified team ensures that each new patient gets the time and attention they need without the pressure of tight calendars.
- Smooth Transition into Oral Hygiene Routines
Adjusting to new oral hygiene routines is easier when kids aren’t rushing off to school each morning. Summer gives children and teens time to learn the best practices for brushing and flossing with braces or cleaning Invisalign® aligners properly.
We help new patients build strong oral care habits, setting them up for long-term success with their treatment.
- A Great Time to Master Braces-Friendly Eating
Braces often come with food restrictions. Getting used to these changes is easier when you can experiment at home without the added pressure of school lunches.
We provide a guide to help families transition smoothly. Some of our favorites:
Foods to avoid:
- Popcorn, bagels, and hard candies
- Whole apples (unless sliced)
- Chewing gum and caramel
Braces-safe treats:
- Smoothies and milkshakes
- Soft fruits and yogurt
- Pasta, eggs, and steamed veggies
With Invisalign®, you have more freedom—just remember to rinse your aligners after meals to keep bacteria at bay.
- A More Comfortable Adjustment Period
The initial few days after getting braces or aligners may involve mild discomfort. Summer allows children to manage that discomfort at home with cool foods and rest, instead of toughing it out through a busy school day.
Starting treatment now means your child returns to school with growing confidence—and a healthy head start on their smile journey.
Schedule your summer consultation at Wafelbakker Anderson Orthodontics today, and let’s begin building a smile that lasts a lifetime.