Best Orthodontic Treatment for Middle School Kids

The birds are chirping, the days are getting longer, and April rain is making way for May flowers. Ah, Spring! A beautiful reward for making it through the cold months of winter. Spring marks a time of new beginnings and a time to consider orthodontic treatment for middle school. “Wait,” you may be thinking, “That was quite a jump!” But not really…planning now for your child to have orthodontic treatment for middle school is the perfect timing. There are several reasons to get braces put on during the summer! Read on to understand more about the importance of timing, and the wonderful options for orthodontic treatment for middle school.  

Why is summer the best time for orthodontic treatment for middle school?

You may be surprised to hear that timing is everything when considering braces, but there are many benefits to beginning orthodontic treatment for middle school in the summer. 

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children visit an orthodontist for the first time prior to the age of 7. Even though your child may not begin orthodontic treatment until later, such as around middle school, at this early age your child has enough permanent teeth for an orthodontist to evaluate their developing teeth and jaw. 

Another reason to consider orthodontic treatment in the summer is because during the school year, a child’s schedule can become packed with sports, after-school activities, tests, homework, and other academic responsibilities that makes missing school difficult. Many schools also have strict attendance policies, which makes missing days, even for critical doctor and orthodontic visits, challenging. 

Some children experience a bit of discomfort when getting braces for the first time. Having braces placed in the summer offers more time for recovery without missing days from school. It also doesn’t hurt that delicious frozen treats are abundant in the summer, which can offer a delicious and efficient way to numb soreness.

What are the best orthodontic treatment options for my middle-schooler if they are self-conscious?

Being a middle-schooler is hard. Between academic, social, and societal pressures, teens may be self-conscious about their appearance. They are often worried if they look or act like everyone else. Adding braces to the already growing concern about appearance can be challenging. However, the great news is orthodontic treatment today offers so many wonderful options that can boost teens’ self-esteem and make having braces fun!

WildSmiles Braces

WildSmiles braces are an excellent orthodontic treatment for middle school. These super cute braces work just like traditional braces, but they offer fun designs! Your middle schooler can choose from a variety of shapes to find a style that matches their personality. 

Invisalign Teen

Invisalign Teen works just like Invisalign for adults, with added benefits! Your middle schooler will use a series of clear plastic aligners, just like traditional Invisalign. However, you can have the added peace of mind that the world won’t end if your teen loses an aligner. With Invisalign Teen, you have up to six free replacement aligner trays for these types of occasions. You may worry about your child staying on top of wearing their aligners for 22 hours a day, but with Invisalign Teen, you can wipe this out of your mind. Invisalign Teen comes with color indicators that slowly fade over time, providing a visual reminder of the amount of time they are worn. 

Braces with fun colors

Your middle schooler is unique, so let their braces be as unique as their personality! They can choose colored bands that show off their favorite sports team, school colors, or even holidays. But, we can’t let kiddos with traditional braces have all of the fun; Stickables are available for those who wear clear plastic aligners. Stickables are fun stickers specifically designed to decorate your child’s Invisalign aligners. They are non-toxic, totally safe, and super fun.

No matter what option you choose, you can rest assured that there is an option for your middle schooler to obtain the best orthodontic treatment! Contact Milnor Orthodontics to schedule your free consultation today!