Braces and Summer

With the school year coming to an end, kids will be home on summer break. If they need braces or their orthodontist recommends they get them soon, the summertime would be a great season to start treatment.

Between lazy days off and vacation trips, kids will have plenty of free time to see an orthodontist. They will also have a couple months to adjust to braces before having to go back to school in the fall. Just be sure they are ready for them and know how to take care of their braces before starting the process.

Summertime Means More Freetime

When you’re a kid, you wait for summer all year long. Countless days of freedom from homework, teachers, and assignments means you have seemingly endless free time. Why not take advantage of some of this time and start orthodontic treatment?

Going to orthodontic appointments and getting braces put on can sometimes take multiple visits. Summer is the best time to start this process so that your child won’t miss any school. It is also easier to schedule appointments because not everyone will be trying to make appointments later in the day after classes get out.

Summer provides ample time for your child to get used to having braces. They might experience some discomfort and their speech can even be affected at first. It’s easier to deal with these issues at home rather than at school.

Your child’s diet will change too. You will be able to monitor more of what they eat at home over summer break than you will with them at school. Getting into the habit of eating the right foods will make it easier when they go back to school.

And if you want to take advantage of even more free time, check out custom braces. This treatment option requires fewer, shorter appointments and allows your child to finish treatment sooner. The best part? After paying the same amount for treatment and getting to the finish line sooner, your child will have even more impressive results.

Stay on Schedule

One problem with summer break is the lack of schedule. If your child gets their braces on during the summer, you will have to make sure they follow their dental hygiene schedule closely. It’s extremely important for them to brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day.

They should also brush or rinse their mouth after they eat to get any excess food out of their teeth and braces. If left alone, food particles can attract bacteria that create plaque and cavities. These can cause serious harm to your teeth and your oral health.

Avoid Problem Foods

It’s important that your child learns which foods to eat and which ones to avoid when first getting braces.

Eating the wrong foods is one of the main causes of damaged or broken braces. It might be tough for them to forgo their favorite foods, but it’s best if they steer clear of the following:

• Nuts
• Chips
• Any sticky or gummy candies
• Corn on the cob
• Whole apples and pears

Biting into any hard food can chip or break the brackets on your child’s teeth. Sticky foods like gum or taffy can get caught in their wires and pull them loose too.

Summer is prime time for your kids to sit back, relax, and get serious about their orthodontic health.