Summer is finally in full swing! Now that we’re done with winter and school is out, we can really kick back, relax, and enjoy these long days and later mornings. Whether you’ve packed a million things into the next month or two, or plan on doing nothing but laying out by the pool, you probably haven’t been thinking about your child’s teeth. However, this is actually the perfect time of year to explore how orthodontics can benefit your child’s smile, particularly if they haven’t yet had an orthodontic evaluation.
Many parents are unaware that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children be screened for orthodontic issues by around the age of 7. If you have a young child ready for their first visit with us here at Thacker Orthodontics, we’d love to meet them! But what if your child has already had an evaluation and been diagnosed with an oral issue? Keep reading below to learn why summer is an excellent time to introduce orthodontic treatment!
Summer schedules have less happening
Today’s families are busier than ever, and the school year can feel especially stressful for parents. Between work, school, and extracurriculars that can last past bedtime, you may find yourself feeling run off your feet! When a child is undergoing orthodontic treatment, regular check-ups are an important part of the process. During these appointments, Dr. Jim and Dr. MaryEvan will make any adjustments needed, and check to make sure everything is progressing the way it should be. With a more relaxed schedule in the summer, it can be a lot easier to find time to get into this new routine.
If you’re bringing your child in for their first consultation with us, you should be prepared for us covering quite a bit of ground during that appointment, such as:
- a review of your child’s dental and medical history
- a thorough oral exam that include x-rays
- any diagnosis will include a discussion of treatment options and what to expect during the orthodontic process
- a personalized treatment plan for your child
- scheduling an appointment to begin the treatment process
- a conversation covering financial and insurance options, as well as answering any questions or concerns you may have
When you schedule this type of lengthy appointment during summer vacation, you won’t have to worry about it cutting into your child’s school day. This is also true for appointments to have their braces put on, or to try on their first set of clear aligners.
Tackle learning curves from the comfort of home
While modern techniques and technology have made today’s orthodontic treatments more comfortable, effective, and discreet than ever before, any kind of orthodontic appliance will still come with a learning curve. Braces especially take a bit of getting used to!
Temporary aches and pains in the mouth and jaw are not uncommon in the early days of treatment, or after adjustment appointments. There are also a number of food restrictions kids will need to get used to. These things have the potential to be a real distraction at school, but aren’t much more than a minor annoyance at home, where your child has more control over their environment. Starting orthodontic treatment in the summer keeps it easier for your child to avoid any lunchtime temptation and stick to the softer, simpler foods that will be gentle on their mouth and their braces.
Even if your child is undergoing treatment with clear aligners, he or she will still need some time to adapt. The Invisalign clear aligner system works by wearing a series of removable aligners over the teeth for 20-22 hours a day, and replacing them every 1-2 weeks. As simple as it sounds, this method of treatment relies on the patient’s compliance, and the system will only work if the aligners are worn exactly as directed. Failure to do so can result in extra treatment time, something nobody wants, least of all patients and parents!
Summer vacation frees your child (and you!) from the demands of homework, tests, and early alarms, and is an excellent opportunity for students of all ages to get used to the ins and outs of their orthodontic treatment.
Extra time to take extra care
The early mornings, busy days, and hectic nights that come with the school year can leave every last one of us ready to dive straight into our beds without so much as a glance at our toothbrush. But a good oral hygiene routine is imperative to the overall health of our smiles. This is even more essential for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment! Braces and aligners can do the hard work of straightening your child’s teeth, but they can’t keep their teeth and gums healthy and clean!
Invisalign’s aligners are removed prior to brushing and flossing, but with braces, dental hygiene can often require a little extra effort to really get in between all the wires and brackets. You may want to work with your child and experiment until they find a routine that works best for them. This is easier to do when there are no early morning alarms to be set or bedtimes that need to be enforced!
During summer break, your child will have plenty of extra hours in the day to figure out the best way to brush and floss effectively. This will not only keep their mouth happy and their smile looking bright, but help their treatment progress on track, too.
Thacker Orthodontics will give your child a reason to smile this summer
These long, lazy days of summer are free from the stresses that accompany the school year, and full of the best kind of fun with family and friends. That makes it one of the best times of the year to take the first step towards finding your child’s healthiest smile! The talented team at Thacker Orthodontics are here to help you both get started. We work together to help every patient we see have the most rewarding orthodontic experience possible!
Do you have a child who is ready for an orthodontic evaluation or orthodontic treatment in Cincinnati or the surrounding communities? Give us a call today to schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Jim or Dr. MaryEvan and take the first steps toward a healthy, beautiful smiles that will last your child a lifetime!