Ah, summer. A time for kids to kick back, hang out at the pool — and get braces? With the end of the school year just around the corner, now is the time to consider whether braces will be part of your child’s summer break plans, but when is the best time of year to get braces?

Braces are inevitable for many children. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 75 percent of children in the U.S. can benefit from them, whether it’s for increased self confidence or to correct larger structural issues that may go unnoticed if teeth appear to be straight.

Baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth starting around age 7, and the first consultation with an orthodontist should be done around that time as well. An orthodontist will help you know when the time is right for your child to start wearing braces. Once your child hits the correct age, the real question becomes when to actually have braces fitted.

When is the Best Time of Year to Get Braces?

Of course, there are pros and cons to starting braces in the summer as opposed to during the school year. In the end, you’ll know best what time of year will work for your child and your family. Here are some things to consider as you make that decision:

Timing Is Everything

Adding braces to a child’s mouth is no small change, and it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. It will be an adjustment for them, and for you, as things like your child’s eating habits and oral hygiene change as a result of wearing braces.

On one hand, giving your child time to adjust to these changes during the more laid back summer months may be a positive thing for them. By the time school starts, their routine with braces will be well established. This adjustment time may be especially important if your child plays a musical instrument or a sport that requires wearing a mouth guard.

Conversely, summer might not be the best time for braces if your family plans to do a lot of traveling. Your child may need to go back to the orthodontist for adjustments as they get used to braces, so staying at least somewhat close to home is recommended.

Forming Good Habits

As previously mentioned, the addition of braces for your child will inevitably cause a change in their habits as well as your family’s routine. The best time to introduce those changes will depend on how your child handles them.

The easier, more laid back pace of summer may provide your child with the time he or she needs to dig in and develop good habits heading into the school year. Another option along this line is to have braces fitted over the holiday break.

Additionally, he or she can deal with any discomfort associated with braces in the comfort of their own home without the added pressure of school.

But, if your child is the type that craves energy and structure to be effective, then introducing braces into the more structured school year may be a better choice in the long run. They are already in a routine that can be easily modified to add braces, rather than the more loose schedule that tends to happen over the summer.

You know your child better than anyone and you will know the best time of year to get braces in the end. Our team can help provide recommendations based on your child and your family’s lifestyle.

One Important Misconception

If you’ve done any research on this topic, you may find the opinion out there that summer is the best time for braces because it’s easier to get an appointment with an orthodontist. This may be true at some offices, but not Midwest Orthodontics.

Our team is available consistently year-round to serve our patients in Chicago, Elgin, Aurora, and Addison. We will work with you to create a treatment plan that meets your family’s schedule and will set your child up for success. Contact us to schedule a free consultation and take the next step no matter what time of year it is.

Book a Free Consultation