Summer Is a Great Time to Begin Your Child’s Orthodontic Treatment
? 5 Reasons Why Summer Is the Best Time to Start Your Child’s Orthodontic Treatment
Written by Dr. Roksolana Mykhalus, mum, Dentist and Happy Kids Dental founder.
.As both a dentist and a mum, I understand just how important timing can be when it comes to starting orthodontic treatment. Between school, sports, exams, and social activities, our children’s calendars fill up fast. That’s why I often recommend summer as the ideal season to begin braces, Invisalign, or another similar treatment.
Here are five reasons why summer is the perfect time to get started:
Time to Adjust Without School Stress
Every orthodontic treatment—whether it’s a fixed brace or a removable appliance like Invisalign—comes with a short adjustment period. During the first couple of weeks, children are learning how to:
- Eat without discomfort
- Speak clearly with a new appliance in their mouth
- Keep their braces or aligners clean and properly cared for
Starting in the summer gives them time to adapt in a low-pressure environment, without the added stress of school timetables or class presentations.
2. Space to Handle the “Teething Problems”
It’s normal to experience some initial discomfort or minor breakages in the early days. Wires might poke, brackets might come loose, or aligners may feel tight. Having the flexibility of summer holidays means you can pop into the clinic more easily if needed—and we can fine-tune things quickly before term time begins.
3. Easier to Establish a New Routine
Orthodontic care comes with new habits: brushing after every meal, using special floss, remembering to wear aligners the recommended number of hours per day… These routines can feel overwhelming at first. Summer provides a calm window to build these habits into daily life, so by the time school resumes, your child is a confident pro.
4. Less Disruption to School and Social Life
Let’s be honest—no one wants to start their first week back at school with a mouth full of metal or a lisp from new aligners. Starting in summer helps kids gain confidence privately, away from the classroom spotlight. And by the time they return to school, they’ll be adjusted and self-assured.
5. Get a Head Start Before the Autumn Rush
Many families wait until September to begin treatment, meaning orthodontic schedules fill up quickly. Starting in July or August means shorter wait times, easier appointment slots, and progress well underway before the autumn term begins. That can make a big difference—especially if your child has a limited window for treatment due to growth stages or dental development.