You’ve gotten all of those cupcakes made for your kids’ end-of-year parties, the final exams have been taken, and the goodbyes have been said. Summer is here!
This is a great time of year to get your child evaluated for orthodontic treatment and to begin treatment if necessary.
The American Association of Orthodontists and Dr. Yan Razdolsky recommends bringing your children in for an initial evaluation at age 7. Some of the adult teeth have erupted by this age, and the bite is established. That makes it a great time for us to look at your child’s teeth, jaws and overall alignment. Frequently, no treatment is needed at this age; we simply will want to monitor the growth process periodically and wait until the time is right to begin treatment.
Now let’s say the time is right for treatment, physiologically speaking. Why would you want to begin orthodontic treatment in the summer, you ask? Here are four reasons why it’s a good idea:
- School is out!
In addition to school being over, there likely are fewer extracurricular activities, such as sports events and academic competitions. A more open schedule means it will be less challenging to schedule appointments. The first appointments where brackets and arch wires are placed take longer than subsequent checkups, so getting those time-consuming appointments out of the way during the summer paves the way to speedier checkups by the time school is back in session.
- Summer growth spurts can be helpful
You’ve heard the comments with your children before: “She’s growing so fast!” You also see the difference when it’s time to buy next year’s school clothes. Those clothing and shoe sizes seem to change in the blink of an eye. One reason why having your children evaluated for treatment while they’re young and growing fast is because Dr. Yan Razdolsky is an expert at using that growth to his greatest benefit in treatment. He can guide growing jaws and erupting teeth into position at precisely the right time to create optimum alignment and facial symmetry.
- Make the most of your time
Having a child in orthodontic treatment means you have an ongoing commitment to follow-up appointments until treatment is complete. Starting treatment in the summer gives you a chance to get several appointments out of the way without interfering with your child’s school schedule. We will work with you once school is back in session to try whenever possible to schedule your child’s appointments before or after school.
- Get the uncomfortable stage out of the way before school starts
Any discomfort related to getting braces is minimized these days, thanks to the technology and the types of appliances we use during treatment. Still, teeth may feel a bit tender when braces are applied initially. Why not get your child through that brief uncomfortable period during the summer, while she’s home from school and can easily choose softer foods to eat or take a Tylenol if necessary?
We here at Forever Smiles pride ourselves in making orthodontic treatment achievable and enjoyable for our patients and their parents. Contact us today at (847) 215-7554to schedule a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. We’re eager to get you or your child on the way toward a beautiful, healthy smile.
