Orthodontic Treatments This Summer: Why It’s the Best Time to Start or Stay on Track

For many people, summer is a season of freedom—longer days, flexible schedules, and well-deserved vacations. But did you know it’s also one of the best times to start or manage your orthodontic treatment?

At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we see a noticeable rise in patients starting braces or Invisalign® in the summer months—and for good reason. Whether you’re a parent considering treatment for your child or an adult ready to invest in your smile, summer offers unique advantages for beginning (or continuing) orthodontic care without the stress of school-year obligations.

Here’s what you need to know about why summer is the perfect season to prioritize your orthodontic health—and how to make the most of it.

Why Summer Is Ideal for Starting Orthodontic Treatment

Let’s face it: adjusting to braces or aligners takes some time. You’re getting used to new routines, food restrictions, and oral hygiene habits. Starting this process during summer makes the transition easier and more comfortable.

Here’s why:

1. More Time to Adjust

When you first get braces or clear aligners, you might experience:

• Mild soreness or pressure
• Trouble eating certain foods
• Learning how to brush and floss around brackets

Starting during summer means you can:

• Take it slow as you get used to your appliance
• Experiment with braces-friendly meals at home
• Ease into new oral hygiene routines without the pressure of school or work deadlines

2. Flexible Schedules Mean Easier Appointments

One of the biggest barriers to starting treatment during the school year is finding time. Between homework, sports, and after-school activities, it can be difficult to schedule and attend appointments.

During summer, you’ll likely have:

• Fewer obligations
• More availability for follow-ups and adjustments
• A smoother start without rushed visits

Bonus: getting started now can help you avoid the back-to-school rush in late August and September when orthodontic offices are at their busiest.

3. Great Timing for Kids and Teens

Summer break is an especially great time for children or teens to begin treatment because:

• There’s no stress of adapting at school right away
• They have time to adjust to speech changes from appliances
• You can monitor their brushing and flossing habits more closely at home
• They’ll return to school more confident with their new smile progress underway

Not Just for Kids: Summer Is Perfect for Adults, Too

Orthodontic care isn’t just for teenagers anymore. Many adults are taking advantage of modern, discreet options like clear aligners and ceramic braces —and summer is the perfect opportunity to begin your journey toward a healthier, more confident smile.

Starting treatment in the summer gives you time to:

• Build consistency with wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day
• Schedule appointments around travel or time off work
• Get ahead of your goals before the busy fall season

Whether you’re preparing for a special event, looking to boost your professional confidence, or finally prioritizing your dental health, there’s no reason to wait.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment Available This Summer

At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we offer a full range of treatment options—each tailored to your lifestyle, goals, and dental needs.

1. Traditional Braces

Modern metal braces are more comfortable and effective than ever. They’re a great option for kids, teens, and adults with more complex alignment issues.

Summer advantage: You’ll have time to get used to eating with braces and perfecting your brushing technique before school or work resumes.

2. Ceramic Braces

These clear or tooth-colored brackets offer the strength of metal braces with a more discreet appearance.

Summer advantage: You can ease into wearing them in social settings and start seeing progress before your next big event.

3. Invisalign® Clear Aligners

Nearly invisible and removable, clear aligners are a top choice for many adults and teens who want flexibility with food and easier brushing.

Summer advantage: Start wearing aligners while at home so you can build the habit without as many public distractions.

4. Retainers and Early Treatment for Kids

For younger children, summer is a great time for Phase 1 treatment—designed to guide jaw development and prevent future orthodontic complications.

Summer advantage: Early treatment now can mean shorter, easier treatment later.

Managing Your Treatment While Traveling

Worried that summer travel plans might interfere with treatment? With a little preparation, it’s easy to stay on track while on the go.

Travel tips for braces wearers:

• Pack a dental travel kit with a toothbrush, floss, wax, and orthodontic cleaner
• Bring orthodontic wax in case of discomfort from wires or brackets
• Avoid hard, sticky foods while traveling
• Keep a copy of your orthodontist’s contact information handy

Travel tips for aligner users:

• Always bring your current aligners plus your next set (just in case)
• Pack your aligner case—never wrap trays in napkins or tissues
• Clean your aligners with a soft toothbrush and cool water daily
• If you lose a set, call us—we may be able to email instructions or ship a replacement

Don’t Let Summer Setbacks Derail Your Progress

While summer is a great time to start or accelerate treatment, it’s also a season when we see preventable emergencies. Avoid these common pitfalls:

• Skipping appointments : Don’t cancel unless you absolutely have to—delays can slow progress
• Neglecting hygiene : Travel and late nights can make brushing easy to forget. Stay consistent!
• Eating the wrong foods : Say no to hard candy, nuts, and popcorn at those BBQs
• Losing aligners or retainers : Use your case every single time. Seriously.

When in doubt, give us a call. We’d much rather help you troubleshoot early than fix a problem later.

How to Get Started This Summer

If you’ve been putting off orthodontic care for yourself or your child, now’s the time to take the first step. Getting started is simple:

• Schedule a consultation : We’ll assess your needs, take digital images, and discuss your goals.
• Choose your treatment plan : Together, we’ll decide what option fits your lifestyle and budget.
• Start treatment : Often, we can get you started within days of your initial appointment.
• Track your progress : You’ll come in for quick adjustments or aligner checks—most appointments take under 30 minutes.

Your Smile Journey Starts Now

The sooner you begin treatment, the sooner you’ll start seeing results—and summer is the perfect season to begin. By starting now, you can make noticeable progress before the school year starts, or before your fall schedule gets hectic.

At Orthodontics of Long Beach, we’re proud to help patients of all ages achieve healthy, confident smiles. Whether you're considering braces for your teen, aligners for yourself, or simply exploring options, our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation—and start your summer smile transformation with the expert care you deserve.