Vacations, camp, pool parties—your smile will take center stage all summer long, thanks to tagged photos and shared stories! If your teeth aren’t picture-perfect, you may be feeling a little uncomfortable about them being front and center this summer. Alba Orthodontics is here to help! If you’re ready to explore orthodontic treatment, this is one of the best times of the year to get started with Spark clear aligners. Let’s look at why summer is the season for new smiles!
Extra flexibility in your schedule
One of the best things about summer is the relaxed schedule it brings. There are no chaotic mornings or after-school activities, and the longer days leave you with extra hours after work to enjoy doing what you love. That additional flexibility makes this the perfect time to schedule all kinds of appointments you’ve been putting off, including an orthodontic consult!
Your initial consultation in our Mechanicsburg office will take about an hour, giving us plenty of time to do an exam, discuss your concerns, and answer any questions. Dr. Fred and Dr. Jeff Alba will also use this time to walk you through your diagnosis and customized treatment plan. If you schedule your appointment for earlier in the summer, you’ll have your first set of clear aligners back from the Spark lab with plenty of time to spare before school starts, and things get hectic again.
Additional time to adjust to your treatment
Any orthodontic treatment comes with an adjustment period, even Spark clear aligners. You may not be dealing with brackets or wires, but the aligners are still creating pressure that will eventually move your teeth into straighter positions. This can cause mild discomfort while you get used to the feeling, but most patients adapt to this within a couple of weeks. The more you wear your aligners, the faster you’ll get used to them—a good thing considering you’ll need to wear them for 20-22 hours daily to achieve the best results!
Starting Spark aligner treatment in the summer will give you plenty of time to adjust to having the trays in your mouth every day. Without the demands of a busy schedule, you’ll be able to devote extra attention to developing a good dental hygiene routine around your clear aligners and get used to putting your aligners in and taking them out with ease. By the time school supplies start appearing on store shelves, you’ll be well on your way to a happier and healthier smile.
Take advantage of a child’s natural growth spurts
If you’re looking into Spark aligners for your child, there’s some actual science in us claiming summer is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment! Children will have a growth spurt, then go into a “rest period” until the next spurt.
Studies have shown that these growth spurts happen most during the summer, which researchers believe is likely to involve the pituitary gland responding to the longer days and increased temperature. It just so happens that the most optimal time for straightening teeth is during their maximum growth period, too! Whatever the exact reason, summer presents the perfect opportunity to move a child’s teeth efficiently and effectively.
Summer snacking
Patients in braces have to be careful about what they eat. Crunchy and sticky foods can break brackets and warp wires, so these need to be avoided until treatment is complete. Because Spark clear aligners are removable, there are no food restrictions. You can still enjoy all your favorite summer snacks, from BBQ and corn on the cob to cotton candy and fresh watermelon!
While you won’t have to worry about limiting your warm-weather treats, oral hygiene is still essential. You can remove your Spark aligners before eating or drinking anything other than water, but you’ll want to be sure to brush well before putting them back in. Any food particles left can be trapped between your teeth and the aligner, making it easier for harmful bacteria to flourish.
To keep your teeth and gums in tip-top shape, brush after every meal for two minutes each time and floss each night before bed. If you aren’t able to brush before putting your aligner back in, rinse your mouth with water a few times to wash some of the debris away, then brush as soon as you can. This will help prevent cavities and gingivitis, ensuring the best results once your treatment is complete.
Start your summer smile transformation with Alba Orthodontics
While the total treatment time for Spark clear aligners will vary from case to case, it takes most patients an average of one year to complete. If you get started this summer, you could have a beautifully straightened smile next summer!
The long and lazy days of summer are free from a lot of our stress during the school year. With extra hours and a more relaxed schedule, it’s one of the best times to get started on your smile journey! With the flexibility of clear aligners, a conveniently located office, and a free consultation, Alba Orthodontics is making it easier than ever to take the first step towards a more confident smile.
Dr. Fred, Dr. Jeff, and the rest of our expert team work hard to provide families throughout Mechanicsburg with a rewarding and stress-free experience all year long! If you’re ready for a smile transformation this summer, get in touch to schedule your FREE consultation with our office today.