Summer Is the Best Time for Kids to Start Braces — Here's Why

Summer break is basically a gift for orthodontic treatment. And if you've been thinking about getting braces for kids in your household, now is genuinely the best time to make that move.

We hear this from families all the time at Artemis Smiles Orthodontics in Sandy Springs. They waited because the school year felt too hectic, or they weren't sure if their kid was "ready." Then summer rolls around and suddenly it all clicks — the timing, the motivation, the flexibility in the schedule. It's not a coincidence. There are real, practical reasons why summer is the sweet spot for starting orthodontic treatment.

No School Means No Stress About the First Few Weeks

The first two weeks with braces are usually the hardest. There's some soreness, an adjustment period, and a learning curve with eating and brushing. That's completely normal — but it's also a lot easier to get through when your kid isn't also juggling school lunch tables, speech presentations, and PE class.

By the time school starts back up in August or September, most kids have fully adjusted. They're comfortable, confident, and not thinking twice about their braces. That transition back to school with a new smile already in progress? It tends to go really smoothly.

Appointments Are So Much Easier to Schedule

Orthodontic check-ins happen every 6 to 8 weeks, and each appointment is usually just 20 to 30 minutes. During the school year, even a short appointment can mean pulling a kid out of class, navigating Atlanta traffic during pickup hours, and scrambling to get back before after-school activities start.

Summer flips that whole equation. Appointments fit naturally into a more flexible routine, and there's no stress about missing math class or soccer practice. Families we work with in Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Buckhead, and across the Atlanta area consistently tell us that summer appointments feel like a non-event compared to squeezing them into the school year.

Kids Are More Motivated When They Choose It Themselves

This one surprises some parents. When kids are involved in the decision — when they actually get to pick their bracket colors or understand what the treatment is doing — they're more motivated to follow through. And summer gives you the time to have that conversation without it feeling rushed.

A lot of kids also have friends starting treatment around the same time. Heading back to school with braces together is a completely different experience than being the only one. It sounds small, but it genuinely matters at that age.

What Age Should Kids Start? Here's the Real Answer

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That doesn't mean treatment starts at 7 — it just means Dr. Bennie gets a clear picture of how the teeth and jaw are developing.

Most kids start active treatment somewhere between ages 9 and 14, depending on their individual development. Some benefit from two-phase treatment, where early intervention (Phase 1) addresses jaw growth or spacing issues before the permanent teeth are fully in. Others are ready to go straight into braces when the time is right.

The point is — earlier evaluation means more options, and summer is a low-pressure time to come in and find out exactly where your child stands.

Braces vs. Invisalign for Kids: A Quick Comparison

One of the first questions parents ask is whether their kid should do invisalign vs braces. Both are great options — the right answer really depends on the individual case and the child's maturity level. Here's a simple breakdown:

Factor	Braces	Invisalign for Teens
Visibility	Visible brackets and wires (color options available)	Clear, nearly invisible aligners
Compliance Required	Low — fixed to teeth, no removal needed	High — must be worn 20-22 hours per day
Best For	Complex cases, younger kids, all maturity levels	Motivated teens who want a discreet option
Treatment Length	12–24 months on average	12–24 months on average
Cost Range	$3,000–$6,000	$3,500–$7,000

For teens who want something a little more discreet, invisalign for teens is a fantastic option. For younger kids or more complex cases, traditional kids braces tend to be the better fit. Dr. Bennie will walk through what makes the most sense for your child specifically — not a one-size-fits-all recommendation.

What About Cost? Here's What Families in Atlanta Actually Pay

How much do braces cost is usually one of the first things parents want to know, and it's a totally fair question. The honest answer: it depends on the case. For most kids in the Atlanta area, treatment runs somewhere between $3,000 and $6,500. The type of treatment, complexity of the case, and length of time all factor in.

Most dental insurance plans cover at least a portion of orthodontic treatment for children — sometimes up to $1,500 to $2,000. We work with families to maximize their benefits and offer flexible payment plans so the monthly cost stays manageable. The free consultation includes a full breakdown of fees before you commit to anything.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the ideal age to start braces for kids?

Most kids start between ages 9 and 14, but a first evaluation by age 7 helps Dr. Bennie track development and catch anything that's easier to address early. There's no single "right" age — it varies by child.

Will braces hurt?

There's usually some tenderness for the first few days after braces are placed and after each adjustment. It's mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods. Most kids adjust faster than parents expect.

How often do we need to come in for appointments?

Check-in appointments happen every 6 to 8 weeks and typically take 20 to 30 minutes. They're quick and easy — especially during summer when you're not working around school schedules.

Does my child have to avoid certain foods with braces?

Yes — hard, sticky, and chewy foods like popcorn, hard candies, and bagels can damage brackets. Summer is actually a great time to learn the food rules without the pressure of school lunch or sports team snacks making it complicated.

Can my child still play sports or instruments with braces?

Absolutely. Sports players should wear a mouthguard — we can recommend an orthodontic-friendly one. Wind instrument players usually adjust within a few weeks. It's a non-issue for the vast majority of kids.

Are there options besides traditional braces?

Yes. We offer teen invisalign, LightForce braces (custom 3D-printed brackets), and other orthodontic treatments depending on what the case calls for. The free consultation is the best place to explore what fits your child's needs and lifestyle.

Summer Spots Fill Up Fast — Here's What to Do Next

Every June and July, our schedule fills up quickly with families across Sandy Springs, Roswell, Marietta, and the broader Atlanta metro who had the same idea. That's not a sales pitch — it's just the reality of summer demand at a pediatric orthodontic practice.

If you've been thinking about it, this summer is a smart time to act. The earlier your child starts, the more we can work with their natural growth — and the sooner that confident, healthy smile is in place.

Dr. Bennie and the Artemis Smiles Orthodontics team genuinely love working with kids and their families, and the first visit is completely free with zero pressure. We'll look at everything, tell you honestly what we see, and give you all the information you need to make the right call — on your timeline, not ours. Come see us in Sandy Springs and let's take a look.

About Dr. Bennie

Dr. Bennie, named Best Orthodontist by The Best of Sandy Springs 2025, is a Board-Certified orthodontist with advanced training through the American Board of Orthodontics. She is a Platinum Plus Invisalign Provider and an active member of the American Association of Orthodontics, Georgia Association of Orthodontics, and the Women’s Association of Orthodontics and Dentists. Dr. Bennie is known for her modern, patient-centered approach to creating confident, healthy smiles.