Orthodontic Treatment in the Era of COVID: Why Summer is Still a Great Time to Get Braces or Invisalign

If you’re deciding whether to get orthodontic treatment for your kids or yourself, you probably have a million things on your mind. How much will braces or Invisalign cost? How long will orthodontic treatment take? Should I start orthodontic treatment during the coronavirus? Is it safe to get braces or Invisalign right now?

The orthodontists at Innovative Orthodontic Centers want to make the braces and Invisalign process as smooth as possible. From working with the patients at our Naperville and Shorewood orthodontic offices, we’ve discovered that summer is the perfect opportunity for kids, teens and adults to get a head start on treatment, especially under the current circumstances. If you’ve been putting off your orthodontic treatment, here’s why this summer is the best time to start:

Take Advantage of Free Time

The school year can be a hectic time for many families and this year, with remote learning, it was even more of a challenge. Many of us were juggling working from home, caring for kids and helping kids do their schoolwork virtually. Schedules are generally more flexible and relaxed at this time of year, allowing you to get the treatment you need without so much other stuff going on.

Enjoy Uninterrupted Care in Spite of the Current Uncertainty

We know it’s a very uncertain time right now and you might be worried about whether there will be a second wave of the coronavirus in Illinois. We’re exceeding all of the recommended precautions at our practice to keep our patients and team members safe. Coming in now while things are re-opening and most people have been socially distancing for the past few months, can be less stressful. 

What happens if you start treatment and a second wave does hit? We’ve got you covered! Thanks to our high-tech approach and treatments, even if a second wave does occur, we’re able to continue to offer uninterrupted care with virtual appointments, SureSmile prescription braces wires and self-ligating braces brackets that continue to straighten teeth without as many adjustments as conventional wires and brackets. We also offer curbside pickup for Invisalign aligners and retainers. We use computerized treatment planning and store your digital scans in our system so all of your tooth movements are pre-planned and we can access your scans for things like replacement aligners and retainers. 

During virtual visits, you’ll upload photos of your smile. Dr. Ibrahim or Dr. Gin will then compare your photos with past images to make sure things are progressing and troubleshoot if they’re not. So, while we can’t predict much of what the future will hold, we know that it will include fantastic results. To learn more about how we’re able to provide uninterrupted orthodontic care during the coronavirus pandemic, check out our recent post.

Take Time to Learn New Eating Habits

If you or your child is getting braces, you can still eat most of the foods you love. However, there are some foods to avoid with braces. Stay away from anything really sticky, crunchy or hard, as well as foods you have to bite into. A huge bonus of starting braces in the summer is that you can get used to your new eating habits while you’re home and figure out which foods work for you. By the time school starts and schedules get busy again, you’ll be a pro at eating the right foods for braces.

Enjoy Awesome Braces-Friendly Foods

Speaking of braces-friendly foods, summer offers up some of the best. If your teeth are a little sensitive at the start of braces or Invisalign treatment, sticking with soft foods and cold foods and drinks for the first few days can help. Ice cream and popsicles are awesome for anyone with braces or Invisalign (just make sure to brush your teeth after indulging!). If you’re looking for a healthier option, yogurt and smoothies are nutritious braces-friendly foods that also help you or your kiddo cool down on hot summer days. Or, if you want the best of both worlds, try one of these healthy homemade popsicle recipes!

Learn How to Care for Braces and Invisalign

While caring for braces or Invisalign is super simple once you get the hang of it, it can take a few weeks to adjust. You’ll want to be more diligent about brushing and flossing. Take advantage of the less hectic summer months to get familiar with your new oral hygiene routine at home or get used to the ins and outs of wearing Invisalign aligners. By the time things get busy again, caring for your appliance will be like second nature. 

These are just some of the reasons this summer is an excellent time to start braces or Invisalign treatment. If you’re ready to get your dream smile, schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with Innovative Orthodontic Centers today!