With the school year ending for Champaign Unit 4 and Mahomet-Seymour students, summer offers a golden opportunity to embark on a life-changing journey: achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. Summer provides a more relaxed schedule, making it the perfect time to start orthodontic treatment and get accustomed to braces without the pressures of school.
Dr. Robert Shafer, your trusted Champaign orthodontist, has helped countless teens and adults in our community begin their smile transformations during the summer months. At Shafer Smiles, we understand that starting this process can bring up a lot of questions. We’re here to walk you through exactly what to expect, so you can feel confident and excited about the path ahead.
Your Summer Smile Timeline
Step 1: The Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a complimentary consultation at our welcoming Champaign office. This is a no-pressure opportunity to meet Dr. Shafer and our team. We’ll take digital x-rays and photos, and Dr. Shafer will conduct a thorough examination. He’ll discuss his findings with you, outline your personalized treatment options (from traditional braces to Invisalign®), and answer every question you have. We’ll also cover the timeline and provide a clear breakdown of the costs and our flexible payment options.
Step 2: Getting Your Braces
This is the exciting day when your new hardware is placed! The appointment itself is comfortable and typically takes about an hour. We’ll bond the brackets to your teeth and place the wires. Before you leave, we’ll arm you with all the knowledge you need for success: how to brush and floss effectively, what foods to avoid, and how to handle any minor issues that might arise.
Step 3: The First Few Weeks – The Adjustment Period
For the first week or two, you can expect some mild soreness and a period of adjustment as your mouth gets used to the braces. This is completely normal! We recommend sticking to soft foods during this time. Think smoothies, yogurt, and maybe a celebratory soft-serve from Jarling’s Custard Cup – you’ve earned it!
This is also when you’ll master your new oral hygiene routine. Consistent, thorough cleaning is the key to a healthy and beautiful outcome.
Step 4: Living Your Best Summer Life
Don’t worry, braces won’t stop you from enjoying all that a Champaign summer has to offer! You can still swim at the Sholem Aquatic Center, enjoy a picnic at Hessel Park, and explore the wonders of the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum. The only difference is that you’ll need to be a bit more mindful of your food choices at those summer cookouts and pack your travel toothbrush for any trips.
For our student-athletes participating in summer sports leagues, we’ll fit you with a custom orthodontic mouthguard to ensure your smile is protected while you play.
Why Summer is the Smartest Time to Start
Starting treatment in the summer allows you to get through the initial adjustment period in a low-stress environment. By the time you head back to school in the fall, you’ll be a braces pro, confidently navigating your new routine.
Dr. Robert Shafer and the entire Shafer Smiles team are committed to making your orthodontic experience a positive and rewarding one. We love being a part of the Champaign and Mahomet communities and feel privileged to help our neighbors achieve smiles that radiate health and confidence.
Ready to make this a summer of positive change? Call our Champaign office at 217.356.9595 to schedule your free consultation with Dr. Shafer. Let the journey begin!