Quick answer: Spring is one of the most strategic times of year to start orthodontic treatment. A consultation in May lets treatment begin before summer, giving kids and teens a head start on the adjustment period when they’re less stressed than during the school year. For adults, spring treatment often means being in a new smile by the following spring. Plus, spring is when many orthodontic practices run their best promotions — including our current $500 match on a downpayment for braces or aligners.
There’s a reason “smile makeover” pops up in spring searches more than any other time of year. It’s the natural reset season — new year habits have either stuck or they haven’t, summer is approaching, and the idea of starting something now so you see real change by the end of the year is motivating. At Premier Orthodontics, spring is our busiest consultation season for exactly that reason.
If you’ve been thinking about braces or Invisalign — for yourself or your child — here’s why the timing genuinely works, what a “smile makeover” actually involves in modern orthodontics, and what we’re offering this spring.
Why Start Orthodontic Treatment in Spring?
There are three real reasons spring timing works:
- The adjustment period happens before summer. The first 1–2 weeks with braces or new aligners includes some soreness as teeth begin to shift. Starting in spring means that adjustment happens while school routines are familiar, rather than during a major transition like a new school year.
- You’re in your new smile by the following spring. Average treatment time for comprehensive braces is 18 to 24 months, and Invisalign often finishes in 12 to 18 months. Starting in May means finishing somewhere between fall of next year and the following spring.
- Spring promotions exist because demand is high. Orthodontic practices run their best offers in spring because more families are consulting. That benefits you — take advantage of it.
What Is a “Smile Makeover” in Orthodontics?
In orthodontic terms, a smile makeover means comprehensive alignment of the teeth and bite — not just straightening visible front teeth. Modern orthodontic treatment addresses:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps and spacing issues
- Overbite, underbite, crossbite, and openbite
- Jaw alignment and function
- Protrusion and mismatched midlines
A true smile makeover fixes function and appearance together. Our orthodontic treatments address the complete spectrum of orthodontic conditions — from mild crowding that can be corrected quickly to severe bite issues that require longer comprehensive treatment.
Signs You or Your Child Are Ready for Braces or Invisalign
Common signs that orthodontic treatment is the right next step:
- Teeth are visibly crowded, crooked, or gapped
- Upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
- Chewing or biting feels difficult or uncomfortable
- Speech is affected by tooth or jaw position
- Jaw pain or clicking (often related to bite alignment)
- Your dentist or pediatric dentist has recommended evaluation
- You or your child feels self-conscious about your smile
For kids and pre-teens, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an evaluation by age 7, when the first permanent molars have erupted and early alignment patterns are visible. This doesn’t necessarily mean treatment starts at 7 — it just means timing can be planned. Our early treatment services address specific conditions that benefit from early intervention.
What to Expect at a Free Consultation This Spring
A complimentary consultation at any of our California offices includes:
- A complete exam with digital X-rays
- A 3D iTero scan (no impressions, no goop) — and a preview of your future smile
- A conversation about your (or your child’s) goals and concerns
- A full review of treatment options — braces, Invisalign, early treatment, or a combination
- Insurance verification if you have dental coverage
- A transparent pricing breakdown with financing options
The consultation is genuinely no-pressure. Many people come in for the free evaluation and don’t start treatment for weeks or months afterward — that’s fine. The goal is for you to leave with a clear picture of your options.
Current Spring Offers at Premier Orthodontics
Our current spring campaign includes:
- $500 match on downpayment for braces or aligners on new cases
- Complimentary consultation including 3D scan and future-smile preview
Promotional pricing varies by specific treatment and case complexity — for details, see our treatment options page.
These offers run through the end of May. If you’ve been on the fence about consulting, scheduling in May lets you both start treatment during the optimal spring window and take advantage of current pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time of year to start braces?
Spring is one of the most strategic times. The initial adjustment period happens during predictable school routines, and treatment typically finishes by the following spring or summer. Fall can also work, especially for treatment planned around a summer wedding or major event the following year.
How long does a smile makeover take with orthodontics?
It depends on complexity. Minor alignment cases with Invisalign can finish in 6 to 12 months. Comprehensive braces treatment averages 18 to 24 months. Two-phase treatment for children can span 2 to 4 years total, with a gap between phases. Your orthodontist will give you a specific timeline based on your case.
Can adults get a smile makeover with Invisalign?
Yes. Adults are a growing segment of orthodontic patients, and Invisalign is especially well-suited to adult treatment because it’s discreet and removable for professional and social situations. As an Elite Provider of Invisalign, we treat adults across the full spectrum of alignment and bite issues with clear aligners.
What’s included in a free orthodontic consultation?
At Premier Orthodontics, the complimentary consultation includes a full exam, digital X-rays, a 3D iTero scan with a future-smile preview, a conversation about goals and concerns, insurance verification, and a transparent pricing breakdown with financing options. The whole visit typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
Is a smile makeover just braces, or something more?
In orthodontic terms, a smile makeover means comprehensive alignment of teeth and bite — which may involve braces, Invisalign, or a combination with other dental work like whitening or bonding done separately. Pure orthodontic treatment focuses on the tooth and jaw position; cosmetic dental work like whitening is usually done by a general or cosmetic dentist after orthodontic treatment is complete.
Ready to see what your smile could look like?
We truly care about every patient’s confidence and smile. Reach out to get your consultation scheduled — we can’t wait to meet you.
Dr. Daniela Owen is a clinical psychologist, children’s book author, and co-host of The Parenting Puzzle podcast. She serves as the Assistant Director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy and is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Sciences Program at the University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Owen specializes in helping children and parents build confidence and navigate their emotions using evidence-based strategies. Through her work, she empowers families to handle challenges, celebrate successes, and live more fulfilling lives.