West Michigan schools typically wrap up the first week of June, and once summer hits, schedules get complicated fast. Vacations, camps, sports leagues, family gatherings, and lazy days at the beach all compete for time.
If you wait until summer to think about summer orthodontic appointments, you’ll find the best times are already taken. Now—in late April—is the time to plan ahead.
Why Summer Is Great for Orthodontic Treatment
Summer actually offers advantages for orthodontic patients:
Flexible scheduling: Without the pressure of school schedules, families can book appointments at convenient times. No more rushing from school to our office before closing time.
More time for adjustment: If your child needs a significant change—like new appliances, extractions, or starting a new phase of treatment—summer provides recovery time without academic pressure.
Consistent routines: Surprisingly, some patients maintain better oral hygiene habits in summer. Without the chaos of school mornings and after-school activities, there’s more time for thorough brushing and flossing.
No school photos to worry about: If treatment is going to cause temporary changes in appearance, summer is a good time for that phase.
Book Now for Best Selection
Our Grandville and Holland offices fill up quickly during summer months. Families who call in April and May get first choice of appointment times. Families who wait until June are often working around limited availability.
Ideal booking timeline:
Late April/Early May: Call to schedule summer appointments. You’ll have the widest selection of dates and times.
Mid-May: Good availability still exists, but prime times are starting to fill.
June: Limited options remain. You may need to take whatever is available rather than what’s most convenient.
July/August: Scrambling to fit in appointments before school starts.
Don’t be the family scrambling in August.
What to Schedule
Think about what your child needs over the summer:
Regular adjustment appointments: These happen every six to eight weeks. Map out the summer and schedule appointments that don’t conflict with known vacations or camps.
Dental cleanings: Remember that your child should continue seeing their regular dentist during orthodontic treatment. If they’re due for a cleaning, schedule that for summer too.
Any planned procedures: If Dr. Porto has mentioned upcoming changes to treatment—new appliances, adjustments to the plan, etc.—summer might be ideal timing. Ask about scheduling these for when school is out.
Back-to-school checkup: Many families like to have an appointment in late August, right before school starts. This is one of the most requested time slots, so book early.
Prepare for Vacation Timing
If your family has vacations planned:
- Let us know the dates when you’re scheduling appointments
- Make sure appointments don’t fall right before travel (allow a few days for adjustment soreness to resolve)
- Stock up on supplies before trips
- Know how to handle minor emergencies while away from home
Travel and Treatment Considerations
If summer travel will be extensive—spending weeks at a cabin, visiting family across the country, etc.—discuss this with Dr. Porto. Sometimes appointment timing can be adjusted to accommodate long trips, or specific instructions can be provided for maintaining treatment while away.
For very long absences, we can sometimes coordinate with orthodontists near your destination if something goes wrong.
The End-of-School Rush
The last few weeks of school are chaotic. Between finals, end-of-year events, and graduation activities, nobody wants to add orthodontic appointments to the mix.
Get ahead of this by scheduling May appointments now, before the calendar fills up with school events. And remember that Holland High School graduation is May 19, Zeeland High School graduation is May 20, and Grandville High School graduation is May 21, 2026—those weeks will be especially busy for local families.
Ready to plan your summer appointments? Call Enjoy Orthodontics in Grandville or Holland now while the best times are still available. Your summer self will thank you.
