WORTH THE DRIVE

Some Things Are Worth the Drive

South Bay families don’t settle for good enough — not for schools, not for doctors, not for the things that matter. Choosing an Orthodontist is no different. If you’ve passed a dental office offering Invisalign on your way here, you already know there’s a choice to make. That choice comes down to one question: do you want treatment from a general dentist who offers orthodontics as one of a dozen services, or from an Orthodontist — a specialist with advanced training.

Dr. Summer Blake trained exclusively in orthodontics at Temple University, where her program director wrote the first book on treating patients with Invisalign. She has practiced for over 20 years. She lives in this community. She has been named Best Orthodontist by the Daily Breeze and Best of the Beach by the Easy Reader — not because she ran the best ad, but because South Bay families keep sending their friends and neighbors her way. Convenience is a fine reason to try a restaurant. It’s not a good enough reason to choose the person responsible for your child’s smile.

See why South Bay families make the drive — book your free consultation.

WHEN SHOULD I SEE AN ORTHODONTIST

The Best Time to Come In Is Before You're Sure.

Most families wait longer than they should — not because they don't care, but because no one told them the window matters. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation by age 7, not because treatment starts then, but because early insight prevents bigger problems later. For adults, the math is simpler: every month you wait is a month you're not benefiting from the smile you deserve. The Free Comprehensive Evaluation at Summer Orthodontics isn't a sales pitch — it's an expert opinion with zero obligation. You'll leave knowing exactly where things stand, what your options are, and what happens if you wait. That's worth the drive from anywhere in the South Bay.

YOU'VE DONE THE RESEARCH.

NOW GET YOUR ANSWER

The information has never been easier to find. What questions to ask. What credentials to look for. What the difference is between an orthodontist and a general dentist offering Invisalign. A quick search — or a conversation with AI — will tell you all of it in seconds.

Here's what it can't tell you: whether your child's bite is developing the way it should. Whether now is the right time to start treatment or whether waiting six months changes the outcome. Whether Invisalign, traditional braces, or early interceptive treatment is the right path for your specific situation.

That part requires a specialist. Thirty minutes with Dr. Summer will give you a clear, honest answer to the question you've actually been carrying — not a general overview, but a specific assessment of your family's situation. You've already found the right practice. The next step is just showing up.

YOU'RE READY. HERE'S YOUR NEXT STEP.

NO REFERRAL. NO WAITING. NO PERMISSION REQUIRED

Somewhere along the way, a lot of families got the impression that seeing an orthodontist requires a green light from their dentist. It doesn't. You can book a consultation at Summer Orthodontics today — for your child, for yourself, or for a question you've been sitting on for months — without anyone's referral, recommendation, or approval.

South Bay parents make careful, informed decisions about their family's health every day. This one is no different. Dr. Summer's free consultation gives you exactly what you need to make it well: a specialist's honest assessment of your specific situation, a clear explanation of what she sees, and a straightforward answer about whether treatment makes sense now, later, or not at all. No predetermined outcome. No pressure toward any particular path.

If your dentist has suggested waiting, that may be sound advice — and Dr. Summer will tell you honestly if it is. If you've simply been meaning to get an evaluation and haven't gotten around to it, this is the easiest next step you'll take all week. Comprehensive Evaluation. Free. And entirely on your terms.

This is your decision. Here's how to make it an informed one.

WHO IS THIS PRACTICE FOR

We Designed This Practice for Busy South Bay Families.

You don't have time to spend an afternoon at the orthodontist, and neither does your kid. Summer Orthodontics runs on time, communicates clearly, and makes every appointment feel efficient without ever feeling rushed. Booking is easy. The office is right here in Manhattan Beach. And from the moment you walk in, you'll understand why patients describe it as nothing like a typical dental experience — bright, calm, and genuinely welcoming. If you've been putting this off because it feels like one more thing on an already full schedule, consider this your sign that it doesn't have to be. One free consultation. One hour of your time. A Summer Smile that lasts a lifetime.