When Is the Right Time to See Dr. Summer?

The most common reason patients come in is that something about the teeth or bite has been on their mind for a while. A smile they want to look different. Crowding that has gotten worse. A bite that feels off. These are the everyday concerns that orthodontics is built to address.

The conditions behind those concerns are usually some version of crowding, spacing, an overbite, an underbite, a crossbite, or an open bite. Most cases involve more than one of these at the same time. The right plan depends on the combination, the severity, and the patient.

The honest answer to "when" is that the right time depends on the case. That said, here is the general pattern.

For adults, there is no upper age limit. Many of our adult patients come in their 30s, 40s, 50s and we treat patients in their 60s and 70s as well. Some have been thinking about it for years. The decision is personal and the case is what determines the timing.

For teens and tweens, the most common time to start treatment is between ages 11 and 14. Permanent teeth are mostly in, and active growth helps the case along. Treatment outside this window is also common.

For younger children, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first evaluation around age 7 to set a baseline. Most of the time the visit confirms that nothing needs attention yet. Occasionally something is worth addressing early. Whether to pursue treatment is your decision. Our job is to give you the information you need to make it.

If you are not sure whether now is the right time, that is exactly what a our free consultations are for.

Meet Dr. Summer

Mathematician's precision

Dr. Summer earned a BS in Mathematics from UCLA before going on to her DDS, MS, and orthodontic specialty training. Twenty-five years later, that analytical foundation still shapes how she approaches every case. The right plan is not a template. It is a problem worked out carefully, for one specific patient.

An artist's eye

A great smile is more than straight teeth. It fits the face. It looks natural. It is what we call a Summer Smile — a smile you would be proud to show off. Dr. Summer brings the same care to the aesthetic outcome as she does to the clinical one, which is why the practice's signature is the result, not the appliance.

A mother's understanding

Dr. Summer is a mother of four. She knows your time is not negotiable. She knows your child's confidence is not a small thing. She knows that choosing an orthodontist is a decision that affects your family for years. Beyond the practice, she has donated full orthodontic treatment to South Bay school auctions for more than fifteen years — over $200,000 in care given back to local education foundations.