Braces and the Carrollton school calendar.
CFBISD started August 11 this year. Orthodontic visits are weekday visits too, so here's how families fit the two together.
By Dr. Kevin Baharvand, DMD, MS · Board-certified orthodontist · Reviewed October 2026There's no clinically better month to start braces. Summer and winter break are popular because the first tender week happens away from class. But if it's time in October, October is fine. What matters more is a routine you can keep for the whole treatment.
The calendar, as of 2026-27
Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD runs from August 11, 2026 to May 21, 2027. Lewisville ISD, which covers Hebron High and much of north Carrollton, sets its own calendar, so check it separately if your kids are Hebron Hawks. Breaks are the natural spots for starting treatment, getting braces off, or getting a new set of aligners.
One thing that catches families: an early-August start means summer is shorter than it used to be. If you're hoping to start before school, a spring consultation gives you room to pick the date.
Making appointments work
Elate's offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 5:00, and closed weekends. During the school year that means working around class. A few things help:
- Rotate the time slot. If visits keep landing in the same class period, ask for a different time next round.
- Use early-release days. They're on the district calendar, and they tend to be popular appointment days, so book ahead.
- Pick the office by route, not just distance. From north Carrollton, The Colony office is about 4 miles. From the south end, the drive is longer either way. By part of town.
- A rezoned school doesn't change treatment. If consolidation moved your child, you can move offices too.
The moments parents ask about.
Instruments
Brass and woodwind players usually need a week or two to adjust to brackets. Wax helps. Strings mostly aren't affected. Tell the director so the first rehearsals aren't a surprise.
Practice counts too
Mouthguards for games and practice, and the type matters with braces. Sports guide.
Photos, prom, graduation
Mention them at the consult. Sometimes the plan can take a date into account. Nobody can promise an exact finish, though.
Food and trays
Braces rule out hard and sticky foods. Aligners come out to eat and go in a case. Wrapped in a napkin is how they end up in the cafeteria trash.
A small kit for the backpack
- Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss threaders or picks
- Orthodontic wax
- Aligner case, if they're in aligners
- Lip balm for the first few weeks
Timing questions are good ones to bring to the free first visit. Elate's own page for Carrollton families is here.
Common questions
What is the best time of year to start braces?
Any time works clinically. Many families like starting in summer because appointments are easier to schedule and the first sore days happen away from school.
Will braces affect playing a band instrument?
Brass and woodwind players usually need a short adjustment period. Orthodontic wax and a little practice help.
Are Elate offices open on weekends?
No. Elate offices are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, so visits are planned around the school day.
Talk to an orthodontist near Carrollton.
The first visit at Elate Orthodontics is free, in English or Korean. Scans, an exam with the doctor, and exact pricing.