Teeth that don’t line up correctly put uneven pressure on your jaw every time you bite or chew, and that imbalance doesn’t fix itself over time. Leave them alone, and it tends to get worse.
Crowded or shifting teeth are harder to clean properly, which raises the risk of plaque buildup, chipped edges, and jaw strain. Many patients also end up hiding their smile in photos or conversations.
Our orthodontics in Kirkland addresses this directly. Braces or clear aligners gradually move your teeth into proper alignment, so your bite functions the way it should, and your smile reflects that.
Kid and adult orthodontics gradually shift your teeth into their correct position using controlled, steady pressure from braces or clear aligners. Our dentist maps out the exact movement your teeth need before treatment begins, then adjusts your plan as your bite responds over time.
Orthodontic care corrects the issues caused by crowded, misaligned, or poorly spaced teeth, including:
Treatment looks a little different depending on age. Kids often benefit from early evaluation to guide jaw growth, teens are the most common candidates for full braces or aligners, and adults can just as effectively straighten their teeth later in life.
As treatment progresses, your teeth move into proper alignment, and a retainer holds that new position in place afterward, giving your bite the balance to chew, speak, and smile without strain. Most patients complete treatment in 6 to 24 months, though the timeline varies based on age, case complexity, and treatment type chosen.
Our orthodontics dentist examines your teeth, jaw, and bite to understand what your case needs and which treatment fits best.
We map out your treatment plan, whether that means braces or clear aligners, along with an estimated timeline for your case.
You wear your braces or aligners as your teeth gradually shift, with regular visits to track progress and make adjustments.
You finish treatment with straighter teeth and a balanced bite, supported by a retainer to hold your results in place.
Orthodontics insurance coverage varies by plan. Most plans that include orthodontic benefits cover somewhere between 25% and 50% of the cost, often up to a lifetime maximum, while adult treatment tends to see less coverage overall. At Kirkland Dental Excellence, we help you review your benefits and understand your costs before treatment starts. Call us at (425) 827-2003 to check your coverage.
We offer clear, removable clear aligners for patients who want to straighten their teeth without traditional braces.
We offer custom-fit guards that protect your teeth and new alignment during sports or nighttime grinding.
We offer extractions when a tooth needs to come out to make room for proper alignment before or during treatment.
We offer wisdom teeth removal to prevent them from crowding or shifting the results of your orthodontic treatment.
| Traditional Braces | Invisalign (Clear Aligners) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Brackets and wires fixed to teeth, adjusted over time | Series of clear, removable trays that gradually shift teeth |
| Visibility | Clearly visible, though ceramic options are less noticeable | Nearly invisible when worn |
| Removable | No, fixed in place for the full treatment | Yes, removable for eating, brushing, and flossing |
| Daily care | Requires extra care around brackets and wires | Trays removed for brushing and flossing as usual |
| Food restrictions | Some hard, sticky, or chewy foods should be avoided | None, since aligners come out to eat |
| Best for | More complex bite or alignment issues | Mild to moderate crowding, spacing, or bite issues |
| Treatment time | Often 18–24 months, depending on the case | Often 6–18 months, depending on the case |
| Patient responsibility | Lower; adjustments are made by the dentist | Higher; requires wearing aligners 20–22 hours a day |
| Cost | Generally lower to comparable | Generally comparable to slightly higher |
If you are looking into the cost of orthodontic braces in Washington, you’ll find a variety of price ranges and treatment types. At Kirkland Dental Excellence,
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