ProviderOur Values
Each orthodontic journey is as unique as the patient themselves. At our Seattle orthodontic clinic, we want to make your journey a positive experience right from the first day you walk through our doors. Each time you visit us, you can expect:
Outstanding Service
We are here to provide guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way. Customized treatment planning, in-house payment plans, and our Smile Protection Program are just some of the things we do to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
Proactive & Conservative Treatment
We take a less-is-more approach to orthodontics. Our goal is always to opt for the most efficient, effective, and conservative treatment possible for each patient, including early intervention for children.
Orthodontics for Everyone
At North Seattle Orthodontics, we believe orthodontics is for everyone. We offer comprehensive orthodontic treatment options tailored to the needs of children, teens, and adults.
Early Assessments for Children
An early evaluation by an orthodontist is one of the best ways to ensure healthy oral development in children. This allows your child's orthodontist to identify developing issues and determine the optimal time for treatment to begin.
Orthodontics for Oral Health
There's no question that orthodontic treatment can create beautiful smiles, but it’s about so much more than appearances. It’s about building a foundation for lasting oral health and enhancing the quality of everyday life.
Better Oral Function
Improving the alignment of the teeth and jaws can help improve their actual function – biting, chewing, and speaking. Problems with these basic functions can be debilitating for many patients, and we take great pleasure in helping our patients resolve them.
Better Oral Hygiene
With straight teeth, it’s much easier to access all the spaces between your teeth with your toothbrush and floss than it is with overcrowded or misaligned teeth. For many of our patients, orthodontic treatment makes a huge difference when it comes to avoiding serious oral health problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
Long-Term Damage Prevention
Misaligned teeth can sustain a lot of wear and tear over time as they move against each other in uneven patterns during talking and chewing, or as a result of compensatory movements. Straightening your teeth can help you avoid much of this wear and tear, and reduce the need for restorative dental treatments in the future.
Knowledge is Power for Patients
Our team prioritizes patient communication. It is our belief that keeping patients well-informed empowers them to play a positive role in their treatment, working in partnership with us to achieve outstanding results.
Our professionals are always available to answer questions, and we make sure our patients understand each element of their personalized plans at each stage of treatment.
We are here to provide helpful tips and oral hygiene guidance, as well as to celebrate each treatment milestone along the way.
Let's get communication off to a great start with answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about orthodontics.
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What are the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments are designed to align the teeth and jaws, which can have a number of esthetic benefits. However, this is only part of the story. Orthodontic treatment also has several positive health benefits.
First of all, misaligned teeth are simply more difficult to clean than straight, even teeth are. This means that people with misalignments are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, misalignments in the teeth and jaws can cause difficulties with chewing, leading to digestive issues. These misalignments can also result in chronic neck pain and facial pain.
By aligning the teeth and jaws, orthodontic treatment can help resolve all of these issues.
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What is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, manages, and corrects misaligned teeth, jaws, and bite patterns.
To become an orthodontist, candidates must first complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of dental school. After dental school, a two-to-three-year orthodontic residency program is required.
Training for orthodontists focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws.
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At what age should someone seek orthodontic treatment?
We typically recommend that children visit the orthodontist for the first time by the age of seven.
These early evaluations provide us with an opportunity to identify and treat emerging, isolated orthodontic issues promptly. In some cases, we can work with a child's upper jaw to guide healthy growth and development. This type of early intervention can help prepare for orthodontic treatment in the teen or adult years.
As far as adults go, there is no upper age limit for orthodontic treatment. As long as their teeth and gums are healthy, adults in their 30s, 40s, and beyond can benefit from orthodontics too!
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How can I tell if I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know for sure if you could benefit from orthodontic treatment is to be evaluated by an orthodontist. You can request an appointment with us at any time (no referral needed!).
That being said, some signs that you should book a consultation include:
- Visibly misaligned teeth or bite
- Pain or discomfort when chewing
- Difficulty chewing or speaking
- Chronic facial or jaw pain
- Difficulty brushing and flossing
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What are my orthodontic treatment options at North Seattle Orthodontics?
At North Seattle Orthodontics, we offer traditional braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Both treatment modalities can be customized for each patient's specific needs.
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How much does orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign cost?
Orthodontic treatment costs vary widely between patients. The cost of your treatment will depend on several factors, including the severity and complexity of your orthodontic issue, the time required to correct it, and the type of treatment you choose.
Our team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that takes your budget into consideration. We're also happy to help you with submitting insurance claims and to work with you on a financing plan to help take some of the stress out of paying for treatment.