Braces in Seattle

The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary significantly based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated, as well as the type of braces being used. Your orthodontist will provide you with an estimate for the cost of your treatment at the outset.

If you already have an estimate from your orthodontist, you can use our cost calculator to determine your approximate monthly payments.

Almost all children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are generally considered good candidates for braces. That said, certain people with significant recession or oral health conditions may not be candidates.

Braces come in a variety of styles and can address a wide range of moderate to complex orthodontic issues, so there are very few limits to who can benefit from braces.

We offer LightForce braces and translucent braces at North Seattle Orthodontics.

LightForce braces are 3D-printed, allowing them to be customized to match the color of your teeth. Similarly, translucent braces have ceramic brackets that match the color of your teeth. Both these types of braces blend in well with your smile. You can learn more about them on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

Invisalign clear aligners are also an option for low-profile orthodontic treatment.

The duration of your orthodontic treatment depends primarily on the type and severity of your misalignment. As you might expect, mild or moderate cases are quicker to treat than more complex ones.

The average treatment time for braces is 12 to 24 months, but this can vary significantly from patient to patient.

You'll probably need a week or two to become fully accustomed to your braces after you first get them. You may find it hard to resist poking them with your tongue as you get used to how the wires and brackets feel.

You may also notice that certain areas of your mouth rub against the braces and get sore. Orthodontic wax can be placed on the braces in these areas to help create a smoother surface with less friction as your mouth adjusts. Again, this discomfort is temporary, and after a couple of weeks, your mouth will likely feel normal again.

You will likely experience some discomfort at various points during your orthodontic treatment with braces. However, any pain you feel during your braces treatment is temporary, and usually resolves over a few days, or even hours.

Discomfort from braces usually happens for a week or so after you first get them, and also for a few hours or days after your adjustment appointments, as the teeth begin to shift. Patients tend to describe it as a sensation of pressure or an ache. This type of pain is usually easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers until it has passed.

Another type of temporary discomfort you may experience during your braces treatment is when the brackets rub against the inside of your mouth. This can also happen when you first get your braces and directly after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where the rubbing occurs to create a smoother surface against the inside of your mouth. You can also use painkillers to manage this discomfort until it passes.

Yes, adults can get braces! More and more adults are opting to undergo orthodontic treatment that they missed out on when they were younger, to improve their oral health and enhance the appearance of their smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, LightForce braces, or Invisalign. All these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Yes, children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces in some cases. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young, when we can work with and guide their oral development, rather than undoing issues that are already established later on.

With all that being said, we take a very conservative approach to braces for children, and only prescribe them when there's a serious risk of future orthodontic problems.

Yes, it's a good idea to brush your teeth at least after each meal throughout your braces treatment.

Oral hygiene becomes more important than ever while you're wearing braces. The presence of braces in your mouth introduces a multitude of tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these tiny spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria.

To avoid developing cavities (not to mention tooth discoloration and bad breath), extra vigilance with your oral hygiene is essential.

Flossing with braces may seem complicated, but it's fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it!

To floss your teeth with braces, feed the floss down through the space between the arch wire and your teeth. We supply floss threaders for our patients to make this easier. Gently pull the end of the floss towards the back of the tooth and draw it up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

Eating with braces requires extra care, but you should still be able to enjoy many of your favorite foods.

You'll need to avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky/tacky foods. In general, it's important to chew carefully while wearing braces and take your time. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob (cut your apple into bite-sized pieces and shell your corn instead!) and avoid chewing gum completely.

For the most part though, you can go on eating your normal diet – with a few modifications along the way.

We generally recommend avoiding any sports that could involve regular direct blows to the face while wearing braces. Even with a mouth guard, sports like boxing are not advisable.

Other contact sports, like football or rugby, may be possible if you wear a mouth guard, but we advise extreme caution in these cases as well.

For most sports, though, you should be able to keep playing with no problem. If you want to continue getting out on the field, court or rink during your treatment, we recommend wearing a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, your mouth, and the braces themselves from damage.

Braces and Invisalign are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but there are differences between them that may affect their suitability for different individuals. 

Factors to consider when choosing between braces and Invisalign include your personal preferences and lifestyle, esthetics, the nature and severity of your misalignment, and cost. You can learn more here.

Your orthodontist will assess your specific case and recommend the best treatment option to meet your needs.