Braces in Seattle & Bellevue

The cost of orthodontic treatment can vary greatly from one case to the next based on the nature and severity of the misalignment being treated and the type of braces being used.

Most children, teens and adults who have healthy teeth and gums are usually good candidates for braces. Fortunately, 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.

At Leone & Vaughn Orthodontics, we offer self-ligating braces and clear braces.

Self-ligating braces use elastics or ties like traditional braces, which gives them a neater, more streamlined look. Clear braces use ceramic brackets designed to match the colour of your teeth, allowing them to blend in with your smile. You can learn more about both these types of braces on this page under 'Types of Braces'.

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

The average treatment time for braces varies depending on individual needs and can differ from patient to patient.

The length of your orthodontic treatment will depend on the severity of your misalignment and the type. Mild or moderate cases are easier and usually faster to treat than more complex cases.

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

If certain areas of your mouth are rubbing against the braces and becoming sore, you can pick up some orthodontic wax at a pharmacy and place it on the brace to create a smoother surface. This discomfort is temporary, and your mouth will likely feel normal again after a couple of weeks.

There will be some discomfort at different points of 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. Remember that you're working towards the smile you've always wanted!

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

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 put on and after adjustment appointments. Orthodontic wax can be applied to the braces in the areas where they are rubbing to create a smoother surface.

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 the appearance of their smiles.

Many of our adult patients prefer the lower profile, more streamlined look of translucent ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, or Invisalign. Your orthodontist will help you decide which option is right for you, but all of these options allow you to straighten your teeth without the more pronounced appearance of traditional braces.

Children as young as seven years old may be candidates for braces. Certain developing misalignments and bite problems can be more easily treated when children are young. Since their mouths are still growing, we can work with and guide their oral development as it progresses rather than undoing issues that are already established.

It is a good idea to brush your teeth after each meal throughout your braces treatment to prevent plaque and food debris from getting trapped and leading to tooth decay and discoloration.

Wearing braces means you have many tiny crevices, nooks, and crannies in your mouth that were not there before. It's very easy for food particles to get caught in these spaces, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Extra vigilance when it comes to oral hygiene during your orthodontic treatment is essential to avoid these areas becoming problematic.

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. Pull the end of the floss gently towards the back of the tooth and draw the floss up and down between the teeth. Then repeat this process between each pair of teeth.

You can generally continue eating your normal diet with a few modifications.

You will need to avoid hard, crunchy, or overly sticky or tacky foods.

It's important to chew carefully and take your time while wearing braces. Avoid biting into foods like apples or corn on the cob, and avoid chewing gum completely.

While you're undergoing orthodontic treatment and your teeth are shifting into a new position, they are particularly vulnerable. This process loosens them in the socket as they move, and the jawbone begins to reform around their new positions. As a result, they are particularly susceptible to falling out.

Generally speaking, we 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 without problem as long as you wear a sports mouth guard to protect your teeth, mouth, and braces from damage.

Braces and Invisalign are both effective orthodontic treatment options, but their differences may affect their suitability for different patients. 

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 unique case and recommend the best treatment option for your needs.