A straight smile is more than a cosmetic goal — it’s the intersection of appearance, oral health, and efficient function. Orthodontic treatment corrects overcrowding, gaps, teeth that have shifted after extractions, and bite patterns that interfere with normal chewing or speech. In many cases the work required extends beyond shifting individual teeth and involves addressing how the upper and lower jaws relate to each other so the result is both attractive and resilient.
Contemporary orthodontics uses precisely designed appliances to apply gentle, continuous forces that guide teeth into healthier positions. Patients now have access to a wider range of options than ever before: from refined fixed braces to removable clear aligners and specialty devices that support skeletal correction. These choices let clinicians tailor treatment to the biology of the patient and the goals for the smile.
Treatment time varies with each situation — some minor corrections can be completed in a few months while comprehensive bite rehabilitation may take a couple of years. Throughout treatment clinicians balance speed with long-term stability, focusing on moves that are predictable, healthy, and maintainable.
At Mercer Island Dental Associates, our approach emphasizes personalized planning and careful monitoring to achieve results that look natural and function reliably for years to come. We coordinate orthodontic care with other dental needs so every patient receives a comprehensive pathway to a healthier smile.
Alignment affects more than the way your teeth look. When teeth and jaws fit together as they should, routine hygiene is easier, chewing is more efficient, and the risk of accidental damage to protruding teeth is reduced. Conversely, crowded or misaligned teeth create hiding places for plaque, lead to uneven wear, and can contribute to gum problems over time.
Good alignment supports comfortable jaw movement and helps protect the temporomandibular joints. When the bite is compromised, it can contribute to jaw soreness, headaches, and muscular tension that affect daily comfort. Addressing these issues with orthodontics can therefore improve both oral health and overall well-being.
Improved hygiene: Straighter teeth reduce hard-to-clean spaces, making brushing and flossing more effective and lowering the risk of cavities and periodontal disease.
Enhanced protection: Teeth that sit properly behind the lips and cheeks are less likely to suffer trauma or damaging fractures.
Better function: Properly aligned teeth make biting, chewing, and speaking easier and more efficient.
Even wear: A correct bite distributes forces across the teeth more evenly, reducing the risk of accelerated or uneven tooth wear.
Healthier jaw joints: A balanced occlusion helps support TMJ comfort and long-term joint health, reducing associated pain and dysfunction.
Overall wellness: Because oral health and general health are connected, stable alignment contributes to a healthier daily life.
Deciding which orthodontic approach is right begins with a careful clinical evaluation. During a dental checkup or consultation we assess tooth positions, jaw relationships, facial proportions, and any habits or prior dental work that might influence treatment. Imaging, dental models, and intraoral scans are used to create a comprehensive picture of your case.
Children are monitored closely so treatment can start at a time that takes advantage of natural growth when needed. Many major issues can be identified early, and interceptive measures — such as space maintenance or habit management — can reduce the need for more complex treatment later. For most patients, the mid-to-late mixed dentition stage is an ideal time to begin comprehensive care when permanent front teeth and molars are present.
Adults also benefit from orthodontics; age alone is not a barrier. Treatment for adults often involves coordination with other dental care to ensure teeth and supporting bone are healthy before appliances are placed. With modern options, adults can choose solutions that balance appearance, comfort, and effectiveness.
The complexity of the bite problem and whether jaw relationships need correction
Amount of crowding or spacing present in the dental arches
If dental extractions are necessary to create space
How the upper and lower jaws relate to each other
Estimated duration of appliance wear and the need for supportive devices
Patient responsibilities such as maintaining oral hygiene and following appliance wear instructions
Orthodontics has evolved rapidly: treatments are more precise, less obtrusive, and better integrated with dental technology. Digital workflows, three-dimensional imaging, and computer-assisted planning allow clinicians to predict tooth movement and optimize appliance design for more consistent results.
Contemporary brackets are smaller and more comfortable, clear ceramic brackets provide a low-profile aesthetic, and lingual braces conceal appliances behind the teeth for patients seeking an invisible approach. Self-ligating systems and temporary anchorage devices (TADs) expand the clinical toolkit for challenging cases.
Accelerated techniques and careful biomechanics can shorten certain phases of treatment without compromising stability when used in appropriate cases. The goal of these advances is to make treatment more efficient, less disruptive, and better suited to each patient’s lifestyle.
Clear aligner therapy has transformed how many people straighten teeth. Custom-made, removable trays are designed to produce measured tooth movements as the patient progresses through a series of aligners. Their near-invisibility makes them an attractive option for image-conscious teens and adults.
Aligners permit normal eating and oral hygiene because they are removed for meals and cleaning. For well-selected cases they can be as effective as traditional braces, and in many practices digital scanning and 3-D planning streamline the workflow from diagnosis to delivery. Treatment suitability is case-dependent; our team will explain whether aligners are the right option for your goals.
Our practice stays current with technology and evidence-based methods to ensure patients receive contemporary care that aligns with their expectations and clinical needs. Mercer Island Dental Associates pairs modern tools with hands-on expertise to guide patients through clear aligner therapy or alternative approaches when warranted.
Children who start treatment between ages 9 and 14 often benefit from the combination of growing jaws and adult tooth eruption, allowing the clinician to guide development more effectively. Early intervention is sometimes recommended for specific problems that could become more complex later on.
For adults, appliance choices have expanded to permit discreet, comfortable treatment. Before beginning, a thorough assessment ensures teeth and gums are healthy and any restorative or periodontal concerns are addressed so orthodontic movement proceeds on a stable foundation.
Finishing active orthodontic care is a milestone, but maintenance is essential to preserve alignment. Retainers protect against relapse by allowing the periodontal fibers and bone to adapt to the teeth’s new positions. Without retention, teeth can drift back toward their former alignment because the tissues that support them have elastic memory.
Retention strategies are individualized: some patients wear removable retainers full-time initially, then transition to nightly use, while others may receive fixed, bonded retainers for specific teeth. The right approach depends on the movements performed, the patient’s oral environment, and long-term stability goals.
Even with diligent retention, ongoing factors such as tongue posture, natural aging, or changes in dental health can influence tooth position over decades. Periodic checks and a commitment to oral hygiene help ensure that orthodontic outcomes endure.
If you have questions about whether orthodontic care is right for you or a family member, or if you’d like to learn more about the treatment options we offer and how they could fit into your overall dental plan, please contact us for more information.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and the jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to have an additional adjustment are required.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
Orthodontics is the dental specialty focused on diagnosing, preventing and correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaws. It uses appliances to apply controlled forces that move teeth into healthier positions and optimize how the upper and lower jaws fit together. Properly aligned teeth support better oral hygiene and reduce the risk of uneven wear and tooth damage.
Beyond aesthetics, orthodontic treatment improves chewing efficiency, speech function and long-term joint comfort by promoting a balanced bite. When teeth and jaws work together as intended, routine cleaning is more effective and the strain on supporting tissues is minimized. Addressing alignment issues early can prevent more complex dental problems later on.
Good candidates include children, teens and adults who have crowding, spacing, bite discrepancies or teeth that have shifted after prior dental work. Candidates must also have healthy teeth and gums or be working with clinicians to address any restorative or periodontal needs before movement begins. A comprehensive evaluation determines whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate and which appliance will best meet the patient’s goals.
Factors such as the complexity of the bite problem, skeletal relationships between the jaws and the patient’s ability to maintain oral hygiene influence candidacy and treatment selection. Patients with active gum disease or untreated tooth decay will typically need those issues stabilized before orthodontic appliances are placed. When necessary, orthodontics is coordinated with other dental care to create a safe, effective path forward.
Many clinicians recommend an initial orthodontic evaluation by the early mixed dentition phase so potential issues can be identified while growth is still underway. Assessments at this stage allow the clinician to monitor development, detect eruption problems and consider interceptive measures that may simplify future treatment. Early evaluation does not always lead to immediate treatment, but it does provide a roadmap for timely intervention when indicated.
Signs that warrant earlier review include difficulty breathing through the nose, prolonged thumb-sucking, asymmetrical jaw growth, crowding that prevents normal tooth eruption or spacing that could lead to trauma. When early measures are needed, interventions such as space maintenance, habit management or growth guidance can reduce the need for more complex procedures later. At Mercer Island Dental Associates we monitor children closely and recommend the best timing for comprehensive care based on each child’s growth and dental development.
Adults frequently benefit from orthodontics and are often excellent candidates for tooth alignment using contemporary techniques. Age alone is not a barrier, but adults should have stable periodontal health and any necessary restorative work completed or planned before orthodontic movement. Modern appliance options make treatment more discreet and comfortable for adult lifestyles.
Adult care often involves close coordination with restorative, periodontal or implant treatments to ensure movements occur on a stable foundation. Treatment planning takes into account existing restorations, bone support and long-term maintenance needs. With realistic goals and collaboration across specialties, adults can achieve functional, aesthetic and durable results.
Common appliances include fixed metal braces, ceramic brackets that blend with tooth color, lingual braces that are placed behind the teeth, clear removable aligners and temporary anchorage devices for complex tooth movements. Each device applies forces in a controlled manner but differs in visibility, comfort and how it is managed during treatment. The choice depends on clinical needs, patient preferences and long-term stability considerations.
Specialty tools such as self-ligating brackets, TADs and auxiliary springs expand treatment options for challenging cases and improve control over specific movements. Digital workflows and 3-D planning further refine appliance design and improve predictability. Your clinician will explain the advantages and limitations of each option as they relate to your individual case.
Clear aligners are removable, near-invisible trays designed to move teeth in a series of measured steps, while traditional braces use bonded brackets and wires to apply continuous forces. Aligners are often preferred for their aesthetics and the ability to remove them for eating and oral hygiene, which can make daily care easier. Braces remain a powerful option for certain movements, complex bite corrections and cases that require very precise rotational or vertical control.
Effectiveness depends on case selection and patient compliance; aligners require consistent wear to achieve planned movements, whereas braces work continuously without removal. In some situations a combined approach or a switch from one modality to another is recommended to obtain the best outcome. Your orthodontic team will review these trade-offs and recommend the most suitable method for your objectives.
A thorough diagnostic workup typically includes a clinical examination, dental models or digital scans, three-dimensional imaging when indicated and photographs to document facial and dental relationships. These records help the clinician assess tooth positions, jaw alignment, facial proportions and any functional issues such as occlusal contacts or airway concerns. Using this information, the team develops a treatment plan that balances aesthetics, function and long-term stability.
Digital treatment simulation and computer-assisted planning can predict tooth movement and visualize outcomes, improving communication and decision-making. For growing patients the clinician also evaluates growth patterns to determine optimal timing and may recommend interceptive measures as needed. When interdisciplinary care is required, diagnostics allow seamless coordination with restorative and surgical colleagues to support the overall treatment objectives.
Treatment duration varies widely based on the complexity of the bite problem, whether jaw growth needs to be guided and the types of movements required. Minor tooth alignment can be completed in several months, while comprehensive bite rehabilitation that includes skeletal correction may take one to two years or longer in some cases. Clinicians strive to balance efficiency with movements that are biologically sound and stable over time.
Factors that influence timeline include the severity of crowding or spacing, need for extractions, patient compliance with appliance wear and the use of adjunctive techniques like temporary anchorage devices or accelerated protocols. Growth in younger patients can be an advantage when properly timed, whereas adult cases may require additional coordination with other dental treatments. Regular follow-up and adherence to instructions help keep treatment on schedule and support predictable outcomes.
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential: brush thoroughly after meals, floss daily with appropriate aids and use interdental brushes or water flossers to clean around brackets and between teeth. Patients with removable appliances should clean trays regularly and avoid wearing them while eating to reduce plaque accumulation and staining. Professional cleanings and periodic checkups help monitor gum health and prevent complications during treatment.
Dietary adjustments such as avoiding very hard, sticky or sugary foods protect appliances and reduce the risk of enamel damage. Attend all scheduled orthodontic appointments to allow the team to monitor progress and make timely adjustments, and report any discomfort or appliance issues promptly. Following care instructions and maintaining oral health habits contribute directly to treatment success and long-term stability.
Retention is a critical phase that begins when active tooth movement is complete and focuses on preserving the new alignment while supporting tissues adapt. Retainers can be removable or fixed and are prescribed based on the movements performed, the patient’s oral environment and long-term stability goals. Without an appropriate retention strategy, teeth are prone to drift due to the elastic memory of periodontal fibers and normal aging changes.
Many patients start with full-time use of removable retainers and transition to nightly wear as stability increases, while others benefit from bonded retainers in specific areas to provide continuous support. Ongoing maintenance includes regular dental visits to inspect retainers, monitor tooth positions and address any issues such as wear or breakage. Good oral hygiene and routine dental care remain important to protect the investment made during orthodontic treatment.
For personalized retention guidance and follow-up, schedule periodic reviews so the team can assess stability and recommend adjustments when necessary. Regular monitoring helps detect subtle changes early and ensures your smile remains functional and comfortable for years to come. Mercer Island Dental Associates coordinates retention care with your broader dental needs to support long-term oral health.
