All Ages Accepted
Everyone should be able to get quality orthodontic care and a beautifully aligned smile. We’re proud to offer a full range of orthodontics for children, teens, and adults at our Issaquah office.
Orthodontics for Children
There’s no minimum age for your child to begin orthodontic treatment, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends a child receive their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven.
By this time, your child should have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth. This makes it easier for Dr. Dudley to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems before they have the chance to become more severe.
Your first consultation is free, so get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for your child’s first orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now means a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Orthodontics for Teens
But there’s no need to worry – bulky, uncomfortable metal braces are a thing of the past. Today’s braces are smaller, sleeker, and far more comfortable than ever before. They also come in a variety of styles, materials and colors.
One of the biggest questions on your teen’s mind before having braces put on is often “how long will I have to wear these?” Although there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to that, we can estimate the amount of time it will take to treat their smile with braces based on a few key factors.
Early treatment — Since early treatment allows us to monitor the growth of your teen’s jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if necessary, we’re often able to catch problems in the beginning stages. This can cut down on the total time your teen will need to wear braces.
What areas need correction — The amount of treatment your teen will need to correct a problem will determine how long the process itself takes. It’s important to remember that different patients react to treatment in different ways.
What takes one patient only 12 months may take another patient 24 or 36 months. Treatment times will also vary depending on how quickly your teen’s body responds, and how much actual work is needed to give them their very best smile.
Your teen — Your teen’s willingness to “play by the rules” plays a major role in the length of time it will take to complete their treatment. By sticking to Dr. Dudley’s recommendations, taking care of their braces, and maintaining a healthy dental hygiene routine, they can keep their treatment time to a minimum.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic Treatment Isn’t Just for Children & Teens
In fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.
Many adults are choosing to receive treatment later in life because they understand how important it is to maintain their oral health, they want to feel better about their overall appearance, or both. If you’ve experienced any of the following issues, orthodontic treatment may be for you:
- A bad bite (malocclusion) causing your teeth to fit together incorrectly
- The teeth are too crowded or spaced too far apart
- Any abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- Or simply a desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
Although the thought of wearing braces as an adult can be intimidating, several options are discreet but effective. At Dudley Smiles, we offer ceramic braces, which blend in closely with your own smile, and Invisalign, a clear aligner system that is nearly invisible.
Why Should You Consider Orthodontic Treatment?
Straight teeth are healthy teeth — When your teeth are correctly aligned it’s easier to keep them clean by flossing and brushing, which in turn helps to prevent other oral issues, including some that can affect your overall health.
A healthy, straight smile builds confidence and self-esteem — Successfully completed orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence, give you a better quality of life, and allow you to smile freely for maybe the first time ever.
Untreated oral issues will get worse — Delaying or refusing orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term health issues that will wind up costing you more in the end.
Dudley Smiles recognizes that children, teens, and adults will all have different dental needs and need different levels of attention and care. We work diligently with each patient to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for you in the most inviting environment.