Sammammish Orthodontics for All Ages

Every new smile starts with a consultation

Your first visit to our office will consist of a comprehensive examination by Dr. Dudley, as well as a set of diagnostic records including x-rays, study models, and photos of your face and teeth. This information will be used in consultation to discuss your unique orthodontic case and develop a customized treatment plan that is specific to your needs.

Our team are committed to helping our patients understand what to expect from the orthodontic process, and we will make every effort to address any questions and concerns you may have at this initial visit. We will also take time to thoroughly discuss our professional fees, describe our financing options, and electronically verify your insurance benefits. Don’t forget to bring your insurance card, if you choose to move forward with your treatment plan.

Starting your Sammamish orthodontics treatment process

If your initial consultation at our Issaquah or Kent office determines a need for corrective treatment, we will schedule your first appointment with Dr. Dudley. At this appointment, our team will provide you with all the information you’ll need, and Dr. Dudley will place your orthodontic appliance. Our orthodontic staff works hard to provide a comfortable, relaxing environment for patients, providing you with a rewarding orthodontic experience from start to finish!

Once your orthodontic appliance has been placed, we’ll schedule follow-up appointments every 6-10 weeks or so, depending on the type of treatment. We understand that life is unpredictable, so if you can’t make your appointment for any reason, we only ask that you call our offices and let us know as soon as possible so we can accommodate you.

Here at Dudley Smiles, we can assist you with correcting a range of orthodontic issues, including:

• Teeth that are crowded
• Teeth that are spaced too far apart
• Missing lateral incisors
• Early orthodontic issues
• Open bite (the front teeth don't touch)
• Deep overbite (the lower front teeth bite into the palate)
• Underbite (the lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth)
• Overjet (protruding front teeth)

Sammamish orthodontics treatment options for children

There is no exact minimum age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children receive their first orthodontic evaluation by no later than the age of seven, and we agree! At this age, most children will have a good mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, which makes it easier for orthodontists like Dr. Dudley to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems early. This diminishes the chances of any dental issues becoming more severe and requiring more serious treatment in the future.

Sammamish orthodontics options for teens

Do you suspect your teen could benefit from orthodontic treatment? Have you recently discovered that braces are needed to improve their smile? If so, you’re both likely to have a lot of questions. You may be feeling nervous about the unknown, and your teen may be feeling worried when considering braces. This is an entirely common reaction, but fortunately, it’s also a temporary one! The bulky, uncomfortable metal braces of the past have given way to the smaller, sleeker braces available today. Modern braces are comfortable, stylish, and available in a variety of styles, materials, and colors.

Dudley Smiles offer a variety of orthodontic appliances to teens in need of corrective treatment. Fixed and removable options are available depending on the individual case. These options include:

Traditional metal braces

• Self-ligating braces
• Clear braces
• Invisalign
• Invisalign Teen

Sammamish orthodontics for adults

Many adults are now choosing to seek orthodontic care later in life, with about 1 in 5 current orthodontic patients over the age of 21. Modern orthodontics offer multiple discreet but effective ways to straighten adult smiles, including clear braces and clear aligner systems like Invisalign. Some of the most common issues we see in adult patients seeking orthodontic treatment are:

• a bad bite (malocclusion) causing the 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

Your trusted Sammamish orthodontist

At Dudley Smiles, we recognize children, teens, and adults will have different dental needs, with each requiring a different level of attention and care. Dr. Dudley has a great deal of experience treating cases from simple to complex in Sammamish, Issaquah, Kent, and the surrounding communities. Our state-of-the-art facility uses the latest technologies to provide high-quality care that focuses on patient comfort and efficient treatment results. We will work diligently with you to ensure we recommend only the most appropriate treatment for their specific case.

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