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Types of Braces
At Edmonds Orthodontics, we know that every smile is unique — which is why we offer different types of braces to fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a classic and reliable option like metal braces or a more discreet choice like ceramic braces, we’ve got you covered. Our experienced orthodontists will help you decide which treatment is best for your smile goals.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces have been around for a long time, and there’s a reason they’re still one of the most popular choices. They’re strong, reliable, and super effective at straightening teeth, even for complex cases.
Here’s why patients love metal braces:
- Proven Effectiveness: Ideal for treating even the most complex cases, including severe misalignment and bite issues.
- Durable & Strong: Made from high-quality stainless steel, these braces are built to last throughout your treatment.
- Customizable Colors: Express your personality by choosing from a variety of colorful elastic bands at each appointment.
- Cost-Effective: One of the most affordable orthodontic options available
Thanks to modern technology, today’s metal braces are smaller, lighter, and more comfortable than ever before, so you can get a great smile without the bulky brackets of the past.
Ceramic Braces
Want a less noticeable way to straighten your teeth? Ceramic braces offer the same great results as metal braces, but with brackets that blend in with your natural tooth color. They’re a great choice for teens and adults who want a more subtle treatment option.
Here’s why some patients choose ceramic braces:
- Less Visible: Brackets are made from a clear or tooth-colored material, making them less noticeable than metal braces.
- Same Effectiveness As Metal Braces: Can correct mild to severe orthodontic issues just like traditional braces.
- Great For Teens & Adults: A perfect choice for those who want a more subtle orthodontic treatment.
While ceramic braces offer excellent aesthetics, they do require extra care to ensure the brackets remain clean and blend with your natural smile. Our team will guide you on how to keep your ceramic braces looking their best throughout treatment.
Which Braces Are Right for You?
Choosing the right braces for you comes down to your personal preference and lifestyle.
- Want the most durable, more budget-friendly option? Go with metal braces.
- Prefer something more discreet? Ceramic braces might be the way to go.
No matter what you choose, our team is here to guide you every step of the way — from your first consultation to the day you reveal your brand-new smile! Ready to get started? Request a consultation today, and let’s find the best braces option for you!
Braces For Kids
At Edmonds Orthodontics, we believe that early orthodontic care can make a huge difference in a child’s smile and overall oral health. While many kids won’t need braces until their teen years, some benefit from early treatment — also known as Phase One orthodontics — to guide jaw growth, correct bite issues, and make future treatment easier.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all kids get their first orthodontic screening appointment at age seven. While most kids will not need orthodontic treatment at this early age, it is a good age to catch potential problems such as crossbites, openbites, and jaw growth discrepancies that may need early intervention. If your child is around age seven or older, it may be time to schedule their first orthodontic checkup. Our expert team is here to evaluate their smile and determine the best approach for a healthy, confident future.
What to Expect
Most kids who need braces start treatment between the ages of nine and 14, when most of their permanent teeth have come in. However, some early warning signs that your child may need orthodontic care include:
- Crowded or crooked teeth
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Jaw shifting, popping, or clicking
- Mouth breathing or speech issues
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, an early orthodontic checkup can help determine the best path forward.
At Edmonds Orthodontics, we make the braces process as smooth, fun, and stress-free as possible. We offer both traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces, depending on your child’s needs and preferences.
Throughout treatment, we’ll guide you and your child through every step, from getting started to maintaining braces and ensuring the best possible results.
Give Your Child a Head Start on a Great Smile!
Early orthodontic care can set the foundation for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. If your child is ready for their first orthodontic checkup, our friendly team is here to help!
Braces For Teens
The teen years are the perfect time for orthodontic treatment! At Edmonds Orthodontics, we help teens achieve straight, healthy smiles with braces designed to fit their lifestyle. Whether your teen wants a bold, colorful look with metal braces or a more subtle option like ceramic braces, we offer treatments that are both effective and customizable.
We know that getting braces is a big step, and our team is here to make the process as smooth, comfortable, and even fun as possible!
Why Are the Teen Years Ideal for Braces?
Most teens start orthodontic treatment between ages 11 and 16, once most of their permanent teeth have come in. At this stage, the jaw is still growing, making it easier to move teeth into ideal alignment with braces.
Braces for teens can help with:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Jaw alignment issues
Straightening teeth isn’t just about looks—it also improves oral health, chewing function, and long-term dental stability.
Life with Braces: What to Expect
Braces do take some getting used to, but we make sure every teen is fully prepared for the journey. Our team will guide them on:
- How to keep braces clean for a healthy smile
- What foods to avoid (bye-bye sticky, chewy snacks!)
- How to handle minor discomfort after adjustments
- How long treatment will take (typically one to two years, depending on their case)
While wearing braces, regular check-ups are essential to ensure everything is progressing smoothly.
Braces can boost your teen’s confidence, oral health, and overall well-being. At Edmonds Orthodontics, we make the process as comfortable and exciting as possible so your teen can love their smile at every stage!
Braces For Adults
Braces aren’t just for kids and teens — more adults than ever are choosing orthodontic treatment to achieve a healthier, more confident smile. At Edmonds Orthodontics, we specialize in braces for adults, offering treatment options that fit your lifestyle, career, and personal goals. Whether you never had braces as a child or your teeth have shifted over time, we can help you achieve the straight, beautiful smile you deserve.
Why Consider Braces as an Adult?
Many adults hesitate to get braces because they think they’re “too old” for treatment, but that’s simply not true! Orthodontic care works at any age, and there are many reasons why adults choose to straighten their teeth, including:
- Fixing crooked or crowded teeth that may have worsened over time
- Correcting bite issues like overbites, underbites, or crossbites that cause discomfort
- Improving oral health by making teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of gum disease and cavities
- Boosting confidence with a smile you love to show off
With today’s advanced orthodontic technology, treatment is more comfortable, discreet, and efficient than ever before.
What to Expect with Adult Braces
Braces as an adult may feel different from getting them as a teen, but the benefits far outweigh the temporary adjustments. Here’s what you can expect:
- Treatment Time Varies: Most adult braces treatments last between 12 to 36 months, depending on the case.
- You’ll Need Regular Check-Ups: Routine adjustments ensure everything is moving as planned.
- Oral Care Is Key: A little extra effort in brushing and flossing helps maintain healthy teeth and gums during treatment.
It’s never too late to invest in your smile! Whether you’re considering braces for cosmetic reasons or to improve your dental health, our expert team at Edmonds Orthodontics is here to guide you every step of the way.
