Getting braces is a big decision, whether it’s for you or your child. In Bellevue, where you can choose between traditional metal braces and clear aligners, it helps to understand what treatment involves before getting started.
This guide covers what to expect, how long treatment takes, what it costs locally, and how the experience differs for adults and kids. If you’re in the Bellevue area, Washington Orthodontics offers free consultations to help you explore the right option for your smile.
Braces or Clear Aligners: Which One’s Right for You?
The two most common orthodontic treatments in Bellevue are traditional metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign. Both can straighten teeth effectively, but how they work and who they work best for can vary.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the go-to option for moderate to severe alignment issues. They’re bonded directly to the teeth and adjusted by an orthodontist every few weeks. Braces are especially useful for complex cases involving bite correction, rotated teeth, or large gaps.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign and its alternatives, use a series of nearly invisible trays to gradually move your teeth. They’re removable, which makes eating and cleaning easier. Aligners are typically best for mild to moderate cases like crowding, spacing, and minor bite issues. To work well, aligners need to be worn 20 to 22 hours a day.
What to Expect During Treatment (Adults vs. Kids)
Before treatment begins, every patient starts with a consultation. The orthodontist will take X-rays or digital scans, evaluate your bite, and build a custom treatment plan. From there, the experience can vary based on age, the type of appliance, and how complex the case is.
Here’s a quick overview of what to expect:
- Adults may require more time due to slower tooth movement
- Kids benefit from ongoing jaw growth that can assist in bite correction
- Aligners demand responsibility and are better suited for motivated adults or preteens
- Braces are more hands-off, making them easier to manage for younger patients
Orthodontic Treatment For Adults
Once braces or aligners are in place, active treatment begins. For most adults, braces take about 18 to 24 months to see results, while clear aligners typically take 12 to 18 months. More complex cases may take up to 3 years, especially if surgery or other procedures are involved.
Since adult teeth move more slowly, check-ins are important to keep things on track. Braces are adjusted every 4 to 6 weeks, and aligner patients usually check in every 6 to 10 weeks to receive new trays and monitor progress.
Orthodontic Treatment For Kids
At this age, most permanent teeth have come in, making it a great time to begin full orthodontic treatment. Treatment time is often similar to adults, around 18 to 24 months. Younger jaws are still growing, which can help guide bite correction.
If the child had an earlier Phase I treatment around age 7 to 10, the current treatment may be shorter. If not, this phase is usually comprehensive. Kids in braces typically return every 4 to 8 weeks for adjustments.
How Effective Are Braces and Aligners for Different Ages?
Braces and aligners can both deliver great results, but their effectiveness often depends on the type of issue being treated and the age of the patient. Some orthodontic problems need more control than others, and that’s where braces still have an edge.
Braces Offer More Control for Complex Cases
Braces are often considered the most precise option, especially for severe crowding, large gaps, bite misalignments, or rotated teeth. Because they are fixed and adjusted by the orthodontist, they allow for more targeted movements using wires, elastics, and other tools.
Clear Aligners Work Well for Milder Cases
Clear aligners are ideal for patients with mild to moderate issues like spacing, crowding, or minor bite adjustments. In many cases, aligners can achieve results similar to braces, especially when used under close supervision and worn consistently.
Effectiveness for Adults
For adults, both braces and aligners can work well. Many adults prefer aligners for their discreet appearance and convenience. In cases that require more complex movement, braces may be the more effective option.
Effectiveness for Preteens and Teens
At age 12, most kids are good candidates for full treatment with either braces or aligners. Braces are preferred for younger patients because they stay on and don’t rely on patient compliance.
Daily Life with Braces or Aligners: What to Expect
If you just got braces, here are a couple of things you can expect in the first few days or weeks:
Mild Discomfort Is Normal at the Start
When braces are first placed or when you switch to a new aligner tray, it’s common to feel pressure or soreness for a few days. Most patients describe it as a dull ache rather than sharp pain. Soft foods, cold drinks, and over-the-counter pain relief can help during this transition.
Adjustment Appointments and Check-Ins
Braces require regular adjustments every 4 to 8 weeks. Your orthodontist may tighten wires or change elastics to keep your treatment progressing. Expect some soreness after these visits, but it fades within a day or two. Aligner patients don’t need tightening, but they still have periodic check-ins every 6 to 10 weeks.
Oral Hygiene Takes Extra Effort
Braces require extra care when brushing and flossing since food can get stuck around brackets. Patients should brush after every meal and use floss threaders or orthodontic flossers to keep teeth clean.
Aligners are easier to manage because you remove them to brush and floss, but you still need to clean the trays and brush before putting them back in to avoid trapping bacteria.
Eating and Drinking Habits Will Change
Braces come with food restrictions. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like gum, caramels, hard candy, and whole apples. These can break brackets or bend wires.
Aligners have no food restrictions since you take them out to eat, but you’ll need to brush after every meal or snack before putting them back in. This often helps cut down on snacking.
Braces Cost in Bellevue: What You’ll Likely Pay
Braces are a big investment, and in Bellevue, pricing reflects the area’s higher cost of living. Still, most orthodontic offices offer a range of options, flexible payment plans, and insurance support to help families manage the cost.
For Adults (around age 27):
- Traditional metal braces: $5,000 to $7,000
- Clear aligners (Invisalign or similar): $3,500 to $7,000
- Costs may increase if additional procedures are needed (for example, jaw surgery or gum treatment)
- Most local orthodontists bundle services such as diagnostics, adjustments, and retainers into one comprehensive fee
For Kids and Teens (around age 12):
- Braces: $4,000 to $6,000
- Complex cases: Up to $7,000
- Phase I early treatment (if needed): $2,500 to $4,500
- Phase II (full treatment after early phase): Around $5,000 or more
- Clear aligners (Invisalign Teen): Typically $4,000 to $6,000
These estimates are typical for the Bellevue area and often include routine checkups, adjustments, and retainers after treatment.
Insurance and Payment Options
Understanding how to pay for braces is just as important as choosing the right treatment. In Washington, insurance coverage varies depending on age, the type of plan, and whether you’re using Medicaid or private dental insurance.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning treatment in Bellevue.
Medicaid (Apple Health) Coverage for Kids
In Washington, Medicaid may cover braces for children under 21, but only if the case meets strict medical necessity requirements. Your child must have a severe bite problem or jaw alignment issues that significantly affects their health or function. Cosmetic cases or mild crowding will not qualify.
If approved, Medicaid usually covers traditional metal braces through specific providers who accept Apple Health. Not all orthodontists in Bellevue participate, so it’s important to confirm provider eligibility in advance. Medicaid does not cover braces or aligners for adults.
Delta Dental and Other Private Plans
Delta Dental is a common insurer in Washington, and many employer-sponsored plans include orthodontic benefits for children. Adult coverage is less common and usually only available on premium plans or ortho-inclusive policies. Here’s what’s typical with private insurance:
- Coverage rate: Often 50 percent of the total cost
- Lifetime maximum: Usually between $1,500 and $2,500 per person
- Waiting periods: Some plans require a 6 to 12 month wait before ortho benefits begin
If you have Delta Dental PPO, some Bellevue offices, including Washington Orthodontics, are in-network. This means you’ll get the maximum benefit available through your plan.
Other Ways to Save on Treatment
If you don’t have coverage through Medicaid or your employer, here are other options to explore:
- Delta Dental Plus Ortho Plan: Available for individuals or families. Includes ortho benefits for kids and adults with a $1,500 lifetime max
- FSAs and HSAs: Flexible spending and health savings accounts let you pay for treatment using pre-tax dollars
- In-house financing: Most orthodontists in Bellevue offer payment plans with a down payment and monthly installments, often interest-free
- Discount plans and programs: Membership programs or charitable initiatives like Smiles Change Lives can offer reduced-cost treatment for those who qualify
Common Issues and What to Do
- Loose brackets or wires: Call your orthodontist. Save any pieces and use wax to cover anything poking your mouth.
- Lost or cracked aligners: Contact your provider. In some cases, you can move to the next tray or go back to the previous one while waiting for a replacement.
- Sports and activities: Braces wearers should use a mouthguard during contact sports. Aligner wearers can take them out and use a regular sports mouthguard.
Sticking to your schedule and following care instructions will help keep your treatment on track and avoid unnecessary delays.
Retainers After Braces: Don’t Skip This Step
Finishing braces or aligners is a huge milestone, but keeping your new smile in place takes ongoing effort. Retainers are the key to making sure your results last for the long haul.
Why Retainers Matter
After treatment, your teeth are still settling into their new positions. Without a retainer, they can slowly shift back over time. That’s why retainers are considered part of the orthodontic process, not just an optional follow-up.
Most patients start by wearing their retainers full-time for several months, removing them only for meals and brushing. After that period, you’ll likely switch to nighttime wear. Many orthodontists now recommend wearing retainers at night long term to prevent future movement.
Types of Retainers
Your orthodontist will recommend the best type based on your case:
- Removable clear retainers: These look similar to aligners and are nearly invisible.
- Traditional Hawley retainers: Made with a wire and acrylic, these are also removable and adjustable.
- Fixed retainers: A thin wire bonded to the back of your front teeth that stays in place long term.
Real Consequences of Skipping Retainers
Many adults who seek braces for the second time say they stopped wearing their retainers. Teeth can gradually shift back, especially with age or pressure from habits like grinding or clenching.
Delta Dental’s Plus Ortho plan even references this situation as a common reason adults return for retreatment. Whether you’re 12 or 27, wearing your retainer as directed helps protect your investment. It’s a simple habit that can save you from repeating treatment down the road.
What Helps Patients Succeed During Treatment
Orthodontic treatment requires consistency, patience, and a little bit of planning. Whether you’re a 12-year-old wearing braces or a 27-year-old juggling aligners with a work schedule, success comes down to sticking with the routine and staying motivated along the way
Consistency Makes the Difference
Wearing aligners for the full 20 to 22 hours per day or showing up for monthly braces adjustments is what keeps treatment on track. Missed appointments or inconsistent wear can slow down progress and extend your timeline.
At Washington Orthodontics, we’ve seen patients make significant changes in less than a year. One adult patient achieved major alignment improvements after just 8 months of clear aligner treatment. Staying consistent made all the difference.
Oral Care and Daily Habits Matter
Keeping your teeth clean during treatment prevents complications like white spots or cavities. Whether you’re brushing around braces or rinsing aligners after meals, daily habits play a big role in how smoothly your treatment goes.
Following food guidelines, using any required elastics, and avoiding harmful habits like nail biting or chewing on pens also helps prevent damage to your appliance.
Support Helps Everyone Stay on Track
For kids, parent involvement makes a big impact. Helping with flossing, monitoring aligner wear, or encouraging good hygiene can help avoid delays. Many orthodontists even offer reward programs that make the process more engaging.
For adults, having a clear goal and tracking your progress helps keep motivation high. Taking monthly photos or noting changes in bite and alignment can make the results feel more real and encouraging.
The End Result Is Worth It
Seeing progress, even in the first few months, is often enough to keep you going. Whether you’re preparing for a big event, improving oral health, or simply wanting more confidence in your smile, sticking with the plan pays off.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re exploring options for yourself or your child, getting braces is a big decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. At Washington Orthodontic, we’re here to help you understand your options, review your insurance, and create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Book a free consultation today to see if braces or aligners are right for you!
