Treatments

Orthodontics in Burien, WA

Transform your smile with modern orthodontic treatment at Burien Signature Dentistry. Many people assume orthodontic treatment is only for children or teenagers, but adults represent nearly 30% of all orthodontic patients today. Whether you’re dealing with crowded teeth, gaps, or bite issues that have bothered you for years, effective solutions are available right here in Burien.

Dr. Andy Kim and our experienced team specialize in clear aligner therapy and modern orthodontic treatments that fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. We understand that straight teeth aren’t just about appearance—properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reduce your risk of decay and gum disease, and can improve your overall oral health for years to come.

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. This includes correcting misaligned teeth, improper bites, and jaw positioning issues. Modern orthodontic treatment goes far beyond traditional metal braces, offering discrete and comfortable solutions for patients of all ages.

Common orthodontic issues we address include overcrowding, spacing problems, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Each of these conditions can affect not only the appearance of your smile but also your ability to chew properly, speak clearly, and maintain good oral hygiene.

Clear Aligners: The Modern Approach

At Burien Signature Dentistry, we focus primarily on clear aligner therapy as our orthodontic solution. These virtually invisible trays gradually move your teeth into their ideal positions without the discomfort and appearance concerns associated with traditional braces.

Clear aligners work through a series of custom-made, removable trays that you wear for about 22 hours per day. Every two weeks, you progress to the next set of aligners in your series, with each tray making small, precise adjustments to tooth position. Most patients complete their treatment in 12 to 18 months, though simpler cases may take as little as six months.

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Straight teeth provide benefits that extend well beyond aesthetics. When your teeth are properly aligned, they’re much easier to clean effectively. This reduces your risk of developing cavities and gum disease because plaque and bacteria have fewer places to hide.

Proper alignment also improves your bite function, reducing wear on individual teeth and decreasing your risk of chips, cracks, and premature tooth loss. Many patients find that orthodontic treatment eliminates jaw pain, headaches, and other symptoms related to bite problems they’ve lived with for years.

From a confidence standpoint, a straight smile can transform how you feel about yourself in social and professional situations. Many of our adult patients tell us they wish they’d pursued treatment sooner because of the positive impact it’s had on their self-esteem.

Who Can Benefit from Orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment benefits patients across all age groups. While we often think of orthodontics as primarily for teenagers, adults frequently achieve excellent results with clear aligner therapy. In fact, adult treatment sometimes progresses more quickly because adult patients tend to be more compliant with wearing their aligners consistently.

Children and teenagers may benefit from early intervention orthodontics, especially if they have significant crowding, spacing, or bite issues. However, many orthodontic problems can be successfully addressed at any age, making it never too late to pursue the straight smile you’ve always wanted.

The Clear Aligner Process

Your orthodontic journey begins with a comprehensive consultation where Dr. Kim evaluates your teeth, bite, and overall oral health. We use advanced imaging technology to create a precise treatment plan that maps out how your teeth will move throughout the process.

Once we create your custom aligners, you’ll receive your first several sets along with detailed instructions for care and wear. You’ll visit our Burien office approximately every six to eight weeks so we can monitor your progress and provide your next sets of aligners.

The beauty of clear aligner treatment lies in its convenience. You can remove your aligners for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene, making it easy to maintain your normal routine throughout treatment. Unlike traditional braces, there are no dietary restrictions or concerns about broken wires or brackets.

Maintaining Your Results

After completing your orthodontic treatment, maintaining your new smile requires consistent retainer wear. We’ll provide you with custom retainers and specific instructions for keeping your teeth in their new positions. Most patients need to wear retainers nightly for life to prevent their teeth from gradually shifting back toward their original positions.

Regular dental cleanings and checkups become even more important after orthodontic treatment. Your newly aligned teeth will be easier to clean, but maintaining excellent oral hygiene habits ensures your investment in orthodontics pays dividends for decades to come.

Experience Modern Orthodontics in Burien

At Burien Signature Dentistry, we’re committed to helping you achieve the straight, healthy smile you deserve using the most comfortable and convenient methods available. Our modern approach to orthodontics prioritizes your lifestyle and comfort while delivering exceptional results.

Ready to discover how orthodontic treatment can transform your smile and oral health? Contact Burien Signature Dentistry today at (206) 246-3222 to schedule your consultation, or reach out through our contact form to learn more about clear aligner therapy and how we can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.