Achieve Your Perfect Smile with Braces in Spokane
At iSmile Orthodontics in Spokane, we offer customized orthodontic solutions to help you achieve your ideal smile. Our team, led by Dr. Lauren Van Gemert, provides expert care using both traditional metal braces and clear braces. Metal braces are known for their durability and effectiveness, while clear braces offer a more discreet option. We ensure your orthodontic journey is comfortable and successful, with regular check-ups to monitor your progress.
What Are Braces?
Braces are orthodontic appliances that use brackets, wires, and bands to gently align teeth and correct bite issues over time. They apply steady, controlled pressure that guides each tooth into its proper position, creating a healthier bite and a more confident smile.
At iSmile Orthodontics in Spokane, Dr. Lauren Van Gemert offers metal braces, colorful braces, and clear braces to fit your lifestyle and smile goals. Each option uses small brackets bonded to the front of your teeth, connected by a thin archwire that Dr. Lauren adjusts at your visits to keep your teeth moving in the right direction.
Children, teens, and adults dealing with crowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites all benefit from braces. Today's brackets are smaller, smoother, and more comfortable than older versions, with low-friction designs (similar to the popular Damon orthodontics Spokane families ask about) that apply lighter, more efficient forces than the bulkier systems of decades past. The brackets sit closer to your teeth, and the wires apply more precise pressure. This means less irritation to your cheeks and lips while delivering excellent results.
If you want a bold look with colorful bands or prefer the subtle appearance of clear brackets, our office has options that work for you. Curious how braces compare to Invisalign Spokane treatments? Dr. Lauren will walk you through both at your free consult.
Types of Braces Available at iSmile Orthodontics
Traditional Metal Braces
Reliable and Effective
Metal braces have been the gold standard in orthodontics for decades. They are highly effective at correcting various dental issues such as misaligned teeth, overcrowding, and bite problems. The metal braces of today are more comfortable and less noticeable, making them a popular choice for both teens and adults. With their proven track record, metal braces are a reliable option for achieving a straighter smile.
Clear Braces
A Discreet Option
For those who prefer a more subtle approach, clear braces offer the same level of effectiveness as traditional metal braces but are made from clear or tooth-colored ceramic materials. These braces blend in with your natural teeth, making them a more aesthetically pleasing option for patients who want to maintain a more natural appearance during their orthodontic treatment. Clear braces are ideal for teens and adults who are concerned about the visibility of their braces.
Benefits of Choosing Braces in Spokane
Braces remain one of the most effective ways to correct complex bite and alignment issues. Here's why so many Spokane families choose braces at iSmile Orthodontics:
Powerful Correction for Complex Cases Braces excel at fixing severe rotations, significant bite problems, and cases that clear aligners can't fully address. The brackets and wires give Dr. Lauren precise control over tooth movement.
No Compliance Worries Unlike removable aligners, braces work around the clock. You don't have to remember to wear them or worry about losing them. They're always doing their job.
Fun Customization Options Kids and teens love choosing colorful bands at each visit. Match your school colors, celebrate holidays, or pick your favorites. It makes treatment feel personal and exciting.
Clear Braces for Adults If you prefer a more discreet look, clear braces feature tooth-colored brackets that blend with your smile. You get the effectiveness of metal braces without the metallic appearance.
Straight teeth also support long-term oral health. They're easier to brush and floss, proper alignment reduces wear on enamel, and a balanced bite supports healthier gums. Your new smile benefits your whole-mouth health for years to come. Braces often cost less upfront than some aligner systems too, and combined with flexible monthly payment plans at iSmile Orthodontics, quality orthodontic care fits your budget.
The Orthodontic Process at iSmile Orthodontics
Your journey to a perfect smile with braces at iSmile Orthodontics begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit, Dr. Lauren Van Gemert will evaluate your teeth and bite, using advanced imaging technology to create a detailed treatment plan tailored to your needs. Once your braces are placed, you’ll visit our Spokane office regularly for check-ups, during which we will make necessary adjustments to ensure your treatment is progressing as planned. Our team is committed to making your orthodontic experience comfortable and successful.
The Braces Treatment Process at iSmile Orthodontics
Getting braces at iSmile Orthodontics is straightforward. Dr. Lauren and our smile team guide you through every step.
Step 1: Free Consult
Your smile transformation starts with a free consult. We take digital scans using our iTero Scanner, capture X-rays, and complete a thorough exam. No referral is necessary. This visit helps Dr. Lauren understand your unique needs and answer all your questions.
Step 2: Smile Options Tailored to You
After reviewing your scans and exam results, Dr. Lauren creates smile options tailored to you. You'll see your projected timeline, learn about your choices, and receive a clear cost breakdown. We discuss payment plans and insurance coverage so there are no surprises.
Step 3: Braces Placement
Placement day typically takes one to two hours. Dr. Lauren bonds each bracket to your teeth using a gentle, comfortable bonding process. We attach the archwire and, if you've chosen metal braces, let you pick your band colors. You'll leave with care instructions and tips for the first few days.
Step 4: Routine Adjustments
Every four to eight weeks, you'll return for a quick adjustment visit. Dr. Lauren tightens the wires and monitors your progress. These visits usually take less than 30 minutes. It's a great time to swap out your band colors too.
Step 5: Braces Removal and Retainer Fitting
Once your teeth reach their ideal positions, we remove your braces. The process is quick and comfortable. We fit you with a retainer to maintain your results. Dr. Lauren provides instructions on retainer wear to keep your new smile looking great.
Treatment Timeline: Most family members wear braces for 12 to 24 months, depending on case complexity.
Are Braces Right for You?
Braces work for family members at nearly any age. Here's how to know if they're your best option:
Ideal Candidates
Effective treatment is available for:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Open bites
- Teeth that don't meet properly when chewing
Best Ages for Treatment
| Age Group | Treatment Type | Why This Timing Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ages 7-10 | Phase I Treatment | Early intervention addresses jaw growth and prevents bigger issues |
| Ages 11-15 | Full Treatment | Most permanent teeth have erupted; growth can be guided |
| Adults | Full Treatment | Healthy teeth and gums respond well at any age |
When Braces Beat Clear Aligners
Dr. Lauren may recommend braces over clear aligners when you have:
- Severe tooth rotations
- Complex bite problems requiring precise control
- Young children who aren't ready for removable aligners
A free consult with Dr. Lauren determines which treatment fits your smile goals. She'll explain your options and help you make a confident decision.
Why Spokane Families Choose iSmile Orthodontics for Braces
Expert Care from Dr. Lauren Van Gemert
Dr. Lauren is a board-certified orthodontist who earned her dental degree from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. She completed advanced training at Texas A&M College of Dentistry, where she focused on research and teaching. As a member of the American Board of Orthodontics, American Association of Orthodontists, and American Dental Association, she stays current with the latest techniques.
Cutting-Edge Technology
Our office features digital 3D imaging and the iTero Scanner for precise treatment planning. The iTero captures highly detailed scans of your teeth in minutes, replacing messy impressions and giving Dr. Lauren a digital model she can use to map every step of your care. Digital photos and X-rays mean faster visits and more accurate results.
Flexible Payment Options
We offer monthly payment plans to make braces affordable for every family. Our team works with most major insurance providers and helps you maximize your benefits.
Free Consults
Your first visit costs nothing, and you don't need a referral. Every family deserves to explore their smile options without financial pressure.
Convenient Spokane Location
Our one and only office in Spokane at 520 S. Cowley St. offers flexible scheduling for busy families. We understand your time matters, so we work to accommodate your schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Spokane
How much do braces cost in Spokane?
Braces costs vary based on treatment complexity and duration. At iSmile Orthodontics, we provide a detailed cost breakdown during your free consult. Treatment is typically an investment of several thousand dollars depending on case complexity, and we offer flexible monthly payment plans and work with most insurance providers to make care affordable.
How long do braces take?
Most family members wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Your specific timeline depends on the complexity of your case. During your consult, Dr. Lauren provides a personalized estimate based on your needs.
Do braces hurt?
You may feel mild soreness for a few days after placement and following adjustments. This sensitivity is normal and typically fades quickly. Over-the-counter relievers and soft foods help during these brief adjustment periods. Most family members find braces more comfortable than expected, since modern brackets and lighter wires apply gentler forces than older systems.
What foods should I avoid with braces?
Sticky foods like caramel and taffy can pull brackets off. Hard foods like ice and popcorn kernels can break wires. Chewy foods like bagels and licorice require extra caution. Our team provides a complete list of foods to avoid and tips for eating comfortably with braces.
Are braces or clear aligners better?
The best choice depends on your specific case. Braces excel at complex bite corrections and severe rotations. Clear aligners work well for mild to moderate alignment issues when you want a removable option. Dr. Lauren evaluates your teeth and bite during your consult and recommends the treatment that will give you the best results.
Does insurance cover braces?
Most dental insurance plans include orthodontic coverage for children, and many cover adult treatment too. We'll check your benefits and walk you through it before treatment begins, so you know exactly what your plan covers and can plan accordingly.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consult in Spokane Today
Ready to discover your best smile? Book a free consult at iSmile Orthodontics. Dr. Lauren and our smile team will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and create smile options tailored to you.
At your visit, expect a friendly welcome, digital scans, X-rays as needed, and an open conversation with Dr. Lauren about timing, options, and cost. There's no pressure and no commitment, just clear answers from someone who genuinely cares.
Same-week visits are often available, and we offer early and after-school slots to make scheduling easy for busy families. Prefer to start from home? We also offer virtual consults for packed schedules.
Call us at (509) 688-0688 or visit our online booking page to reserve your spot. Our Spokane office welcomes family members of all ages.
Contact iSmile Orthodontics today and discover the difference truly personal orthodontic care makes for your family.
Begin Your Journey to a Straighter Smile
Ready to achieve a straighter smile with braces in Spokane? Contact iSmile Orthodontics today to schedule your free consultation. Dr. Lauren Van Gemert and her team are dedicated to providing exceptional orthodontic care, ensuring your treatment is both effective and comfortable. Let us help you transform your smile and boost your confidence.