Orthodontic Treatment for Every Age, Every Smile

At Bastian Orthodontics, orthodontic treatment is never one-size-fits-all. From a child’s first evaluation around age seven to a discreet set of clear aligners taken on later in life, every smile follows its own timeline, and every treatment plan we build follows that timeline, too. Led by board-certified orthodontist Dr. Neal Bastian, our Mill Creek team has spent nearly three decades helping families throughout Mill Creek, Bothell, Everett, and the surrounding Snohomish County communities achieve healthier, more confident smiles. Below, you’ll find a clear look at what orthodontic treatment actually involves, who it’s for, the issues it can address, and which of our treatment options may be the right fit for you or your child.

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. While a straighter smile is often the most visible result, orthodontic treatment is really about function first: a bite that lets you chew comfortably, teeth that are easier to clean and less prone to decay or gum disease, and, for some patients, a jaw and airway that develop the way they’re meant to. At Bastian Orthodontics, we look at the whole picture, not just the teeth in front of us, before recommending any course of treatment.

Common Orthodontic Issues We Treat

Every treatment plan starts with understanding what’s actually happening in your mouth. These are some of the most common issues we evaluate for patients of every age:

Crowding: Teeth don’t have enough room to come in straight, often leading to overlap or twisting.
Spacing: Gaps between teeth, which can affect both appearance and gum health.
Overbite: Upper front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth.
Underbite: Lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth.
Crossbite: One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth on either side of the mouth.
Open Bite: The front teeth don’t touch when the back teeth are closed together.
Impacted or Blocked Teeth: Teeth that are unable to erupt normally and need guidance to come in properly.
Jaw & Airway-Related Concerns: Narrow arches, mouth breathing, or bite patterns that may affect breathing and sleep- the focus of our Airway Orthodontics

When Should You (or Your Child) See an Orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At that age, a mix of baby and adult teeth makes it possible to spot developing issues early, even if treatment doesn’t start right away. Teens are frequently ready for comprehensive treatment once most of their permanent teeth have come in, and orthodontic treatment is just as effective, and increasingly common, for adults. There’s no upper age limit on a healthier bite; the right time to start is simply when you’re ready to ask the question.

Orthodontic Treatment Options at Bastian Orthodontics

Every patient’s plan is built from the same toolkit of proven, technology-driven treatment options. Here’s what we offer, and where to learn more about each:

Traditional & Custom Braces

For patients who want the reliability of braces with modern comfort and precision, we offer Damon® Braces, a self-ligating system designed to move teeth efficiently with less friction, and LightForce® Custom Clear Braces, 3D-printed and fully customized to each patient’s teeth for a more discreet, more efficient fit.

Invisalign® Clear Aligners

As a Top 1% Blue Diamond+ Invisalign provider, the first in the Mill Creek area, we offer Invisalign for patients of every age, including Invisalign First for growing smiles, Invisalign Teen, and Invisalign for Adults. Clear, removable aligners gradually shift teeth with no metal brackets or wires.

Smile Touch-Up, Makeover & Transformation

Not every smile needs the same amount of treatment. Our tiered Bastian Smile Scale- Smile Touch-Up, Smile Makeover, and Smile Transformation- matches the number of aligners and length of treatment to how much correction you actually need, from minor tweaks in a couple of months to a full transformation over one to two years.

Airway-Focused Orthodontics

For patients showing signs like chronic mouth breathing, snoring, or a narrow upper arch, we evaluate how jaw growth, bite development, and oral posture relate to breathing and sleep, collaborating with pediatricians, ENTs, and myofunctional therapists when needed.

Dentofacial Orthopedics (Early / Interceptive Treatment)

This specialized early treatment guides jaw and facial growth in children, often using expanders or other appliances to create the right conditions for permanent teeth and a well-aligned bite, frequently reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.

Surgical & Restorative Orthodontics (Smile Restoration)

For more complex adult cases involving skeletal jaw discrepancies or teeth that need repair alongside alignment, we coordinate surgical orthodontics (orthognathic surgery) and restorative solutions like implants, bridges, or crowns as part of a complete treatment plan.

Orthodontic Treatment by Age

Because a 7-year-old, a 15-year-old, and a working professional in their 40s all have very different needs, we’ve built dedicated pages for each stage of life:

Understanding Two-Phase (Interceptive) Treatment

Some children benefit from what’s known as two-phase treatment: an early Phase One that guides jaw growth and creates room for permanent teeth (often through Dentofacial Orthopedics), followed by a Phase Two, typically braces or Invisalign, once all permanent teeth have arrived. Not every child needs two phases of care, and we’ll always tell you plainly whether early treatment is genuinely necessary or whether it’s best to simply monitor growth and revisit the conversation later.

Your Orthodontic Treatment Journey: What to Expect

Complimentary Consultation & Digital Scan: We start with a conversation, a visual exam, and digital imaging (in person or through our Virtual Smile Assessment) to understand your goals.
A Custom Treatment Plan: Bastian reviews your scans and recommends the treatment option, or combination of options, that fits your bite, timeline, and lifestyle.
Active Treatment: Regular visits to adjust braces or check in on aligner progress, with clear guidance if you ever need Emergency Care along the way.
Retention: Once treatment is complete, a custom retainer protects your results for the long term.

Investing in Your Smile: Insurance & Financing

Orthodontic treatment is a meaningful investment, and we want cost to be one less thing to worry about. Our team will walk you through your insurance benefits and the flexible financing options available so you can move forward with confidence.

Schedule Your Complimentary Orthodontic Consultation

Whichever stage of the journey you’re at, a first evaluation for your seven-year-old, Invisalign for your teen, or exploring treatment for yourself for the first time, the Bastian Orthodontics team is here to help you find the right path. Schedule your complimentary consultation today, or start with a Virtual Smile Assessment from home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontic Treatment

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

The best way to know is a complimentary consultation. Common signs include crowded or gapped teeth, a bite that feels off, or difficulty cleaning certain teeth, but many issues aren’t visible to the untrained eye, which is why we recommend an evaluation rather than guessing.

What age should my child have their first orthodontic evaluation?

The AAO recommends age 7. Most children won’t need treatment right away, but an early evaluation lets us catch developing issues while there’s still time to guide growth.

Is it too late to get braces or Invisalign as an adult?

Not at all. A growing number of our patients are adults, and options like Invisalign for Adults and LightForce Custom Clear Braces were designed with discretion and busy schedules in mind.

Does orthodontic treatment for teens hurt?

It depends on the treatment and the complexity of your case, anywhere from a few months for minor adjustments (like our Smile Touch-Up option) to one to two years for comprehensive treatment. We’ll give you a personalized estimate at your consultation.

What's the difference between braces and Invisalign?

Braces use fixed brackets and wires, while Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners. Both are highly effective; the right choice depends on your bite, lifestyle, and personal preference, something we’ll discuss together.