Braces in Tualatin, OR use gentle, continuous pressure to straighten teeth and correct bite issues. At Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we offer traditional metal braces, ceramic (clear) braces, and self-ligating options for kids, teens, and adults, treating crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite.
What Are Braces?
Braces straighten teeth through brackets and wires bonded to your teeth, applying steady pressure that guides each tooth into its proper position. Whether you’re dealing with mild spacing or more involved bite concerns, there’s a braces option that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Each braces system uses three main components: brackets attached to individual teeth, an archwire that guides tooth movement, and elastics or ligatures that hold everything together. Your orthodontist adjusts the wire tension at regular visits, gradually shifting teeth into their ideal positions. The result is a healthier bite and a smile you’ll feel proud to share.
Benefits of Braces Treatment
Why do so many families in Tualatin choose braces? The benefits go well beyond a straighter smile.
Predictable results for complex cases. Braces handle severe crowding, significant rotations, and complicated bite issues more reliably than removable aligners. They work around the clock, no compliance required.
Better oral health. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss. When teeth line up properly, you reduce your risk of cavities, gum disease, and uneven wear.
Correcting your bite also helps with chewing and speech. Many patients notice they can eat more comfortably and speak more clearly after treatment, and a smile you’re proud of changes how you carry yourself. Teens head to school feeling good. Adults walk into meetings with confidence.
Works for everyone. Kids as young as seven can benefit from early evaluation. Teens are the most common braces patients. And adults? Itโs never too late. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, about one in four orthodontic patients today is an adult.
Braces also support long-term facial aesthetics. Proper alignment can improve jaw positioning and facial balance, benefits that last a lifetime.
The Braces Treatment Process at Senestraro Family Orthodontics
Getting braces at our Tualatin-area practice is straightforward. Here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Free Consultation
Your first visit is a free consult with our team. We’ll complete a thorough exam, take digital scans using iTero technology, and capture any necessary X-rays. No goopy impressions, just quick, gentle imaging.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on your exam, we create a personalized treatment plan. You’ll know your timeline, what type of braces we recommend, and your investment. We walk through affordable payment options so finances don’t stand in the way of your smile.
Step 3: Bonding Appointment
This is when your braces go on. The bonding visit typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. We place each bracket carefully, thread the archwire, and make sure everything feels comfortable before you leave.
Step 4: Adjustment Visits
You’ll come in every four to eight weeks for adjustments. These visits are quick, usually under 30 minutes. We check your progress, swap out wires as needed, and answer any questions.
Step 5: Removal Day
When your teeth reach their final positions, we remove your braces and fit you with retainers. Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months, though your timeline depends on your specific case.
Step 6: Retention Phase
Retainers keep your results stable. We’ll give you clear instructions on wear time and check in during follow-up visits to make sure your smile stays put.
Are Braces Right for You?
Braces work for many orthodontic concerns. If you have crowding, gaps, rotated teeth, or bite misalignment, braces can help.
For kids: The AAO recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At this age, we can spot developing issues like crossbites or crowding early. Phase 1 treatment addresses issues while your child is still growing, sometimes making later care shorter or unnecessary.
For teens: This is the most common time for full braces treatment. Most permanent teeth have come in, and growth patterns make tooth movement efficient. Plus, teens often appreciate having friends going through treatment at the same time.
Adult patients are welcome too. You’re never too old for a great smile, and adult braces are more popular than ever. Whether you skipped treatment as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, Dr. Seth Senestraro, board-certified orthodontist, can help you map out a plan that fits your life.
Braces vs. Invisalign: Both work well, but braces often handle complex cases better. Severe rotations, significant bite issues, and cases requiring precise control typically respond best to braces. During your free consult, weโll discuss which option fits your smile goals.
Why Choose Senestraro Family Orthodontics for Braces in Tualatin
Families throughout Tualatin trust Senestraro Family Orthodontics for a reason. We combine clinical expertise with a genuinely welcoming atmosphere. Families from Sherwood and Wilsonville also visit our Tualatin office for the same reason.
Board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Seth Senestraro is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a credential many orthodontists never pursue. Heโs also a member of the American Association of Orthodontists, the American Dental Association, and OSSO.
Family-owned practice. Weโre not a corporate chain. Dr. Seth treats every patient like family, and that philosophy shapes everything we do.
Modern, digital tools. Our iTero digital scanners mean no messy impressions. Digital imaging helps us plan your treatment with precision and show you projected smile previews before you start.
Affordable payment options. We work with most PPO insurance plans and offer flexible financing. Use our online payment calculator to explore monthly options that fit your budget.
Seamless care. Beyond braces and Invisalign, we coordinate care for airway concerns and jaw surgery when needed. Your smile is part of your overall health, and we treat it that way.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Tualatin
How much do braces cost in Tualatin, OR?
Braces pricing varies based on treatment complexity and the type of braces you choose. During your free consultation at Senestraro Family Orthodontics, we provide a detailed estimate up front and walk you through affordable payment options with no surprises. Most families find a monthly payment plan that fits their budget, and we’ll review insurance benefits and financing choices together so you can make an informed decision before anything begins.
How long do braces take?
Most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Your timeline depends on what we’re correcting. Mild spacing may take closer to a year, while more involved bite issues may need longer. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your consultation and update you at each visit so you always know how your smile is progressing.
Do braces hurt?
You may feel mild soreness for the first few days after getting braces and after adjustment visits. This is normal and manageable with over-the-counter relief and soft foods. Most patients adjust quickly and forget they’re wearing braces.
What’s the best age to get braces?
The AAO recommends kids have their first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Full braces treatment typically starts between ages 11 and 14, when most permanent teeth have erupted. That said, adults of any age can benefit from braces, and we treat plenty of patients in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Braces vs. Invisalign, which is better for me?
It depends on your specific case. Braces work well for complex issues like severe crowding, significant rotations, and bite alignment that needs precise tooth-by-tooth control. Invisalign offers a nearly invisible option for mild to moderate cases and works great for adults and teens who want a more discreet look. At your free consult, our team reviews your scans, listens to your goals, and recommends the best fit, sometimes a combination of both may even be on the table.
Does insurance cover braces?
Many PPO dental plans include an orthodontic benefit that covers a portion of braces treatment. We accept most major insurance plans and help you maximize your benefits. Our team handles the paperwork, verifies your coverage, and explains exactly what’s covered so you can focus on your smile instead of forms and phone calls.
Schedule Your Free Braces Consultation in Tualatin
Ready to unleash your smile? Your free consultation at Senestraro Family Orthodontics includes a complete exam, digital scans, and a personalized treatment plan, all at no cost to you.
We offer in-person visits at our Tualatin location, and same-week appointments are often available. Our team also serves families from Portland, Sherwood, and Wilsonville.
Request your free consult today. Call our Tualatin office or book online at senestraro.com to get started. We canโt wait to meet you and your family.