If you had braces as a kid, you probably remember a few things pretty clearly…
That bulky metal. Those colorful rubber bands. And of course… that goopy putty you had to bite into for impressions.
If that’s your reference point, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised (and maybe a little jealous) by what orthodontics looks like in 2026.
Today, we use a quick, comfortable digital scan that takes just a couple of minutes. No mess, no gagging, no stress. And that’s just the beginning.
Orthodontic care has come a long way, and you now have more orthodontic treatment options in Issaquah and Sammamish than ever before.
TL;DR: Orthodontic Treatment Options in 2026
- No more messy impressions, just quick digital scans.
- Invisalign® is available for kids, teens, and adults at GNW Orthodontics!
- There are multiple types of braces, not just metal.
- Treatment can improve jaw structure and facial balance.
- Virtual check-ins can reduce office visits with Invisalign.
- With Same Day Braces, you can get started right away.
- Flexible financing and insurance make treatment accessible for families.
- At your complimentary consultation, we’ll walk you through all of your treatment and financing options to create a custom plan that meets your needs!
It’s Not Just About Straight Teeth Anymore
Orthodontics today isn’t just about making your teeth look straight; it’s about how everything works together: Your bite, jaw alignment, facial balance, and long-term oral health.
At Greater Northwest Orthodontics in Issaquah and Sammamish, Dr. Tripti Pawar, your board-certified orthodontist, takes a comprehensive approach to treatment. That means looking beyond the surface and creating a plan that truly fits you.
Invisalign® in Issaquah and Sammamish: Why is it so popular?
If you had braces as a kid, there’s a good chance Invisalign wasn’t even part of the conversation back then.
So when your teen asks about it, or you start looking into treatment for yourself, it’s completely normal to wonder:
“Wait… how does that even work?”
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners that gradually move your teeth into place. Instead of brackets and wires, you’ll wear these smooth, nearly invisible trays that are designed specifically for your smile.
And it’s not just for adults or cosmetic purposes. We offer Invisalign® First for kids, Invisalign for teens, and Invisalign for adults, as well as the Invisalign palatal expander to guide growing smiles.
It’s one of the most popular orthodontic treatment options today, because clear aligners are:
- Clear and discreet
- Removable for meals, brushing, and special occasions
- Comfortable, with no brackets or wires
- Easy to manage, with fewer in-office visits
Plus, Dr. Pawar offers virtual care with Invisalign, which means she monitors your treatment progress remotely instead of requiring frequent office visits for check-ups. This allows us to reduce the frequency and length of your appointments.
If you’re looking for something more flexible and low-profile, Invisalign is definitely worth exploring.
What types of braces are there today?
If you’ve been wondering what kinds of braces are there, the answer is: a lot more than you might expect.
Today’s braces types are designed to match different styles, comfort preferences, and treatment needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common options:
Metal Braces (Yes, they’re still around, but better!)
Modern metal braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than the ones you might remember.
They’re still one of the most effective options, especially for more complex cases.
Ceramic Braces (A More Subtle Option)
Clear braces, also called ceramic braces, use tooth-colored brackets that blend in more naturally.
They’re a great option if you want something less noticeable, without sacrificing effectiveness.
WildSmiles® Designer Braces (Fun + Functional)
Especially popular with kids and teens, these brackets come in fun shapes like stars, hearts, and more.
It’s a small detail, but it can make a big difference in how patients feel about their treatment.
Iconix® Champagne-Gold Braces (A Stylish Upgrade)
Looking for something a little more elevated? Iconix braces offer a soft gold finish that’s subtle, modern, and surprisingly flattering.
They’ve become a favorite among teens and adults who want a more refined look.
Same Day Braces: Because Life is Busy
Here’s another thing that’s changed: You don’t always have to wait weeks to start treatment.
At GNW Orthodontics, we offer Same Day Braces, which means you can:
- Come in for your complimentary consultation and smile exam.
- Receive your personalized treatment plan from your board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Pawar.
- Get braces placed the same day, or take your Invisalign scans to start the process of creating your custom aligners.
Orthodontics Goes Beyond Braces
Sometimes, it’s not just about the teeth; it’s about what’s happening underneath. That’s where more advanced treatment options come in, like:
Palatal Expanders & Growth Appliances
For younger patients, these appliances help guide jaw development early, creating space and preventing bigger issues later.
MARPE (Palatal Expansion for Adults)
The specialized MARPE device allows for palatal expansion in adults too, expanding the palate to improve bite issues, crowding, and airway/sleep issues related to a narrow jaw.
This is where orthodontics meets facial development. By guiding how the jaws grow, we can create more balanced, natural-looking results, not just straight teeth.
For more complex cases, orthodontics can be combined with surgery to correct significant bite or jaw concerns.
Technology That Makes Everything Easier
Remember that putty we talked about earlier? That’s just one example of how far things have come.
Today, your experience is shaped by:
- Digital scans (fast, clean, comfortable)
- Digital X-rays for precise planning
- Virtual care for fewer in-office visits
Everything is designed to make treatment smoother from start to finish.
How much does orthodontics cost nowadays?
This is one of the biggest questions people have, and it’s a valid one. The good news is that orthodontic care is more accessible than many people expect.
At GNW Orthodontics, we’re proud to be an orthodontist who accepts insurance (including HMO and PPO options like United Concordia) and we offer flexible financing options with 0% interest.
We’ll walk you through everything so you can make a decision that feels right for you.
So… what’s the right orthodontic treatment option for you?
With so many orthodontic treatment options, it can feel like a lot, but that’s actually a good thing.
It means your treatment can be personalized, flexible, and designed around your goals.
Whether you’re exploring Invisalign, comparing orthodontic brackets types, or just starting to research what types of braces are there, the best next step is a consultation.
Let’s Find the Right Fit for Your Smile
At GNW Orthodontics in Issaquah and Sammamish, Dr. Tripti Pawar takes the time to understand what matters most to you.
No pressure. No one-size-fits-all plans. Just clear guidance and options that make sense for your life.
If you’re curious about what orthodontics could look like for you (or your child), schedule your complimentary consultation today. You might be surprised by how easy it feels!
