Your TrustedMercer IslandOrthodontist

Braces on Mercer Island typically range from $3,000 to $7,000 depending on your specific treatment needs. At Islander Orthodontics, every first visit includes a free exam with a complete cost breakdown — no guessing, no surprises. We accept all orthodontic insurance, offer in-house financing, and have a pay-in-full discount. Learn more about payment options.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That might sound early, but it's not about starting treatment right away — it's about catching potential issues like crossbites, crowding, or jaw growth problems while they're easier (and often less expensive) to address. Dr. Borda offers free exams for kids, and most leave with nothing more than a plan to monitor things over time.

Common signs include crowded or overlapping teeth, an overbite or underbite, a crossbite, noticeable gaps, or difficulty chewing. Some kids also breathe through their mouth or have teeth that don't come together properly when they bite down. If you're noticing any of these, a free exam is the easiest way to find out what's going on — and whether treatment now or later makes more sense for your family.

Both straighten teeth effectively, but they work differently and fit different lifestyles. Metal and ceramic braces are fixed to your teeth and work around the clock — they're great for complex cases and younger kids who might lose removable trays. Clear aligners are removable, nearly invisible, and popular with teens and adults who want a more discreet option. Dr. Borda has published peer-reviewed research comparing the two in teenagers, so she can walk you through which approach fits your situation best.

Most orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 24 months, though some simpler cases wrap up faster and more complex cases may take a bit longer. The timeline depends on what we're correcting — mild crowding moves quicker than a significant bite issue. During your free exam, Dr. Borda will give you a specific estimate based on your case so you know what to expect before starting.

Board certification through the American Board of Orthodontics is a voluntary credential that goes beyond the standard 2–3 years of orthodontic residency training. Dr. Borda is an ABO Diplomate, which means she's passed rigorous written and clinical examinations and committed to ongoing peer review of her work. Not all orthodontists pursue this — it's the highest voluntary achievement in the specialty and reflects a commitment to clinical excellence that families on Mercer Island and the Eastside can trust.

Yes — Islander Orthodontics accepts all orthodontic insurance plans. We also accept all major credit cards, offer flexible in-house financing, and have a pay-in-full discount for families who prefer to take care of everything upfront. Your free first exam includes a full cost breakdown so you'll know exactly what your insurance covers and what your out-of-pocket cost will be. View all payment options.

We do. Our office opens at 7:00 AM Tuesday through Friday and 8:00 AM on Mondays — early enough to fit an appointment in before school drop-off or your morning commute. We're located in the Mercerdale Professional Center right on the Island, with easy access from Bellevue and Seattle via I-90. As one parent told us, the flexible scheduling "helps with my busy work schedule and my son's school schedule."