Orthodontics in Federal Way, WA
Orthodontics in Federal Way at Comfort Dental Braces
Comfort Dental Braces provides orthodontics in Federal Way for children, teens, and adults across the surrounding South King County area. Dr. Steve Clawson offers clear aligners, metal braces, and clear braces, all customized to your smile and goals. Every new patient starts with a free consult, available in-office or as a virtual consult from home.
You don't need a referral to get started. Maybe you're exploring options for your 8-year-old, or maybe you're finally straightening your own teeth after years of putting it off. Either way, you'll find care that fits your life here. We serve families across Federal Way, Lakewood, Auburn, Kent, and nearby communities, all under one roof with one trusted team.
Orthodontic Treatment Options We Offer
Every smile is different, which is why Dr. Clawson personalizes each treatment plan during your free consult. Here are the options available at Comfort Dental Braces:
- Clear Aligners. A subtle path to straight smiles. These removable trays are nearly invisible and work well for mild-to-moderate spacing, alignment, and bite concerns. You can take them out to eat, brush, and floss like normal.
- Metal Braces. Reliable, effective, always on track. Today's metal braces are smaller, smoother, and more efficient than the versions you might remember. They're a great fit for detailed tooth movements and offer strong value.
- Clear Braces. Tooth-colored ceramic brackets deliver the same predictable results as metal braces with a lower-profile look, popular with teens and adults who want something less noticeable.
- Digital Scans. No more goopy molds. Our digital scanners capture a fast, accurate 3D image of your teeth in minutes, making the whole experience more comfortable and precise.
Not sure which option is right for you? That's what your free consult is for. Dr. Steve will walk you through the pros and cons of each based on your bite, timeline, and lifestyle.
Compare Braces vs. Clear Aligners
Choosing between braces and aligners often comes down to your specific case and personal preferences. Here's a quick side-by-side to help you weigh the options:
| Feature | Metal Braces | Clear Braces | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Most visible | Low profile | Nearly invisible |
| Best For | Detailed bite and alignment cases | Aesthetic option with bracket reliability | Mild-to-moderate cases |
| Removable | No, fixed in place | No, fixed in place | Yes, removed for meals |
| Compliance Needed | Low, always working | Low, always working | High, 20-22 hours per day |
| Treatment Time | Typically 12-24 months | Typically 12-24 months | Typically 6-18 months |
Metal braces tend to be the fastest choice for detailed movements. Clear aligners give you flexibility and discretion but require you to wear them consistently. Clear braces land in the middle: fixed reliability with a softer look.
Candidacy is always determined at your free consult, where Dr. Clawson reviews your digital scans and talks through what will actually work for your smile.
Orthodontics for Kids, Teens, and Adults
Care that grows with you. Comfort Dental Braces treats patients at every stage of life, and Dr. Clawson tailors each plan to the patient's age, growth, and goals.
Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can spot developing bite issues, guide jaw growth, and plan ahead so future treatment is shorter and simpler. Not every child needs braces right away, but an early look helps us catch things while they're easiest to address.
Teens
The teen years are the classic window for braces or aligners because permanent teeth are in and jaws are still growing. Some teens love picking colorful braces to show off at school, while others prefer clear aligners for a more low-key look. We'll help find an option that fits their personality, activities, and schedule.
Adults
There's no age limit on a great smile. Adult orthodontics is one of the fastest-growing parts of our practice, and clear aligners and clear braces make treatment easy to fit into professional life. Maybe you're correcting shifting from years past, or maybe you're finally starting the treatment you skipped as a teen. Either way, you'll get the same personalized care as everyone else.
What to Expect: Your Treatment Experience
Here's how the process works from your first visit to your final smile reveal:
- Free consult. Dr. Steve Clawson performs an exam and captures digital scans of your teeth. You'll get answers to your questions and a clear picture of your options.
- Personalized treatment plan. We build a plan around your goals, timeline, and lifestyle, and walk you through what to expect before you commit to anything.
- Appliance placement. For braces, we bond the brackets and place the wires. For clear aligners, we deliver your first set of trays and show you how to wear them.
- Adjustment visits. You'll come in every 4-8 weeks so Dr. Clawson can check progress, make adjustments, and keep things moving on schedule.
- Retainers. Once your teeth are in their new positions, retainers keep them there. We'll fit you for retainers and walk you through how to care for them long-term.
At every step, you come first. Dr. Clawson and our team keep you informed, comfortable, and involved in the decisions that shape your care.
Why Choose Comfort Dental Braces
You deserve a practice that treats you like a person, not a number. Here's what sets Comfort Dental Braces apart for Federal Way families:
- Free consults, in-office or virtual. Get started from your couch or come see us in person, whichever works best.
- Board-certified orthodontist. Dr. Steve Clawson is a board-certified orthodontist who personally reviews every case.
- Modern digital technology. Digital scanners, digital X-rays, and digital photography mean no messy molds and better accuracy.
- Care for the whole family. From your child's first evaluation to your own adult treatment, one team handles it all.
- One provider, every visit. As a single-provider practice, you'll see Dr. Steve Clawson at every appointment, not a rotating cast of providers.
Come meet Dr. Steve and see for yourself why Federal Way families keep coming back, and keep sending their friends and neighbors our way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see an orthodontist without a referral?
Yes. You do not need a referral from a general dentist to schedule with Comfort Dental Braces. You can book a free consult directly with Dr. Clawson online or by phone, and we'll take it from there.
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
Many PPO dental insurance plans include orthodontic benefits, though coverage varies by plan. We'll verify your specific coverage at your free consult so you know where you stand.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Most treatments take between 12 and 24 months, though shorter cases (like minor alignment with clear aligners) can wrap up in as little as 6 months. Your exact timeline depends on your starting point, the treatment type, and how well you follow your care instructions.
At what age should my child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this age, we can identify bite and growth issues early, which makes future treatment shorter and simpler. Even if no treatment is needed right away, this visit gives you a plan and peace of mind.
Schedule Your Free Orthodontic Consultation
Ready, set, smile! Booking your free consult with Comfort Dental Braces is the easiest step in your treatment. You'll get a digital scan, an exam with Dr. Steve Clawson, and a personalized treatment plan built around your goals, all at no cost to you.
Prefer to start from home? Our virtual consult lets you send a few photos and get expert feedback from Dr. Clawson without leaving the couch. We proudly serve Federal Way, Lakewood, and nearby South King County communities.
Get ready to love your smile! Book your free consult today.