Braces in Kent and Sammamish, WA
Custom digital braces planned from a 3D intraoral scan of the patient’s own teeth. Dr. Freelove, a board-certified orthodontist, designs every bracket prescription personally and treats every patient at both the Kent and Sammamish offices.
Reviewed and approved by Dr. Cameron Freelove, DDS, MS · Last updated
Who Treats Braces Patients at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design
Every braces patient at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design is treated personally by Dr. Freelove, a board-certified orthodontist and the practice’s sole doctor-owner. The doctor who plans the case from digital records and clinically indicated imaging is the same doctor at every adjustment visit, not a rotating team of associates, at both the Kent and Sammamish offices.
Cameron Freelove, DDS, MS
Orthodontist
Board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, a voluntary credential that requires passing the ABO written and clinical exams. Dr. Freelove earned his DDS with honors from the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, plus his Orthodontic Certificate and MS in Craniofacial Biology from USC, and has treated over 2,000 patients since 2022.
Types of Braces Offered at Freelove in Kent and Sammamish
Every fixed-braces option at Freelove runs on the KLOwen custom digital platform: brackets designed from the patient’s own intraoral scan instead of a stock prescription. Metal braces come in twin and self-ligating designs with colored elastic ties available, clear ceramic braces use traditional ligation with clear ties, and InSmile lingual braces hide completely behind the teeth.
Metal Braces
- KLOwen custom digital metal braces, traditional and self-ligation with elastic color ties at every adjustment if needed
- Colored elastic bands at every adjustment, from school colors and holiday themes to two-tone bands that combine two colors in a single tie
- Strongest 3D control for complex bite correction and rotation
- Phase 1 from $3,050
Clear Ceramic Braces
- KLOwen custom digital clear braces, traditional ligation with clear or tooth-shade ties
- Tooth-colored, low-profile, blends with enamel
- Preferred by adults in client-facing roles
Lingual Braces
- InSmile system, brackets behind teeth
- Completely invisible from the front
- Ideal for adults in client-facing roles
Not sure which option fits? Dr. Freelove recommends a bracket system based on the bite problem the scans reveal, not on cosmetics alone. Schedule a free consultation to see which braces route is most predictable for your case.
Other braces services at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design: braces removal for the day brackets come off, with retainers fabricated in-house and typically ready in 1 to 2 days, plus lingual braces for patients seeking behind-the-teeth treatment.
Braces vs Clear Aligners: How the Decision Gets Made
Both braces and clear aligners straighten teeth effectively, and both are offered at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design. The deciding factor is not which option looks nicer, it is which system gives the most predictable control for the specific bite problem the scans reveal, and which option fits the patient’s daily life.
How Dr. Freelove Presents the Choice
In most cases, patients are free to choose the appliance they prefer. Dr. Freelove recommends braces for patients who may struggle with the full-time wear aligners demand, and aligners for patients who want a less visible option or fewer dietary restrictions. He may guide patients toward braces when a case involves extractions or a deep overbite, where fixed appliances give more predictable control.
By the Numbers: Case Mix at Freelove
75% braces, 25% aligners.
How Braces Work in Kent and Sammamish
Braces straighten teeth by applying controlled force through brackets bonded to each tooth and an archwire that connects them. At each adjustment visit, the wire is changed or activated to continue moving teeth toward their final position. The brackets are the handles. The wire does the work.
-
Free Consultation
Digital impressions (Shining Aoralscan 3). Dr. Freelove reviews your case, explains options, and gives you a fee estimate.
-
Braces Placement
Brackets bonded to teeth, first wire placed. About 60-90 minutes. You leave with your treatment in progress.
-
Adjustment Visits
Appointments every 8-12 weeks. Wire changes, progress checks. Your doctor is there at every appointment.
-
Removal + Retainers
Braces off, teeth polished, and a retainer scan taken. Custom retainers are fabricated in-house on 3D-printed models and are typically ready in 1 to 2 days.
How Long Does Braces Treatment Actually Take?
This varies widely based on each patient’s needs. Simple cases may finish in 12 months or less, while more complex cases can take up to 24 months or longer. Because every treatment is digitally planned from the start using digital records, clinically indicated imaging, and custom braces or aligners, Dr. Freelove aims to treat as efficiently as possible. The practice’s digital workflow is designed to reduce treatment time compared to traditional methods by minimizing bracket repositioning, optimizing wire sequencing, and planning the final result from day one.
Materials and Brands Dr. Freelove Uses
The brackets and wires your orthodontist chooses determine how your treatment progresses. Dr. Freelove selected Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design’s bracket systems deliberately, not based on what the rep offered cheapest.
Why Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design Chose KLOwen custom digital metal braces
Dr. Freelove uses KLOwen because it lets him customize the bracket prescription and digitally plan tooth positions before treatment begins. It offers metal twin, metal self-ligating, and clear bracket options to suit different clinical needs and patient preferences. This fits his approach of planning around each patient’s facial esthetics, bite, and dental anatomy rather than using the same prescription for everyone.
KLOwen custom digital metal braces
KLOwen (twin, self-ligating, and clear options). traditional and self-ligation with elastic color ties at every adjustment if needed. Used for every metal braces patient at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design.
KLOwen custom digital clear braces
KLOwen Clear. traditional ligation with clear or tooth-shade ties. Tooth-colored for discreet adult and teen treatment.
iCat 3D CBCT scanner
iCat. Full airway, sinus, and dual-jaw imaging.
In-House 3D Printing
Custom indirect-bonding trays, custom bands (eliminating the separate spacer appointment), fidget toys for anxious kids, and in-house Essix retainers typically ready in 1 to 2 days.
Braces for Kids, Teens & Adults
Roughly one out of every three braces patients at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design is an adult. Braces correct bites, crowding, spacing, and jaw alignment at any age, the approach changes based on growth stage, not calendar age.
Kids
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7, though some children may need to be seen earlier. Phase 1 treatment is only indicated when it prevents a worse problem later such as airway concerns related to jaw anatomy, crossbites with jaw shifting, severe crowding blocking adult teeth, or skeletal growth issues needing early correction.
Teens
Colored elastic bands in school colors, holiday themes, or custom combinations (metal braces). Food rules are straightforward: no ice, no hard candy, no popcorn kernels, cut raw carrots into small pieces, skip corn on the cob.
Adults
Clear ceramic brackets blend with your teeth. Dr. Freelove treats working professionals, retirees, and adults who missed orthodontic treatment as kids. Adult bone responds differently than growing bone, results are the same, just slightly longer in some cases.
Why Choose Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design for Braces in Kent and Sammamish?
Three things set braces treatment at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design apart: every case is planned using digital records and clinically indicated imaging with custom digital brackets designed for the patient’s own anatomy, every new patient receives airway screening as part of the initial evaluation, and advanced options such as in-office MARPE expansion and InSmile lingual braces stay under one roof instead of being referred out.
Orthodontist
Dr. Freelove has been a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics since 2021. Board certification is voluntary: it requires passing the ABO written and clinical exams and is renewed every 10 years.
English & Spanish Practice
Dr. Freelove speaks English & has Spanish speaking team members. No interpreter app needed for most Kent and Sammamish families.
Private, Not a DSO
Doctor-owned, not a corporate chain, not a franchise, not a rotating-associate model. Treating fewer patients with longer unhurried appointments is a deliberate choice at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design.
Two Offices, Mon–Fri
The Kent office sees patients Wed–Fri and the Sammamish office Mon–Tue, so appointment days are Mon–Fri. In Sammamish, the practice is co-located with Lake Sammamish Kid’s Dentistry, led by pediatric dentist Dr. Annikka Freelove, letting families coordinate orthodontic and pediatric dental visits in one place.
Braces vs Ceramic vs Aligners: How They Compare
Each system has trade-offs. Dr. Freelove recommends based on diagnosis, not preference.
| Factor | Metal Braces | Clear Ceramic | Clear Aligners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $5,000 | $5,000 |
$5,000
Angel
$5,000 Invisalign |
| Visibility | Visible | Tooth-colored, low profile | Nearly invisible |
| Bracket/System | KLOwen custom digital metal braces | KLOwen custom digital clear braces | Invisalign, Angel Aligners |
| Colored Bands | Yes | No | No |
| Compliance Required | None, 24/7 | None, 24/7 | 20-22 hrs/day |
Braces Cost in Kent and Sammamish
Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design publishes starting prices so you know what treatment costs before you walk in the door. Final cost depends on case complexity, treatment length, and bracket system, but these starting points are real numbers, not marketing teasers.
| Treatment | Comprehensive | Phase 1 (Kids) |
|---|---|---|
| Metal Braces | From $5,000 to $7,000 | From $3,050 |
| Clear Ceramic | From $5,000 to $7,000 | From $3,050 |
| Invisalign (clear aligners) | From $5,000 to $7,000 | From $4,500 (Invisalign First) |
| Angel Aligners | From $5,000 to $7,000 | From $4,500 |
What Patients Get for the Fee
A board-certified orthodontist who personally treats every patient, not a rotating team of associates. Custom digital braces or aligners designed for your specific anatomy, using digital records and clinically indicated imaging rather than a stock bracket prescription. In-house fabrication of selected retainers and aligners, using 3D-printed models, reducing wait times and lab fees. Airway screening at every consult. MARPE, lingual braces, and surgical coordination under one roof. And a private, doctor-owned practice where you’re known by name, not a number.
Financing Options
In-House Financing
0% financing options available. No credit check. $300 down.
Pay-in-Full Discount
HSA/FSA accepted. PPO claims filed for you.
Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design also accepts CareCredit with $0 down for qualified applicants.
Community discounts: Military 5% off · Teacher 5% off · Family 5% off. One discount per patient.
Insurance for Braces in Kent and Sammamish
Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design accepts all major PPO orthodontic plans and files claims on the patient’s behalf. Typical orthodontic coverage reduces out-of-pocket cost by $1,000-$2,000 depending on the plan’s orthodontic lifetime maximum. The Freelove team verifies benefits before treatment starts so families know exactly what they owe, no surprises mid-treatment.
PPO plans accepted: Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Guardian, MetLife, United Healthcare, Humana, Ameritas, Principal, Sun Life, and all other PPO dental insurance plans. HSA and FSA pre-tax dollars are also accepted. HMO plans other than DeltaCare are not accepted, and for Medicaid-eligible patients a pre-authorization is sent to determine whether orthodontic benefits will apply.
What to Expect: Braces Timeline in Kent and Sammamish
Braces treatment at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design runs on a predictable schedule. Here is what the typical path looks like.
-
Day 1
Free consultation – digital impressions, treatment plan, cost estimate. About 60 minutes.
-
Placement day
Brackets bonded, first wire placed. 60-90 minutes. Teeth feel sore for 3-5 days after.
-
Every 8-12 weeks
Adjustment visits, wire changes, progress checks, photos. 30-45 minutes each.
-
Month 12-18
Standard comprehensive cases finish. Removal appointment, polishing, custom retainer fabrication.
-
Retention phase
Wear retainers nightly for life to prevent relapse.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Braces?
Braces can correct orthodontic problems at virtually any age, but some conditions respond especially well to fixed appliances over removable aligners.
Braces are typically the first recommendation for:
- Severe crowding requiring significant tooth rotation (beyond 20 degrees)
- Extraction cases requiring controlled space closure
- Vertical tooth movement (intrusion or extrusion of individual teeth)
- Patients who may not comply with 20-22 hours daily aligner wear
- Patients whose dental anatomy makes aligner attachments impractical
Dr. Freelove reviews your exam findings during the free consultation. If clear aligners would produce an equally predictable result, that option is offered alongside braces. Honesty about the right tool matters more than selling a preferred product.
What Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design Braces Patients Are Saying
The reviews below are excerpted from Google and aggregate-review sources referencing braces and orthodontic treatment at Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design. Full reviews and the current star rating live on the patient reviews page.
feza zaman
I just got my braces off, and I had such a great experience! My dentist and the team were so kind and made me feel comfortable throughout the appointment. They explained everything clearly and answered all my questions. Highly recommend!
View Kent reviews on Google
Dolly Kaur
Dr. Freelove did my daughter's braces, which im so grateful for because her confidence has boosted and her smile is radiant. Whenever I see her she's always smiling even in pictures now. Thank you so much, even for the whitening gel!
View Kent reviews on Google
Sahib Kaur
My teeth never looked better.. Went from Chud to Huzz, Nonchalant to Chalant🤓😎.. Quite literally can’t stop smiling now.. Best purchase of my life!
View Kent reviews on GoogleNo reviews match these filters. Try another topic or office.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces in Kent and Sammamish
How much do braces cost in Kent and Sammamish?
At Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design, metal braces start at $5,000 for comprehensive treatment and $3,050 for Phase 1 (children). Clear ceramic braces start at $5,000 comprehensive.
Financing starts at $199/month through In-House Financing (0% financing options available, no credit check). A 5% pay-in-full discount is available. A cost calculator gives a personalized estimate in under 60 seconds.
How long do braces take to straighten teeth?
Standard comprehensive cases take 12-18 months. Complex cases with significant bite correction may take 18-24 months. Phase 1 treatment for children runs 6-12 months. Dr. Freelove gives you a specific timeline at your free consultation.
Do braces hurt?
The first three to five days after braces are placed may be uncomfortable. Teeth may feel sore and pressure-sensitive. Lips and cheeks take a few days to adjust to the brackets. After that initial period, most patients report minimal discomfort.
Adjustments cause mild soreness for a day or two. For pain management, Dr. Freelove recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
What types of braces does Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design offer?
Metal braces with KLOwen custom digital metal braces (KLOwen (twin, self-ligating, and clear options)) starting at $5,000, and Clear ceramic braces with KLOwen custom digital clear braces (KLOwen Clear) starting at $5,000. Lingual braces (InSmile) are also available for patients wanting braces completely hidden behind the teeth.
Does insurance cover braces in Kent and Sammamish?
Most PPO dental plans cover a portion of braces, typically reducing out-of-pocket cost by $1,000-$2,000. Freelove Orthodontics & Smile Design accepts all major PPO orthodontic plans and files claims on the patient’s behalf.
HSA and FSA pre-tax dollars are accepted. The Freelove team verifies patient benefits before treatment starts. Full insurance details →
What foods do I need to avoid with braces?
Hard foods that can break a bracket: ice, hard candy, popcorn kernels, nuts, raw carrots (cut into small pieces instead), corn on the cob (cut it off), and apples (slice them). Sticky foods that pull brackets loose: taffy, caramels, gummy candy. Everything else is fine, including meat, pasta, bread, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits.
Food restrictions are a minor lifestyle adjustment, not a major sacrifice.
Can I get braces at my age?
Yes. Adult orthodontics is now about one-third of orthodontic treatment nationwide. Braces work at any age as long as your gums and jawbone are healthy, mid-30s, 50s, and even 70-year-old patients are treated routinely. Adult bone responds to orthodontic force slightly more slowly than growing bone, which can add 2-3 months to some cases, but the final results are equivalent.
Are self-ligating braces better?
Self-ligating brackets use a built-in gate mechanism instead of elastic ties to hold the archwire. Benefits: no elastic staining, less friction at the bracket-wire interface, and longer intervals between adjustments. They are not magically faster.
Treatment time depends far more on case complexity and efficient treatment planning than on bracket type. That is why Freelove Orthodontics uses customized digital treatment planning with options for traditional and self-ligation, depending on the case type.
Ask for the color combos at every adjustment.
Areas We Serve
Freelove serves patients across King County from two offices.
Near the Kent office
Near the Sammamish office
More communities
- SeaTac
- Des Moines
- Federal Way
- Black Diamond
Ready to Start Braces in Kent and Sammamish?
Free consultation includes digital impressions and a full treatment plan with Dr. Freelove.
Military, Teacher, and Family discounts available. See all discounts