Orthodontist Near Bellevue, WA

Bellevue Has Plenty of Orthodontists. Here's Why Families Keep Choosing the One Across the Bridge.

You've probably already Googled "orthodontist Bellevue" and gotten a wall of results. Big multi-doctor practices, corporate chains with locations across the Eastside, maybe an office where you see a different orthodontist every visit.

There's nothing wrong with options. But if you've been to a consult that felt like an assembly line — or left without a clear answer on what treatment will actually cost — you're not alone. That's the #1 reason Bellevue families end up at our Mercer Island office.

At Islander Orthodontics, you see the same board-certified orthodontist at every single appointment. You get your complete cost upfront at your free exam — not after three visits and a "we'll get back to you." And the drive from most Bellevue neighborhoods? Shorter than fighting downtown Bellevue traffic to get across 405.

You and your family deserve an orthodontist who knows your name, knows your case, and gives you a straight answer the first time you ask. That's what we do here — and our 42 five-star Google reviews from families just like yours back it up. If you're ready to stop comparing and start moving forward with someone you trust, you're in the right place.

Meet Dr. Borda: Board-Certified, Published Researcher, Mercer Island Native

Most orthodontists in the Bellevue area work at multi-doctor practices. You might see one doctor for your consult, another for adjustments, and a third when something needs attention. That's efficient for the practice, but it's not great for you.

Dr. Alissa Borda is the only orthodontist at Islander Orthodontics. She sees every patient at every appointment. She knows your treatment plan because she built it, and she's tracking your progress firsthand — not reading someone else's notes.

Her credentials go deeper than most:

• ABO Board-Certified (Diplomate) — a voluntary certification that requires rigorous testing beyond the 2–3 years of specialty training. Not all orthodontists pursue it.
• Published researcher — her peer-reviewed study on clear aligners vs. braces in teenagers is published in the Angle Orthodontist, one of the top journals in the field
• Three graduate degrees — DMD, MPH, and MS from her orthodontic residency at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU)
• General dentistry background — she completed a residency at the Greater Puget Sound VA Hospital before specializing, giving her a broader clinical perspective than most orthodontists
• 2026 Seattle Met Top Dentist — recognized in orthodontics

She also grew up on Mercer Island — Pixie Hill through MIHS, class of 2002. Played basketball and softball for the Islanders, trumpet in the marching band. She left for dental school, completed specialty training, published her research, and came back to open her own practice in the community where she grew up.

That's not a marketing story. That's just what happened.

"HUGE fan of the entire Islander Orthodontics team. They're detailed and precise with extremely high standards. I trust very few people with my teeth and I would recommend Dr. Borda and her team to anybody."

— Stephanie H.

Treatment Options: Braces and Clear Aligners for Every Age

Conditions We Treat

Not sure if what you're dealing with requires orthodontic treatment? Here's what we see most often from Bellevue and Eastside families:

• Overbite — upper teeth sit too far in front of the lower teeth. Ranges from mild cosmetic concerns to jaw pain and uneven wear.
• Underbite — lower teeth extend past the upper teeth. Can affect chewing, speech, and long-term jaw health.
• Crossbite — upper and lower teeth don't line up correctly when you bite down. Often caught in kids but treatable at any age.
• Crowded teeth — teeth overlapping or twisting because there isn't enough room. Creates hard-to-clean areas that lead to cavities and gum issues.
• Gaps and spacing — spaces between teeth that affect your bite or your confidence.
• Impacted teeth — teeth that haven't come in properly and need orthodontic guidance.

If you're not sure what's going on, that's exactly what the free exam is for. Dr. Borda will tell you what she sees, what (if anything) needs treatment, and what your options are — in plain language, not clinical jargon.

What Happens at Your First Visit

Your free exam at Islander Orthodontics includes everything. No "we'll schedule you for a records appointment next week." Here's what to expect:

The whole visit takes about an hour. Most families leave knowing exactly what they want to do.

"The consult was professional, clear, quick and efficient. Excellent bedside manner."

— Chrystle R.

Real Talk About Cost

If you've been comparing orthodontists in Bellevue, you've probably noticed that getting a straight answer on price is harder than it should be. Some offices want you in the door before they'll talk numbers. Others give you a range so wide it's meaningless.

At Islander Orthodontics, here's how it works:

• Your first exam is free. No catch, no obligation.
• You get your exact cost at that visit. Not a range — your actual number, based on your specific treatment plan.
• We accept all orthodontic insurance and handle the paperwork.
• In-house financing is available with monthly payments that work for your budget.
• Pay-in-full discount if you prefer to handle it upfront.

Most orthodontic treatment falls in the $3,000–$7,000 range depending on complexity, treatment type, and duration. But the only number that matters is yours — and you'll have it before you commit to anything.

Check out your payment options for full details.

Getting Here from Bellevue

The drive from Bellevue to Islander Orthodontics is one of the easiest commutes on the Eastside. No navigating downtown traffic, no construction zones on 405 — just I-90 West across the floating bridge and you're here.

We're located in the Mercerdale Professional Center (lower level) — 3236 78th Ave SE #102, Mercer Island. Free parking steps from the front door. Pull in, walk in, sit down. No parking garages, no meters, no circling the block.

For most Bellevue families, the drive to our office is actually shorter than getting across Bellevue during rush hour.

Bellevue Families Ask Us These Questions