Orthodontist Near Redmond, WA | Braces & Clear Aligners | Islander Orthodontics

Why Redmond Families Drive to Mercer Island

Mercer Island sits right in the middle of the I-90 corridor, between Redmond and Seattle. From Education Hill, Redmond Ridge, Overlake, or downtown Redmond — anywhere near Microsoft or the 520 interchange — you're looking at 15 minutes on a good day.

But distance is really a proxy for a different question: is it worth it?

At most multi-doctor practices in Redmond and Bellevue, you meet with one doctor at your consultation, then rotate through whoever's available at subsequent appointments. Your case gets managed by the practice. Nobody's tracking your progress the way someone who sees you every six weeks and knows your case cold would.

At Islander Orthodontics, there's one doctor: Dr. Alissa Borda. You meet her at your free exam. You see her at every adjustment. She tracks your case from the first wire to the final retainer. That's not a marketing point — it's how the practice is structured.

The I-90 reverse commute from Redmond is also one of the easier drives in the area. Families coming from Redmond Town Center, Overlake, or the Bear Creek area often find it faster than expected — you're heading away from Seattle traffic, not into it.

And free parking at the Mercerdale Professional Center means you're not circling a garage or feeding a meter before a 7 AM appointment.

Is Your Doctor a Specialist — Or a Dentist Doing Braces?

It's a fair question, and a lot of Eastside families don't know the answer until after they've already started treatment.

General dentists can legally offer braces and Invisalign after attending continuing education seminars. Orthodontists are a different category.

After dental school, orthodontists complete an additional 2 to 3 years of full-time residency — focused exclusively on tooth movement, bite correction, and facial development. Only then can they call themselves orthodontists.

Dr. Borda went further. After her dental degree and general practice residency at the VA Hospital in Puget Sound, she completed her orthodontic residency and a Master of Science degree at Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU).

In 2020 she published peer-reviewed research comparing clear aligners versus fixed appliances in teenagers — Outcome assessment of orthodontic clear aligner vs fixed appliance treatment in a teenage population with mild malocclusions, Angle Orthodontist 90(4). That's not a credential you pick up at a weekend seminar.

What "ABO Board Certified" Means — and Why It's Not Universal

You'll see "board certified" mentioned on a lot of orthodontic websites. Here's what it actually means.

The American Board of Orthodontics certification is voluntary and goes beyond residency training. It requires submitting real finished cases for independent clinical review and passing a rigorous written examination. Today, about 65% of AAO orthodontists are board certified — which means it's still an important differentiator worth asking about.

Dr. Borda is an ABO Diplomate. She didn't have to do this. She chose to.

Seattle Met Magazine recognized her as a Top Dentist in 2026 — peer-nominated, not purchased.

Treatment Options: Braces, Clear Aligners, and Phase 1

The treatment question usually comes up early. Here's a plain-language comparison to orient you before your exam.

Dr. Borda has published research specifically comparing clear aligners versus fixed appliances in teenagers with mild malocclusions. She's not guessing at which treatment fits your child — she's studied it. During your free exam, she'll walk you through what she recommends for your specific case and why, so you leave with a clear picture and zero pressure.

Explore more on the metal braces and clear aligners pages, or see what Phase 1 early intervention involves. If you're dealing with a specific bite issue, we have detailed pages on overbite treatment, underbite treatment, and crossbite treatment.

How Much Do Braces Cost Near Redmond, WA?

Orthodontic treatment in the greater Seattle/Eastside area typically runs between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on the type of treatment and the complexity of your case. Most families land somewhere in the $4,500 to $6,000 range for standard braces or clear aligners.

The only way to get a real number for your specific situation is a proper exam — which is free at Islander Orthodontics, and includes a complete cost breakdown before you commit to anything.

A few things that affect your total:

• •How much tooth movement and bite correction is needed
• •Whether you choose metal braces or clear aligners
• •Whether Phase 1 early treatment is involved
• •Your insurance coverage

Speaking of insurance: Islander accepts all orthodontic insurance plans. If you have coverage, they'll help you understand your benefit before treatment starts. No surprises.

If you're paying out of pocket — or your insurance covers less than you'd like — in-house financing options and a pay-in-full discount are both available. See the full breakdown at payment options.

Adult Orthodontics in Redmond

The AAO reported in 2025 that one in three orthodontic patients are over 18. If you've been thinking about it for years and finally doing something about it — that's the norm, not the exception.

Clear aligners are the practical choice for most adults. You can take them out for client meetings, workouts, and dinner.

Treatment is discreet enough that most people around you won't notice. And because Dr. Borda has published clinical research specifically on aligner outcomes, she's not guessing at what works — she's one of the few orthodontists in the area who has actually studied it.

There's no age ceiling on treatment. Learn more about adult orthodontics at Islander.

What Your First Visit Actually Looks Like

A lot of people put off scheduling because they're worried the consultation will feel like a sales pitch. It won't.

Dr. Borda will examine your teeth and bite, review any X-rays or imaging needed, and give you her honest clinical assessment — what she sees, what she'd recommend, and what she'd leave alone. You'll get a complete cost estimate before you leave.

The whole visit is free, no obligation.

If you decide to move forward, the next step is placing your appliance — typically at a separate appointment. If you're not ready, you leave with the information and no obligation. That's it.

The appointment typically runs about an hour. Early morning slots starting at 7:00 AM mean Lake Washington School District families — Redmond High, Rose Hill Middle, and others — can be seen before first bell. And for parents who need to get to a Redmond or Bellevue office after drop-off, it fits.

See real before-and-after results from Islander Orthodontics patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Schedule Your Free Exam

If you're in Redmond and want a board-certified orthodontist who will actually be there at every appointment, the free exam is the right first step. No paperwork, no commitment, no upsell.