Durham Orthodontics

What Is Orthodontic Care at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics?

Durham Orthodontics at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics is specialized dental care that straightens teeth, corrects bite issues, and improves oral health for patients of all ages. Our orthodontists use modern braces and Invisalign to create beautiful, functional smiles right here in Durham.

Dr. J. Dempsey Smith, Dr. Gavin Heymann, and Dr. Katya Skillestad lead a full-service practice offering Invisalign, Damon metal braces, Damon clear braces, and early treatment for kids. We treat children starting at age 7, teens, and adults with the same personal care that defines our team.

Our Durham office at 2919 Colony Rd. welcomes new patients with a free consult, so you can meet the team and explore your modern treatment options with no pressure, just answers.

Benefits of Choosing Durham Orthodontics

Straight teeth do more than look great. The right treatment can transform the way you eat, speak, and feel about your smile. At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we pair proven orthodontic care with technology that makes treatment faster and more convenient.

Here's what you can expect when you choose our Durham orthodontic office:

• Healthier bite and easier cleaning. Aligned teeth are simpler to brush and floss, which supports better long-term oral health.
• Boosted confidence. A transformed smile will give you brand new confidence at work, at school, and in every photo.
• Faster treatment with Damon braces. The Damon System uses self-ligating brackets that may reduce friction and the number of adjustments needed.
• Discreet Invisalign treatment. Removable, nearly invisible aligners for teens and adults who want a more discreet option.
• Fewer in-office visits. Our Dental Monitoring technology lets you check in with your orthodontist from home using your phone.
• Same-day start. Many patients can begin treatment the same day as their free consultation.

Treatment Options at a Glance

The Orthodontic Treatment Process: What to Expect

Starting orthodontic treatment at our Durham office is simple and clear. Here are the five stages you'll move through from first visit to final smile.

Step 1: Free Consultation and Digital 3D Scan

Your experience begins with a free consult at our Durham orthodontic office. You'll meet Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad, discuss your goals, and get a quick digital scan of your teeth. No goopy molds, no pressure. Prefer to start from home? A Virtual Consult lets you get initial guidance before your first in-person visit.

Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan Review

Next, we'll walk you through your personalized treatment plan. You'll see which modern treatment options fit your smile goals, how long treatment should take, and what to expect along the way.

Step 3: Appliance Placement

Once you're ready, we place your Damon braces or hand you your first set of Invisalign aligners. Many Durham patients start treatment the same day as their consultation. This visit is comfortable and straightforward.

Step 4: Progress Visits

You'll return every 4 to 10 weeks so Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad can check your progress and make adjustments. If you use Dental Monitoring, many of these check-ins happen virtually from home. That means fewer trips to Durham and more flexibility for school, work, and family.

Step 5: Retention

When your teeth reach their final position, we remove your braces or complete your aligner series. You'll receive custom retainers to keep your new smile stable for the long term.

Active treatment typically runs between 6 and 30 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Your Durham orthodontist will give you a realistic timeline during your free consultation.

Who Is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?

Almost anyone can benefit from orthodontic care, no matter their age. If your teeth are crowded, spaced, or your bite feels off, a free consultation at our Durham office is the best way to know for sure.

Here's who we see every day at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics:

• Children (age 7 and up). According to the American Association of Orthodontists, every child should have a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early treatment can guide jaw growth and prevent bigger issues later.
• Teens. The teen years are an ideal window for Damon braces or Invisalign Teen, when permanent teeth are in and growth is still active.
• Adults. Today, roughly one in five orthodontic patients is an adult. Teens, adults and children all deserve beautiful smiles.

Common issues we treat in Durham include crowding, gaps, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. Your candidacy is confirmed during your free consult with Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad.

Why Durham Families Trust Smith & Heymann Orthodontics

Choosing an orthodontist is a big decision, and the team you choose makes all the difference. Durham families choose Smith & Heymann Orthodontics for the care, expertise, and convenience we bring to every visit.

Here's what sets our Durham orthodontic office apart:

• Specialty-trained orthodontists. Each of our orthodontists completed specialty training in orthodontics after dental school, focused on tooth movement, jaw growth, and facial development.
• Real patient stories. Read the kind words from real patients who have trusted our team with their smiles.
• Advanced technology. From Dental Monitoring to digital scans and the Damon System, we invest in tools that make treatment faster and more comfortable.
• Multiple locations. Besides Durham, you can also visit us in Chapel Hill, Mebane, and Roxboro.

Durham Orthodontics FAQ

Does orthodontic treatment mean braces?

Not necessarily. Orthodontic treatment includes any method that straightens teeth or corrects a bite, which can mean Damon metal braces, Damon clear braces, Invisalign, retainers, or early-treatment appliances for kids. At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we match the treatment to your smile goals and lifestyle.

What are the 5 stages of orthodontic treatment?

The five stages are: (1) your free consultation and digital scan, (2) custom treatment plan review, (3) placement of braces or your first Invisalign aligners, (4) regular progress visits every 4 to 10 weeks, and (5) retention with custom retainers to protect your new smile. Each stage is built around your comfort and goals.

How long does Invisalign or braces take?

Most patients complete active treatment in 6 to 30 months. Simpler cases, such as minor crowding or spacing, often finish faster, while complex bite corrections take longer. Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad will give you a realistic timeline at your free Durham consultation.

At what age should my child see an orthodontist?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. By that age, enough permanent teeth have come in for your orthodontist to spot issues early, even if treatment isn't needed right away. A free consultation at our Durham office is a good first step.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. Every new patient at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics receives a free consult with no obligation, so you can meet the team, ask questions, and learn about your options with no pressure.

Schedule Your Free Durham Orthodontic Consultation

There is no reason to wait to change your life. Book your free consult at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics in Durham and meet the team that treats you like family.

Call 919-493-4911 or request your appointment online. Many patients start treatment the same day as their consultation, so you could leave your first visit already on the way to a new smile.

You can visit us at any of our four North Carolina offices:

• Durham: 2919 Colony Rd., Durham, NC
• Chapel Hill: 1506 E. Franklin St., Suite 304, Chapel Hill, NC
• Mebane: 1107 S. 5th St., Suite 200, Mebane, NC
• Roxboro: 424 N. Madison Blvd., Suite A, Roxboro, NC

Proudly serving North Carolina, we can't wait to meet you.