Orthodontics for All Ages | Chapel Hill, Durham, Mebane, & Roxboro
Smiles for Children, Teens, & Adults
Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy, straight smile.
At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we’re proud to offer a full range of smile treatments so your whole family can receive personalized orthodontic care tailored to their unique smile journey, regardless of their age.
Get a Head Start on a
Beautiful Smile
As a parent in Chapel Hill, Durham, Mebane, or Roxboro, you want the best for your child. That means healthy teeth and a pleasing smile.
Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, Dr. Skillestad, and our entire team will treat your children like our own by giving them the best possible orthodontic care.
What Is Two-Phase Treatment?
By age seven, your child's teeth and jaw are developed enough to allow for early detection of potential issues with jaw growth and emerging teeth. This evaluation might confirm a perfect bite, suggesting no need for braces.
However, Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad may recommend two-phase treatment for your child.
Understanding Early Orthodontic Intervention
Beginning Phase I treatment at a younger age can make it much simpler to treat certain orthodontic problems, as well as potentially simplify and shorten treatments that may be required later on.
Timely intervention can allow for certain outcomes that aren’t possible after your child’s facial growth is complete.
Recognizing an Imperfect Bite
Identifying the need for braces isn't always straightforward. Other issues with your child’s teeth and jaw may be less obvious to spot.
Signs that may suggest your child needs an evaluation by Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad include:
- Premature or delayed baby teeth loss
- Chewing or biting struggles
- Mouth breathing
- Persistent thumb-sucking
- Overcrowded or misplaced teeth
- Misaligned jaws
- Frequent cheek bites or roof-of-mouth bites
- Teeth protrusion
- Abnormal teeth alignment
- Uneven facial symmetry
- Habitual teeth grinding or clenching
What Age Is Best?
While children commonly receive braces between ages 9 and 14, some issues are best treated early. If Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad recommends Phase I treatment, they can:
- Steer jaw development
- Minimize trauma risk to protruding teeth
- Address harmful oral practices
- Boost your child's confidence and appearance
- Direct permanent teeth to a preferred alignment
- Beautify the alignment of teeth, lips, and face
Understanding Teen Orthodontics
Professionals like Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad can spot problems related to spacing, alignment, crowding, and bite in your teen. By this age, their jaw and bone structure are generally ready for orthodontic procedures.
Some teens might have completed Phase I treatment earlier in life and may now need full braces or similar devices.
Ignoring dental problems can have repercussions on your teen's overall oral health and well-being. If you notice any of the following signs, consider arranging a free consultation at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics:
- Odd patterns in shedding baby teeth
- Trouble with biting or chewing
- Teeth that are crowded or have evident gaps
- Noisy or shifting jaws
- Frequent inner mouth or cheek bites
- Misaligned teeth
- Jaws or teeth looking out of proportion with their face
- Protruding teeth
Finding The Best Option
When developing your teen’s perfect treatment plan, Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, and Dr. Skillestad may propose a specific orthodontic appliance. Smith & Heymann Orthodontics offers:
Metal Braces
Modern braces are sleeker than you might expect. They're definitely not the bulky metal fixtures you may have feared when you were growing up — instead, contemporary designs have made self-ligating braces more lightweight and comfortable.
Clear Braces
At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, our clear ceramic braces work just like our metal self-ligating braces while also blending right in with your teen's teeth for a discreet look.
Invisalign
Invisalign is nearly invisible and completely removable. Made from a soft plastic material, Invisalign offers a comfortable, discreet experience.
Each week, your teen will shift to the next aligner in the series. By following the recommended 20 – 22 hours of daily wear, their teeth will gradually move to the desired alignment.
Clear aligners are great for mild to moderate dental issues and might not suit those in need of intensive treatment.
Why Consider Orthodontic Treatment for Your Teen?
Straight Teeth = Healthy Teeth
After Dr. Smith, Dr. Heymann, or Dr. Skillestad straightens their smile, your teen can more easily and effectively clean their teeth through flossing and brushing. Regular hygiene and maintenance help prevent oral issues that may affect your teen’s overall health.
Building Confidence & Self-Esteem
If your teen is self-conscious about grinning and showing their teeth, a new, healthy smile can do wonders for boosting their self-confidence and setting them up for a better quality of life that can last a lifetime.
Your Teen Deserves a Healthy Smile
At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we know nothing is more important to you than your teen’s health and happiness. A beautiful smile resulting from expert treatment will go a long way towards both!
Your Teen Deserves a Healthy Smile
At Smith & Heymann Orthodontics, we know nothing is more important to you than your teen’s health and happiness. A beautiful smile resulting from expert treatment will go a long way towards both!
Never Too Old for a Radiant Smile with Smith & Heymann
At Smith & Heymann, we know that age isn't a barrier to orthodontic treatment. In fact, one-in-five of our new orthodontic patients is over the age of 18!
Rising Adult Interests in Orthodontics
It’s no coincidence that more adults than ever are seeking orthodontic treatments. There are plenty of great reasons, such as:
Stunning Smiles
Smith & Heymann offers treatments to correct misaligned teeth or noticeable gaps. With our expert care, you can flaunt a captivating, straight smile that boots your confidence.
Shifting Teeth Over Time
Teeth aren't set in stone. Even seemingly straight teeth from your younger days can migrate over time, leading to potential dental challenges. Smith & Heymann is here to help you navigate these shifts.
Preserving Oral Health
Misaligned teeth can cascade into other dental challenges. From tooth decay to gum disease, our orthodontic services at Smith & Heymann have the tools to keep your smile happy and healthy.
