More adults in Durham are choosing braces for their orthodontic treatment, and it’s not because it’s trendy or because they’re aiming for perfection. They’re doing it because their bite feels off, their teeth have shifted more than they expected, or they’re just tired of dealing with something that’s been bothering them for a while. It’s a personal decision, and for a lot of people, it simply makes sense.
Smith & Heymann Orthodontics has made it easy to get started without the extra stress. With offices in Durham, Chapel Hill, Mebane, Roxboro, and across the Virginia line in Danville and South Boston, the process is straightforward. You can move forward with real options and support that work with your life with Dr. Heymann, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Skillestad on your side.
It’s Not Just About Looks
If your bite is off or your teeth are too crowded, you’re probably already dealing with the side effects. Food is getting stuck, and you’re having trouble flossing. You may even have jaw tension that shows up every day. Over time, these issues don’t just stay the same, and they tend to get worse. Plaque builds up in the spots you can’t reach, teeth wear down unevenly, and that clenching or grinding you brush off as stress might be a sign your bite needs attention.
Orthodontic treatment helps realign your teeth, which makes them easier to clean and takes stress off your jaw. A better bite also reduces uneven wear, which means you’re less likely to need crowns or other restorative work down the road. Your smile changes, too, but for most adults, that’s just a bonus. The real benefit is having a mouth that works better and feels better every day.
Treatment That Works With Your Life
You don’t have to put your life on pause to get straighter teeth. That’s one of the biggest reasons more adults are choosing to move forward with starting orthodontic treatment.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are still one of the most reliable options to handle everything from crowding to bite problems. They’re built to hold up, even if your day-to-day involves back-to-back meetings, skipped snacks, and the occasional forgetfulness.
Invisalign
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, work well for many adults, especially those who want a lower-profile option. You take them out to eat and brush, which can make things feel simpler, especially if you’re used to being on the go. Just know that they require commitment. If you’re not wearing them as directed, they won’t work as well. The doctors will walk you through what’s best based on your goals and lifestyle.
What Makes Adult Braces Worth It
Most people don’t wake up one day and suddenly decide to get braces. It’s usually been on your mind for a while. Maybe you’ve caught yourself hiding your smile more often, or you’ve started noticing small changes that weren’t there a few years ago. That gap widened. That front tooth turned just enough to bother you every time you see it in a photo. It builds slowly until you finally decide you’re done ignoring it. Here’s what tends to tip the scale for adults in Durham:
- You’ve noticed your teeth shifting more as you age
- You’re clenching or grinding, and your jaw is paying for it
- Flossing around crowded teeth is getting harder
- You want to feel more confident in photos or when speaking
- You’re ready to invest in your health, not just patch problems as they come up
When you choose to move forward with braces, you probably aren’t aiming for perfection, but it helps make things easier for yourself now and later. You aren’t in this to just adjust your smile; you’re setting yourself up for fewer headaches, fewer future dental bills, and more peace of mind every time you sit in the chair.
What to Expect Once You Start
Getting braces as an adult comes with its own set of questions. The team at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics gets that. We will talk you through what to expect, from your first appointment to that final retainer. Here’s how things tend to go:
The First Visit
You’ll come in for a consultation where they’ll take a look, maybe take some digital scans, and talk through what’s bothering you. No commitment. Just a clear explanation of what’s possible.
The Plan
If you decide to move forward, the doctors will lay out a treatment plan that actually makes sense for your schedule and your needs. You’ll know how long things should take, what to expect along the way, and what kind of maintenance you’ll need after treatment.
Appointments
Depending on what kind of braces you go with, you’ll come in every 6–10 weeks or so for adjustments. The offices are used to seeing working professionals, so scheduling is flexible and respectful of your time.
Confidence Grows Quietly and Then All at Once
There’s something subtle about the way people change when they start to like their smile. It’s not usually a big moment. It’s the way they stop hiding in group photos. Or how they catch themselves smiling back at someone without overthinking it. That shift might start with your teeth, but it ends up affecting so much more.
Our team sees this all the time; someone comes in unsure, maybe a little hesitant, and leaves a year later looking lighter. Not because they’re trying to impress anyone, but because they finally feel good.
If You’ve Been Thinking About It, This Might Be the Time
You’ve probably done a lot for other people over the years. This might be one of the few things you do for yourself. If braces have been in the back of your mind or you just want to talk through what’s possible, the team at Smith & Heymann Orthodontics is easy to reach and even easier to talk to. Dr. Heymann, Dr. Smith, and Dr. Skillestad will walk you through your options.
With offices in Chapel Hill, Durham, Mebane, Roxboro, and nearby towns like South Boston and Danville, getting care that fits your life doesn’t have to feel complicated. You can schedule a consultation whenever it makes sense for you. Whether you’re leaning toward Invisalign, metal braces, or just have questions, they’ll help you sort through it, all at your own pace.
