When you shop on the streets of the Southpoint neighborhood in Durham, you may be shocked to see that the smile reflected in the mirrors and shiny surfaces of the mall don’t match what you imagine it to be. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and other misalignments of the jaw not only affect your appearance but can impact your oral health.
At Gladwell Orthodontics, our team uses the latest technologies to diagnose and treat dental issues so the smile you project to the world matches the confident impression you have of yourself. We’re conveniently located inside the mall, just south of I40 and east of Fayetteville Road.
It’s Your Choice
When you come to our office for orthodontic treatment, you have two options for straightening your teeth.
- Braces are the traditional pick for treating orthodontic issues and perhaps your only option for complicated problems like rotated teeth, which need to be raised or lowered, or large gaps between teeth. Brackets are attached to each tooth with archwires threaded through the brackets to gradually move your teeth into place. While effective, these appliances remain highly visible for the one to three years that you wear them. Ceramic versions, which match the color of your teeth, are less noticeable.
- Invisalign depends on clear and removable aligners that are custom-fitted to your mouth making them nearly invisible. You wear these appliances for 20 to 22 hours a day and can remove them when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, so they don’t affect your diet or teeth cleaning. You generally change aligners every week until your teeth reach their correct positions.
What to Expect
When you first come to our office for an initial consultation, we’ll assess your dental and oral issues by taking X-rays and digital impressions. We’ll then outline your treatment options, their advantages and disadvantages, and what we recommend. We want to be sure that you understand the process thoroughly so that you make a confident decision.
We then customize a treatment plan based on your chosen option, get your approval, and then begin orthodontic treatment. Regular checkups are mandatory to check your projects and make any needed changes to guarantee success. If you choose braces, we’ll routinely adjust the appliance for the best results. If you pick Invisalign, we’ll provide new aligners every few weeks.
At the end of your treatment, we’ll provide the retainers that keep your teeth in their new positions. We’ll discuss your options, such as a removable or permanent version, and show you how to maintain your choice.
How to Book Your Orthodontic Appointment in Southpoint
We make booking your appointment fast and easy at Gladwell Orthodontics. You can use our handy online form or call us directly for a date and time that works for you. Take advantage of our flexible hours that are compatible with your busy schedule, and we’ll provide enough information to prep you for your first visit. Starting today will get you into braces or Invisalign sooner to create your beautiful smile.