Braces for Adults, Kids, & Teens
Looking for braces in Chapel Hill, NC, for yourself or your child? Clifton & Mauney offers personalized braces treatment for children, teens, and adults in a welcoming, family-focused office right here in Chapel Hill.
Our orthodontic team provides several braces options, including metal braces, clear ceramic braces, and Damon braces. Whether your child is ready for their first orthodontic evaluation, your teen needs help with crowding or bite alignment, or you’re an adult comparing braces vs. Invisalign, we’ll help you understand your options and feel confident about your next step.
At Clifton & Mauney, families can find pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof. That means convenient, coordinated care from a team that understands growing smiles, busy schedules, and the importance of personalized treatment planning.
If you’re searching for braces near you or an orthodontist for braces in Chapel Hill, NC, we’re here to help you get started with a free consultation.
Table of Contents
Schedule a Free Braces Consultation
Who are braces for?
Braces may be recommended for children, teens, and adults with crooked teeth, crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, jaw alignment concerns, bite issues, difficulty chewing, or teeth that are difficult to clean.
Sometimes, the signs are easy to notice. You may see teeth overlapping, spaces between teeth, or a bite that does not line up evenly. Other times, orthodontic concerns are less obvious. Jaw discomfort, uneven tooth wear, trouble biting into certain foods, or difficulty brushing and flossing crowded areas can also be signs that it’s time to meet with an orthodontist.
A braces consultation does not mean you or your child will automatically need treatment. It simply gives our team a chance to evaluate the teeth, bite, and jaw alignment so we can recommend the best next step. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7, which can help identify developing bite or alignment concerns early. 1
Braces for kids in Chapel Hill, NC
Kids may benefit from braces if their permanent teeth are coming in crooked, crowded, spaced too far apart, or at unusual angles. Braces may also help if a child has an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, or other jaw alignment concern.
Some children need early orthodontic treatment to guide how the teeth and jaws develop. Others may not need braces right away, but may benefit from monitoring as they grow.
Parents may want to schedule an orthodontic consultation if their child has:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Large gaps between teeth
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- Mouth breathing
- Thumb-sucking habits
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A bite that does not seem to line up properly
- Teeth that are difficult to brush or floss
Learn more about us and when you should see an orthodontist.
Teen braces in Chapel Hill, NC
The teen years are one of the most common times to begin braces treatment. By this stage, many permanent teeth have come in, making it easier to correct crowding, spacing, and bite alignment.
Braces can help teens improve the appearance of their smile, but treatment is not just cosmetic. A straighter smile and healthier bite can also make it easier to chew, speak, brush, floss, and maintain better long-term oral health.
At Clifton & Mauney, teen braces are personalized to each patient’s needs. Depending on your teen’s smile, goals, and preferences, options may include metal braces, clear ceramic braces, or Damon braces.
Adult braces in Chapel Hill, NC
It’s never too late to improve your smile. Many adults choose braces to correct teeth that have shifted over time, improve bite alignment, close gaps, reduce crowding, or feel more confident in their appearance.
Adult braces may also be a good option if you are comparing braces vs. Invisalign or clear aligners. Some orthodontic issues respond better to braces, while others may be treated with aligners depending on the complexity of the case.
During your consultation, our team can help you understand which treatment option is best for your smile, lifestyle, and goals.
Types of braces we offer
Clifton & Mauney offers multiple braces options for kids, teens, and adults in Chapel Hill, NC. During your free consultation, our orthodontic team will explain your options and help you choose the treatment that best fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are one of the most common and reliable orthodontic treatment options. They use brackets and wires to gradually move the teeth into better alignment.
Metal braces may be recommended for children, teens, or adults with crowding, spacing, bite issues, or more complex orthodontic needs. They are durable, effective, and a strong choice for many patients who need comprehensive tooth movement.
If you’re looking for metal braces in Chapel Hill, NC, Clifton & Mauney can help you understand whether they are the right fit for your smile.
Damon braces
Damon braces are another orthodontic option available at Clifton & Mauney. These braces are designed to move teeth efficiently while supporting a comfortable treatment experience.
Patients interested in Damon braces in Chapel Hill, NC, can schedule a consultation to learn how Damon braces compare with traditional metal braces and clear ceramic braces.
Clear ceramic braces
Clear ceramic braces work similarly to traditional metal braces, but the brackets are designed to blend in more naturally with your teeth. This makes them a more discreet option for image-conscious teens and adults.
Clear braces may be a good choice if you want the effectiveness of braces with a less noticeable appearance.
If you’re searching for clear braces in Chapel Hill, NC, our team can explain how ceramic braces compare with metal braces, Damon braces, and clear aligners.
Clear aligners
Clear aligners are not braces, but they may be a good alternative for some patients with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. Aligners use a series of removable trays to gradually shift the teeth.
If you are comparing braces vs. Invisalign in Chapel Hill, our team can help you understand the pros and cons of each option. Braces may be better for more complex tooth or bite movement, while clear aligners may be a convenient option for some patients who prefer removable treatment.
Why choose Clifton & Mauney for braces?
Choosing an orthodontist for braces in Chapel Hill, NC, is an important decision. You want a team that understands your goals, explains your options clearly, and makes treatment feel manageable from the first visit to the final result.
At Clifton & Mauney, we provide orthodontic care in a warm, family-focused environment. Our office brings pediatric dentistry and orthodontics together under one roof, making care more convenient for families with children who may need both dental and orthodontic services.
We care for children, teens, and adults, and we take time to create a personalized treatment plan for every patient. Our team also understands that some children need extra support at the dentist or orthodontist, including kids with special needs, sensory sensitivities, or dental anxiety.
Families choose Clifton & Mauney for braces because we offer:
- Free braces consultations
- Metal, clear ceramic, and Damon braces
- Care for kids, teens, and adults
- Pediatric dentistry and orthodontics under one roof
- A convenient Chapel Hill office
- Family-focused care
- Modern orthodontic technology
- Supportive care for children with special needs
Whether you are scheduling your child’s first orthodontic evaluation, looking for teen braces, or considering adult braces for yourself, our team is here to make the process clear and comfortable.
Insurance and payment options at Clifton & Mauney
Braces are an investment in your smile, confidence, and long-term oral health. At Clifton & Mauney, our team strives to make orthodontic care accessible for families in Chapel Hill and nearby communities.
We can help you understand your estimated braces cost, review available payment options, and determine whether your insurance may help cover part of treatment. Since every plan is different, braces coverage may vary based on your benefits, lifetime orthodontic maximums, waiting periods, age, and the type of treatment recommended.
Before treatment begins, our team can walk you through your estimated costs and answer questions about financing, insurance, and payment options.
Proudly serving Chapel Hill, Orange County, and Durham County
Clifton & Mauney proudly provides braces and orthodontic care for patients in Chapel Hill, NC, and surrounding communities. Our convenient local office makes it easy for families, students, and adults to access orthodontic care close to home.
We welcome patients from:
- Chapel Hill
- Carrboro
- Durham
- Hillsborough
- Orange County
- Durham County
- The Research Triangle area
- Nearby communities throughout central North Carolina
Our Chapel Hill office is convenient for families traveling from nearby neighborhoods, schools, and surrounding communities. Whether you’re coming from home, work, or school, our team is here to make orthodontic visits simple, supportive, and easy to fit into your routine.
Clifton & Mauney Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry
77 Vilcom Center Dr, Suite 310
Chapel Hill, NC US 27514
Phone: 919.933.1007
Mon – Thu 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fri Closed
Schedule a free braces consultation
Ready to find out whether braces are right for you or your child? Clifton & Mauney offers free braces consultations for kids, teens, and adults in Chapel Hill, NC.
During your consultation, our orthodontic team will evaluate your smile, discuss your concerns, explain your treatment options, and answer questions about cost, timing, insurance, and payment options. We’ll help you compare metal braces, clear ceramic braces, Damon braces, and other orthodontic options so you can make an informed decision.
Whether you’re looking for braces for your child, teen braces, adult braces, affordable braces options, or an orthodontist for braces near Chapel Hill, our team is ready to help.
Braces FAQs
Most patients visit the orthodontist regularly throughout braces treatment so their progress can be checked and adjustments can be made. The exact timing depends on your treatment plan, but our team will let you know how often to schedule visits.
On the day you get braces, your orthodontic team will clean and prepare your teeth, place the brackets, attach the wires, and explain how to care for your braces at home. You may feel some pressure or soreness afterward, but this is normal and usually improves within a few days.
Some patients need rubber bands, also called elastics, to help correct bite alignment. If rubber bands are part of your treatment plan, our team will show you exactly how to wear them and how often to change them.
Yes, you can still play sports with braces. You should wear a mouthguard to help protect your teeth, brackets, lips, and cheeks. Ask our team what type of mouthguard is best for braces.
Yes, many patients continue playing musical instruments with braces. It may take a short adjustment period, especially for wind or brass instruments, but most patients adapt with practice.
Braces may cause a temporary adjustment period, but most patients speak normally after getting used to them. If you notice changes in speech, they are usually mild and improve as your mouth adjusts.
It is usually best to wait until after braces are removed before whitening your teeth. Whitening during braces treatment may lead to uneven color because parts of the teeth are covered by brackets.
Not everyone needs teeth removed before braces. In some cases, extractions may be recommended if there is significant crowding or if removing teeth will help create a healthier bite. Your orthodontist will explain all recommended treatment steps before you begin.
Wisdom teeth do not always affect braces treatment, but they may need to be monitored. Your orthodontist can evaluate your teeth, jaw, and X-rays to determine whether wisdom teeth may impact your treatment plan.
In many cases, yes. Patients with crowns, fillings, or missing teeth may still be candidates for braces. Your orthodontist will review your dental history and create a treatment plan based on your specific needs.
Yes, transfer cases may be possible. If you started braces treatment with another orthodontist, Clifton & Mauney can evaluate your current treatment progress and let you know the next steps.
Missing an orthodontic appointment can delay your treatment progress. If you miss a visit, contact the office as soon as possible so the team can help you reschedule and keep your treatment moving forward.