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Braces for Kids, Teens & Adults

Creating Smiles...Changing Lives

Types of Braces

A straight, healthy smile isn’t just about appearance—it’s about confidence, function, and lifelong oral health. At Potts Orthodontics, we offer expert braces treatment tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re a teen starting orthodontics for the first time or an adult seeking a healthier bite, Dr. Chris Potts and our team are here to make the journey smooth, supportive, and effective.

With convenient offices in Goldsboro and Clinton, NC, we’re proud to provide advanced orthodontic care backed by a team that truly cares.

Braces Options That Fit Your Life

We understand that everyone’s lifestyle and smile goals are different. That’s why we offer two types of braces—Traditional Metal Braces and Clear Ceramic Braces—both designed for exceptional results with options to match your personal style and comfort.

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces—and for good reason. They’ve come a long way in recent years, now sleeker, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.

Benefits of Metal Braces:

  • Highly Effective: Excellent for treating complex bite issues and misalignments
  • Durable & Reliable: Built to withstand everyday wear and tear
  • Customizable: Choose from a variety of fun elastic colors at each visit
  • Affordable: Typically the most budget-friendly orthodontic option

Metal braces work using a system of stainless steel brackets and wires that are adjusted over time to gently move your teeth into place. They’re a popular option for children, teens, and adults alike, especially those looking for a time-tested solution with fast results.

Clear Ceramic Braces

Clear ceramic braces offer the same powerful results as metal braces but with a more subtle appearance. These braces use tooth-colored or translucent brackets that blend in with your natural teeth, making them a great choice for patients who want a more low-profile look.

Benefits of Ceramic Braces:

  • Less Noticeable: Clear brackets are designed to blend with your teeth
  • Great for Teens & Adults: Especially those concerned about appearance
  • Same Effective Mechanics: Moves teeth just as efficiently as metal braces in most cases
  • Smooth & Comfortable: Modern materials reduce irritation and friction

While ceramic braces are slightly more delicate than metal, they’re an excellent option for patients who want the reliability of braces with a more aesthetic touch.

Which Braces Are Right for You?

Choosing between metal and ceramic braces depends on your unique orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. During your complimentary consultation, Dr. Chris Potts will walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you make a confident decision.

We’re here to guide you every step of the way—from your first fitting to your final reveal. If you or your child are considering braces, Potts Orthodontics is here to deliver expert care in a welcoming, friendly environment. With locations in Goldsboro and Clinton, NC, and a reputation for excellence in the community, we’re proud to help our patients smile with confidence.

Braces for Kids

Braces For Kids

At Potts Orthodontics, we’re passionate about helping children achieve their best smiles from the very beginning. That’s why we offer early orthodontic evaluations for kids as young as age seven, in line with the American Association of Orthodontists’ guidelines. Even if all of their permanent teeth haven’t come in yet, early evaluation allows us to detect potential issues with jaw growth, bite alignment, and spacing before they become more complex.

This stage of treatment is often called Phase One orthodontics, and it’s designed to gently guide a child’s developing mouth and create space for adult teeth to erupt properly. Not every child will need early treatment, but for those who do, it can make future orthodontic care shorter, simpler, and more effective.

Early orthodontic treatment may help:

  • Correct harmful oral habits like thumb sucking or mouth breathing
  • Improve how the jaws grow and fit together
  • Create space for crowded or incoming permanent teeth
  • Prevent the need for tooth extractions or surgery later
  • Boost confidence with a healthier, more balanced smile

We know kids can be nervous about braces, which is why we’ve created a welcoming, fun environment where little patients feel at ease. Dr. Potts and our friendly team take the time to explain each step in kid-friendly terms and keep parents informed throughout the process.

Early orthodontic care is about more than straight teeth; it’s about building the foundation for a lifetime of confidence, health, and happiness.

Braces for Teens

Braces for Teens

The teen years are a crucial time for orthodontic treatment, and at Potts Orthodontics, we make the experience empowering, comfortable, and customized to your teen’s lifestyle. As permanent teeth are fully in place and the jaw is still developing, it’s the ideal window to correct bite problems, straighten teeth, and create lasting smile confidence.

We know teens are busy, active, and image-conscious, so we offer flexible scheduling, quick appointments, and multiple treatment options. Whether they want to stand out with colorful brackets or blend in with something more subtle, we’ve got the perfect solution.

Our teen braces options include:

  • Traditional metal braces: Reliable, effective, and customizable with fun color ties
  • Clear ceramic braces: A lower-profile option that’s just as powerful as metal
  • Invisalign: For responsible teens who want a nearly invisible way to straighten their smile

Braces during the teen years don’t just improve appearance—they also promote better oral health, reduce the risk of future dental problems, and make daily hygiene easier in the long run.

Why families trust us with teen orthodontics:

Your teen’s smile transformation should be something they look forward to, and we’re here to make sure it’s a positive experience from day one.

Braces for Adults

Braces for Adults

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids and teens. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 orthodontic patients today is an adult. At Potts Orthodontics, we specialize in helping adults achieve straighter, healthier smiles through treatment plans that fit comfortably into busy lives.

Whether you missed out on braces as a teen or your teeth have shifted over time, it’s never too late to invest in the smile you deserve. Straightening your teeth as an adult doesn’t just improve how you look—it can also reduce wear and tear on teeth, improve bite function, and support better oral health overall.

Common reasons adults choose orthodontic treatment:

  • Crowded or overlapping teeth
  • Gaps or spacing concerns
  • Bite misalignment (overbite, underbite, crossbite)
  • Shifting teeth after previous orthodontic work
  • Desire for a more confident, youthful smile

We offer discreet, effective options tailored for adult needs, including clear ceramic braces and Invisalign, so you don’t have to choose between professional appearance and progress.

What makes adult treatment at Potts Orthodontics different:

  • Personalized consultations focused on your goals and lifestyle
  • Discreet treatment options with minimal disruption to your routine
  • Shorter treatment times with advanced planning tools like the iTero Scanner
  • Friendly support every step of the way, from consultation to celebration

You’ve spent years taking care of others—now it’s your turn. We’re here to make the process simple, encouraging, and absolutely worth it.

Braces in Goldsboro, NC & Clinton, NC

Braces FAQ

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but many children begin orthodontic treatment between ages 9 and 14, once most permanent teeth are in. However, we recommend bringing your child in for an orthodontic evaluation around age 7. Early screenings can help us identify and treat potential issues before they become more complicated.

And remember—it’s never too late for braces. We treat patients of all ages, including adults looking to improve their smile and oral health.

Treatment time varies based on your unique needs, but most patients wear braces for 12 to 24 months. Some may need less time, while others may require a bit longer for more complex cases. Dr. Potts will give you a personalized estimate during your consultation and keep you updated on your progress at every visit.

Braces don’t “hurt,” but you may feel some soreness or pressure for a few days after they’re first placed and after adjustments. This feeling means your teeth are starting to shift—a good sign! We’ll give you tips to manage any discomfort, and most patients adjust quickly.

Yes! You can absolutely continue playing sports and musical instruments with braces. If you play a contact sport, we recommend wearing a custom mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces. Our team can help you find one that fits comfortably and offers proper protection.

To keep your braces in great shape, you’ll want to avoid:

  • Sticky foods like gum, taffy, and caramel
  • Hard or crunchy snacks like popcorn, nuts, and ice
  • Chewy items like bagels or tough meats
  • Biting directly into hard foods like apples or raw carrots (cut them instead!)

We’ll give you a full list and helpful eating tips at the start of treatment.

Good oral hygiene is key during orthodontic treatment. Brush after every meal, floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser, and use fluoride toothpaste to keep your teeth strong. We’ll show you how to care for your braces properly and recommend tools to make it easier.

Yes—retainers are essential to keep your new smile in place after braces come off. Teeth naturally want to shift back to their original position, so wearing your retainer as directed helps protect your results for life. We’ll guide you on when and how long to wear it.

The cost of braces varies depending on your treatment needs and the type of braces you choose. At Potts Orthodontics, we believe everyone deserves a confident smile, so we offer flexible payment plans, accept most insurance plans, and help you understand all of your financial options during your consultation.