Braces in Durham, NC
Getting braces just got a whole lot easier and a whole lot more personal.
Braces do far more than straighten teeth. They correct bite alignment, support long-term oral health, and give you confidence that shows up in every photo, every conversation, and every first impression. When treatment is done right, by a specialist who genuinely knows you, the results last a lifetime.
At Hoopes Orthodontics, we believe every smile tells a story, and braces are often the first chapter. Whether you're a parent researching options for your child, a teenager ready to leap, or an adult who's been putting it off for years, you're in the right place. Our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Tom Hoopes, delivers personalized treatment plans designed around your life, your timeline, and your goals.
Our doctor-owned practice in Durham, NC, means Dr. Hoopes is with you at every step. No handoffs to assistants. No rushed appointments. Just consistent, expert care from someone who's invested in your outcome.
Why Braces? Because a Healthy Bite Changes Everything
There's a reason braces have been the gold standard in orthodontics for decades: they work. For complex tooth movements, bite corrections, and cases that need precision over time, braces remain the most effective and reliable tool an orthodontist has.
Here's what braces can treat:
Crooked or crowded teeth
Gaps and spacing issues between teeth
Overbite, upper teeth extend too far forward
Underbite, lower teeth sit in front of upper teeth
Crossbite upper and lower teeth don't align properly
Open bite, front teeth don't meet when the mouth is closed
Jaw alignment and bite function problems
Difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
Uneven wear on tooth enamel
Increased cavity risk from crowded, hard-to-clean teeth
Self-consciousness about your smile
Pre-existing bite issues caught in early treatment
Beyond aesthetics, correcting these issues protects your teeth from uneven wear, reduces the risk of cavities in hard-to-reach areas, and can relieve jaw discomfort, benefits that compound over a lifetime.
Types of Braces We Offer at Hoopes Orthodontics
We know that no two smiles and no two patients are alike. That's why Dr. Hoopes offers a range of braces options, so you can choose what fits your lifestyle, comfort preferences, and treatment needs.
Traditional Metal Braces
When most people picture braces, they picture metal braces, and there's a very good reason they've stood the test of time. Traditional metal braces are:
Highly effective for treating mild to severe orthodontic issues
The most affordable braces option
Incredibly durable, built for active kids, teens, and busy adults
More comfortable than ever, thanks to modern low-profile bracket designs
Compatible with colored elastics (a favorite among teens who want to customize their look)
Dr. Hoopes uses high-quality metal brackets and arch wires to apply gentle, consistent pressure that gradually moves your teeth into the right position. Regular adjustment appointments keep everything on track.
Customized Treatment Plans for Every Patient
Whether you choose metal or ceramic braces, one thing stays the same: your treatment plan is built specifically for you. Dr. Hoopes uses digital scanning technology and a thorough initial evaluation to design a roadmap that addresses your exact needs, no cookie-cutter protocols, no one-size-fits-all timelines.
Clear Ceramic Braces
Want the effectiveness of braces without the metal look? Clear ceramic braces are designed to blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them significantly less noticeable than traditional metal options.
Tooth-colored or clear brackets that minimize the metallic appearance
Just as effective as metal braces for most orthodontic needs
A popular choice for older teens and adults who want a lower-profile treatment
Smooth, comfortable, and durable with proper care
Ceramic braces are a great middle ground: you get the precision and reliability of braces with a more refined, subtle look. Dr. Hoopes will let you know whether ceramic braces are the right fit for your specific case.
Braces for Kids, Teens, and Adults, We Treat All Ages
One of the most common questions we hear is: 'Am I too old for braces?' The answer is almost
always no. Braces are effective at virtually any age, and the right time to start is whenever you're ready.
What to Expect: Your Braces Journey at Hoopes Orthodontics
We walk with you through every phase, from the moment you walk in for a consultation to the day you leave wearing your retainer and a brand-new smile. Here's what the process looks like:
Step 1 — Your Free Consultation
Step 2 — Building Your Custom Treatment Plan
Step 3 — Braces Placement
Step 4 — Regular Adjustment Appointments
Step 5 — Braces Removal and Your Retainer
Life With Braces, More Normal Than You'd Think
One of the biggest concerns patients have before starting treatment is how braces will affect their daily life. The honest answer? Less than you'd expect. Thousands of patients go through treatment each year while playing sports, performing in plays, taking school photos, going on dates, and living completely normal, active lives.
Eating With Braces
You'll avoid a few things, popcorn, hard candies, sticky foods like caramel, but your diet stays rich and varied. Most foods are perfectly fine with braces. Dr. Hoopes and our team will give you a full list of foods to enjoy freely and a short list of things to steer clear of during treatment.
Oral Hygiene With Braces
Keeping your teeth clean is important throughout treatment. We'll show you exactly how to brush around brackets and use floss threaders or interdental brushes effectively. Proper hygiene protects your enamel during treatment and ensures your reveal is everything you imagined.
Playing Sports or Instruments
Absolutely no need to stop. For contact sports, we recommend a mouthguard (we can point you to the right fit for braces). For musicians playing wind instruments, there's a short adjustment period, but most players adapt quickly.
Managing Discomfort
Some mild soreness after placement or adjustments is normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods for a day or two are usually all that's needed. Our team is always a phone call away if you have questions or concerns between visits.
Braces Cost & Flexible Payment Options in Durham, NC
We understand that the cost of orthodontic treatment is a real consideration for most families. That's why we work hard to make high-quality care accessible, without cutting corners on the expertise or attention your smile deserves.
The cost of braces at Hoopes Orthodontics varies depending on the type of treatment, the complexity of your case, and the estimated duration of care. Dr. Hoopes provides a clear, personalized cost estimate at your consultation, before you commit to anything. Explore all payment options.
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Ready for a Smile That Feels Like You?
Every great smile starts with a single conversation. Schedule your free consultation with Dr. Hoopes and let's talk about what's possible for yours. Schedule Your Free Consultation
hoopesorthodontics.com/contact | (919) 405-7111 | hello@hoopesorthodontics.com
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
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A: Most braces treatment at Hoopes Orthodontics takes between 12 and 24 months, depending on the complexity of your case. Some patients with mild alignment issues complete treatment in under a year; others with more involved bite corrections may need closer to two years. Dr. Hoopes gives you a realistic timeline at your consultation
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A: The cost of braces varies depending on the type (metal or ceramic), the complexity of your case, and the length of treatment. Dr. Hoopes provides a clear, personalized cost estimate at your free consultation. We offer in-house 0% interest financing and a 5% pay-in-full courtesy.
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A: Traditional metal braces use stainless steel brackets and wires; they're the most durable and typically the most cost-effective option, and work well for all levels of case complexity. Clear ceramic braces use tooth-colored or translucent brackets that blend with the color of your teeth, making them far less noticeable.
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A: Absolutely, braces work at any age. In fact, one in four orthodontic patients in the US is an adult. At Hoopes Orthodontics, we treat adults regularly, and the experience is tailored accordingly. Clear ceramic braces are especially popular with adults who want effective treatment without a prominent metallic look.
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A: The placement itself is painless. After braces are bonded, it's common to experience mild soreness or pressure for a few days as your teeth begin to respond to the new forces. Over-the-counter pain relievers and soft foods make this period very manageable.
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A: Yes, and this step is just as important as the braces themselves. After your braces are removed, Dr. Hoopes will fit you for a custom retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions while the surrounding bone and tissue stabilize. Without a retainer, teeth can shift back over time. We provide detailed instructions on how long and how often to wear your retainer, and our team is always available if you have questions about retention care.
Hoopes Orthodontics
LOCATION
SUTTON STATION
5726 Fayetteville RD, STE 104
Durham, NC 27713
HOURS
Monday - Thursday
8am-5pm
CONTACT
Expertise You Can Trust for a Lifetime of Confident Smiles
Your journey to a healthier, more confident smile starts right here in Durham at Hoopes Orthodontics. With board-certified expertise, modern options like Invisalign and ceramic braces, and a genuine patient-first philosophy, we’re proud to serve our community as the orthodontist Durham, NC, families recommend. Contact us and schedule your consultation today, and discover why so many local smiles start with Hoopes. Call (919) 405-7111 or visit our Durham office to take the first step toward the smile you’ve always wanted. We can’t wait to welcome you and your family!
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics in Durham, NC
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Hoopes Orthodontics stands out as the doctor-owned, patient-focused choice right in Sutton Station. Board-certified Dr. Tom Hoopes delivers personalized braces, Invisalign, and early treatment with compassionate care that feels like family.
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Adult orthodontics is one of our specialties. Whether you want clear ceramic braces or Invisalign, Dr. Hoopes creates discreet, efficient plans that fit busy professional lives. Many Durham adults love the confidence boost from a straighter smile without long treatment times.
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The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At Hoopes Orthodontics, we provide gentle Phase I early treatment only when beneficial, guiding growth and preventing bigger issues later. Our conservative approach ensures your child receives exactly the care needed.
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Retainers are always included upon completing treatment! Every treatment plan at our Durham office includes custom retainers and clear instructions. We also offer quick retainer repairs or replacements so your beautiful results stay protected for life.
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Most patients complete treatment in 12–24 months. Early intervention or mild Invisalign cases often finish faster. Dr. Hoopes will give you a precise timeline during your consultation based on your unique needs.
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Yes, we warmly welcome new patients of all ages with no referral needed. We work with most major insurance plans and offer flexible financing. Call (919) 405-7111 or book online today.
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Metal braces are strong and effective for any case, while ceramic braces offer a subtler appearance. Both treatment options deliver excellent results at Hoopes Orthodontics. Dr. Hoopes will recommend the best option for your lifestyle and smile goals.