When it comes to orthodontic treatment in Madison, we know that today’s teens have options. But which are the right ones for your teen, and how can you best prepare them for treatment? Dr. Durham and the team at Durham Orthodontics have the experience, the tools, and the passion to set your teen up with the very best option for their smile, so let’s read on to learn a little bit more about teen orthodontic options in Madison!
Go With An Expert!
First things first: when it comes to your teen’s smile, expertise matters. While dentists help keep smiles healthy through cleanings and checkups, orthodontists specialize in the art and science of alignment. Dr. Durham completed additional years of advanced training focused solely on how teeth and jaws move. This training gives him the tools to design precise, effective treatment plans tailored to every teen’s needs.
Working with a specialist ensures that your teen’s treatment goes beyond appearance to address how their bite functions, how their jaws grow, and how their smile will look and feel for years to come.
Orthodontists like Dr. Durham use advanced imaging, specialized planning software, and the latest materials to create results that are both beautiful and lasting. For parents and teens in Madison, that expertise means peace of mind and a confident smile that’s built to last.
Dr. Durham Is An Expert
As a board-certified orthodontist and past president of the Alabama Association of Orthodontists, Dr. Durham stays at the forefront of orthodontic innovation. His blend of research-based knowledge, precision, and patient-centered care allows him to design treatment plans that are efficient, comfortable, and tailored to each teen’s unique smile. For families in Madison, choosing an orthodontist like Dr. Durham means choosing an expert who combines technical excellence with a personal investment in every patient’s confidence and long-term results.
Orthodontics Has Gotten Better Than Ever!
Today’s orthodontic technology gives teens the freedom to get great results without the discomfort or visibility that once came with braces. With options like 3M self-ligating braces and Invisalign Teen, treatment is faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than ever. These systems use low-friction movement and customized planning to make each smile transformation efficient and precise. That’s perfect for busy, active teens who want a confident smile without slowing down.
Dr. Durham and his team design treatment plans that match every patient’s personality, lifestyle, and goals. Whether your teen prefers the dependable strength of braces or the flexibility of aligners, modern orthodontics ensures they can smile with confidence from the very first appointment.
Treatment That Fits Their Lifestyle
From class photos to sports and social events, teens want orthodontic care that fits into their lives. With sleeker self-ligating brackets and removable aligners, today’s treatment options blend naturally into any routine. Shorter appointments, less maintenance, and easier cleaning make it simple for teens to keep up with their care while focusing on what they love.
Comfort & Confidence in Every Smile
At Durham Orthodontics, we use 3M’s advanced self-ligating bracket systems to reduce friction and gently guide teeth into place. These brackets eliminate the need for elastic ties, meaning fewer adjustments and a more comfortable experience. Teens feel the difference right away, and that goes a long way towards making the overall orthodontic landscape a more inviting one!
Results That Keep Up With Technology
Because self-ligating systems move teeth more efficiently, most patients experience shorter overall treatment times. Combined with digital treatment planning and Dr. Durham’s hands-on precision, these innovations create healthy, confident smiles that last.
Metal Braces
Metal braces are a tried-and-true treatment, but the ones Dr. Durham uses at Durham Orthodontics are anything but old-fashioned. Our 3M Victory Series™ self-ligating braces combine proven reliability with state-of-the-art design, offering strength, comfort, and speed in one complete system.
Smoother, More Efficient Movement
3M’s self-ligating brackets use a small clip instead of traditional elastic ties. This allows the wire to slide smoothly within the bracket, reducing friction and making tooth movement more efficient. The result is a treatment that’s faster, cleaner, and more comfortable, especially for teens who want visible progress without frequent appointments.
Easier to Clean, Easier to Wear
Because there are no elastic ties to trap food, self-ligating braces make daily hygiene simpler. Teens find brushing and flossing easier, and parents appreciate the reduced risk of plaque buildup or discoloration. The smaller bracket design also feels smoother against the lips and cheeks, so teens can stay comfortable while staying active.
A Smile That Fits Their Style
Even with advanced technology, personalization still matters. Teens can choose from a variety of colors for their ties if they want to add personality to their smile, or keep their look clean and classic for a more subtle approach. Either way, they’ll benefit from the same dependable 3M design trusted by orthodontic professionals around the world.
Clear Braces for a Subtle Look
For teens who want the power of traditional braces with a lower-profile design, clear braces offer the perfect balance of performance and appearance. At Durham Orthodontics, Dr. Durham uses 3M Clarity™ Advanced ceramic self-ligating brackets. These clear braces blend naturally with the color of your teeth, offering the same precision as metal braces with a nearly invisible finish.
Advanced 3M Clarity™ Technology
3M Clarity™ braces use the same self-ligating system as their metal counterparts, allowing the archwire to move freely for faster, smoother adjustments. The ceramic brackets are small, strong, and stain-resistant, ensuring your teen’s smile stays bright throughout treatment. Teens appreciate that they can speak, laugh, and take photos without feeling self-conscious, while parents value the proven reliability of 3M technology.
Comfort That Keeps Up With Confidence
The smooth, low-profile design of 3M Clarity™ brackets minimizes irritation and makes cleaning easier. Without elastic ties, food particles are less likely to get trapped, keeping the mouth cleaner and healthier. Combined with Dr. Durham’s precise technique and attention to detail, this system delivers consistent, comfortable progress that fits seamlessly into your teen’s lifestyle.
Powerful Results, Polished Appearance
Clear self-ligating braces move teeth efficiently while keeping your teen’s look natural and confident. Whether they’re at school, in photos, or on the field, this option provides the professional appearance teens love without compromising on strength or control.
Invisalign Teen for a Flexible Lifestyle
Invisalign Teen offers a clear, removable alternative to braces that’s tailor-made for the busy, active lives of Madison’s teens. Using a series of custom-fit aligners, Invisalign straightens teeth gently and precisely.
Discreet & Convenient
Each set of aligners is made from smooth, transparent material that fits comfortably over the teeth. Teens can remove them for eating, brushing, and special occasions, making it easy to maintain good oral hygiene and keep treatment on track. The aligners are virtually invisible, so most people won’t even notice them.
Built for Teens
Invisalign Teen aligners are designed specifically for growing smiles. Features like blue wear indicators help track progress, while replacement aligners make it simple to stay consistent, even if one gets misplaced. Dr. Durham uses advanced digital scanning and treatment mapping to ensure each stage moves teeth safely and efficiently.
Ideal for Active Teens
Whether they play sports, perform on stage, or just prefer a low-maintenance option, Invisalign Teen lets teens focus on what they love while keeping their smile goals in motion.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Teen
Every teen’s smile is unique, and finding the right orthodontic approach starts with expert guidance. At Durham Orthodontics, Dr. Durham takes a personalized approach to treatment, helping families weigh each option’s benefits and decide which fits their teen’s goals and lifestyle best.
Customized Treatment Plans
During the initial consultation, Dr. Durham performs a thorough exam and uses digital imaging to create a plan tailored to your teen’s needs. Whether that plan includes 3M self-ligating braces or Invisalign Teen, every detail is designed for comfort, efficiency, and long-lasting results.
Partnership Between Teens, Parents & Orthodontist
Communication is key to successful orthodontic treatment. Dr. Durham and his team keep parents informed while empowering teens to take responsibility for their care. Together, they build healthy habits that last long after the braces come off.

The Durham Orthodontics Difference
With advanced technology, board-certified expertise, and a caring, community-focused approach, Durham Orthodontics has become a trusted destination for teen orthodontic care in Madison. Families can feel confident knowing their teen’s smile is guided by a specialist who combines innovation with genuine care for every patient. And remember, orthodontics isn’t just for teens! Kids and adults benefit just as much!
Start today with a free consultation at our Madison office to see what your smile can do!
