Types of Braces
At Dual Image Orthodontics, we believe that no two smiles — and no two patients — are the same. That’s why Drs. Bryan and Lauren Lockhart offer multiple types of braces, each using the latest technology to deliver beautiful, lasting results. Whether you want a discreet option nobody will notice, a behind-the-teeth solution that works invisibly, or the most precisely engineered braces ever made, we have a treatment that fits your life.
Here’s a look at what we offer:
LightForce Custom Braces
Imagine braces designed from scratch, specifically for your teeth — and your teeth alone. That’s exactly what LightForce delivers.
LightForce is a fully integrated system combining 3D-printed ceramic braces with digital treatment plans personalized to each patient, allowing your doctor to visualize the end result and deliver in a whole new way. Unlike traditional braces where every bracket comes in a standard, off-the-shelf shape, LightForce custom braces are digitally designed and 3D printed for your smile — built specifically to conform to the exact shape of each tooth for better results more quickly, comfortably, and precisely.
Here’s how it works: Dr. Bryan or Dr. Lauren uses our digital scanner to capture a precise 3D model of your teeth. That model is then used to design a fully customized treatment plan, and LightForce uses 3D-printing technology to fabricate custom brackets in your choice of clear or white ceramic. A custom bonding tray is created so placement is fast and accurate — no guesswork, no adjustment, trial-and-error.
What makes LightForce different:
- Because the brackets are designed to match the exact shape and position of each tooth, placement is more precise from the very beginning, which may reduce the number of adjustments needed along the way and could mean fewer visits overall.
- LightForce brackets can be 3D printed to match your natural tooth shade, helping them blend discreetly with your smile.
- The system is completely personalized — including the world’s only fully personalized 3D-printed bracket — and is designed for efficiency, which can result in considerably shorter treatment times once planning is complete.
- LightForce treats cases from simple to complex and is a great fit for patients of all ages.
LightForce is the perfect choice for patients who want the precision and reliability of braces, the discreet look of clear ceramic brackets, and the confidence that their treatment was engineered for them — not just their age group or tooth type.
Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You?
That’s exactly what your free consultation is for. Drs. Bryan and Lauren Lockhart will review your teeth, your goals, and your lifestyle — and help you find the treatment that makes the most sense for you. With three distinct options and two convenient Charlotte locations in NoDa and Steele Creek, the right smile is closer than you think. Schedule your free consultation today!
Braces For Kids
Did you know the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that kids see an orthodontist by age 7? At that age, Dr. Bryan and Dr. Lauren can evaluate how your child’s teeth and jaw are developing — and if something needs attention, we can often intercept it early, making future treatment simpler, shorter, and more effective.
Early orthodontic care isn’t always about starting braces right away. Sometimes it’s about monitoring your child’s growth and knowing exactly when to step in. When treatment is the right call, getting started at the right time can make all the difference — preventing more complex problems down the road and setting the foundation for a healthy, confident smile that lasts a lifetime.
Signs your child may benefit from an early evaluation:
- Crowded, crooked, or overlapping teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Mouth breathing or snoring
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Thumb sucking or pacifier habits past age 4–5
- Upper and lower teeth that don’t meet properly
At Dual Image, we make kids feel right at home from the moment they walk through the door. Our NoDa and Steele Creek offices are designed to be fun, welcoming, and stress-free — because a great first experience sets the tone for a great relationship with their smile for years to come.
When your child is ready for full treatment, we offer options sized and suited for growing smiles, including our LightForce Custom Braces — digitally designed to fit your child’s specific tooth anatomy.
Braces For Teens
Let’s be honest — being a teenager is already a lot. Braces don’t have to make it harder. At Dual Image Orthodontics, we offer options that work with your teen’s lifestyle, not against it. Whether they’re on the field, on stage, in front of a camera, or just trying to make it through the school day feeling like themselves — we’ve got a treatment that fits.
Drs. Bryan and Lauren Lockhart understand that confidence is everything during these years. That’s why we offer multiple treatment paths so your teen has a real say in how their smile journey looks and feels:
LightForce Custom Braces are the perfect option for teens who don’t mind wearing braces but want the most precise, efficient treatment available. Each bracket is 3D-printed specifically for their teeth — which means a more comfortable fit, fewer appointments, and a discreet ceramic look that blends with their smile.
What every teen at Dual Image gets:
- A full digital treatment plan so they can see their future smile before we start
- DentalMonitoring to check in from home and skip unnecessary office visits
- A fun, judgment-free environment where their input actually matters
- Two board-certified orthodontists who genuinely care about the outcome
Being the fun orthodontic office in Charlotte isn’t just a highlight — it’s the experience your teen will actually have, every appointment.
Braces For Adults
More adults are choosing orthodontic treatment today than ever before — and it’s not hard to see why. A straighter smile affects more than just how you look. It impacts how you feel walking into a meeting, how confidently you laugh in a group photo, and even how your teeth hold up for decades to come.
At Dual Image Orthodontics, nearly a third of our patients are adults — and we’ve made sure our treatment options reflect that. You have real choices here: discreet options that fit your professional life, efficient treatments designed to work around a busy schedule, and two board-certified orthodontists who bring the same precision and expertise to every adult case as they do to the most complex ones.
Your options as an adult patient:
- LightForce Custom Braces — The most advanced braces in the world, engineered specifically for your teeth using 3D printing technology. The clear ceramic brackets are low-profile and discreet, and because every aspect of your treatment is digitally planned from the start, you’ll typically see fewer appointments and more predictable results. Perfect for adults who want the reliability of braces with a modern, refined look.
What makes adult treatment at Dual Image different:
- Every treatment plan is built around your schedule and goals, not a one-size-fits-all protocol
- DentalMonitoring lets you check in from home, reducing time out of your day
- Our in-office 3D printing and digital scanning means fewer delays and faster turnaround
- You’re treated by two board-certified orthodontists — not residents, not general dentists
If you’ve been putting it off because you thought it was too late, or because you couldn’t imagine wearing obvious metal braces at this stage of life, we’d love to show you how much has changed. A free consultation is the easiest first step. Book yours today at our NoDa or Steele Creek location — and let’s talk about what your smile could look like.
